TITLE: Removal of Lipstick Stains from Clothes

Whether your lipstick has made an unwanted appearance on your white poly/cotton blend blouse, or you’ve managed to smudge it on a leather bomber jacket, the task of removing lipstick stains can seem daunting. However, with the right techniques and products, you can restore your garments to their original condition. This guide provides a range of methods to tackle these stubborn stains, ensuring your clothes remain in pristine condition.

Using Peanut Butter to Remove Lipstick Stains

If you find that your preciously white shirt or jacket has a lipstick mark, a household staple often acts as a powerful stain remover. Peanut butter can be your ally in this situation. Simply apply a generous layer of peanut butter to the stain, and leave it to sit for approximately 30 minutes until it is almost dried out. Then, wash the garment with warm water and dishwashing liquid. The grease in the peanut butter should help to break down the lipstick, allowing it to be easily washed away.

Spraying Hairspray and Dabbing with Water

For an alternative method, you can use strong hold hairspray. Spritz the hairspray directly onto the stain, allowing it to sit for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, gently dab the area with a cloth soaked in warm water. This technique can break down the greasy nature of lipstick effectively. Optionally, you can add a small amount of mineral spirits or acetone nail polish remover to the stain with a toothbrush for more aggressive scrubbing, followed by rinsing the area with isopropyl alcohol to ensure the stain is thoroughly cleaned.

Melt Away the Stain with Lestiol

If you prefer not to use peanut butter or hairspray, Lestiol is an excellent product that can handle oil-based stains. Apply a small amount of Lestiol to the lipstick stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the stain with an old toothbrush. Lestiol is particularly effective in breaking down grease, making it a reliable choice. Repeat the process if necessary to ensure the stain is completely removed.

Using Naptha Soap for Stubborn Stains

For more severe or older lipstick stains, you might want to consider using Fells Naptha soap. You can find this at Walmart for a very reasonable price. The soap should be rubbed into the stain on both sides of the fabric. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then launder the garment as usual. Make sure to double-check that the stain is completely gone before drying or ironing the garment. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat this process for best results.

Leverage a Specialized Stain Remover for Greasy Stains

For tough greasy stains like lipstick, Ever Blum Cosmetic Stain Remover can be a lifesaver. This volatile dry cleaning fluid is designed to melt away cosmetic stains, hair product residue, and other greasy deposits. I use it frequently with excellent results. For instance, it worked wonders on a leather bomber jacket when a previous owner had used too much Afro Sheen hair product, leaving a greasy residue on the collar. The jacket was completely restored to its original condition with careful application of the stain remover.

It's important to note that when using volatile products like Ever Blum, exercise caution to ensure good ventilation. Using the product outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with light breezy conditions can help minimize inhaling the fumes, which can be strongly unpleasant. After using these products, always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure complete removal of the stain.

Conclusion: With the right techniques and the right products, lipstick stains can be effectively removed from your clothes. Whether you opt for the natural remedy of peanut butter, the convenience of hairspray and water, the grease-cutting power of Lestiol, or the specialized performance of Ever Blum, you can keep your clothes looking their best without having to discard them.