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Removing Makeup Stains - A Dreaded Task

Removing cosmetics from clothing, furniture and carpet can be tough to do and, as Stews its a task that we encounter more often than not. Knowing how to treat and remove these pesky little stains is both expected and required of us, which is why it is vital that we understand what it is we’re dealing with!

There are two types of makeup - oily and non oily. Non oily makeup consists of products such as eye shadow, blushes, and powdered makeup. Oily types are lipsticks, rouge, mascara, and liquid makeup. Each type requires a specific method of removal.

Removing these stains is easy if common sense is used, and care taken to test the fabric or carpet in an inconspicuous place before proceeding. It is recommended that an area of clothing, such as a seam allowance, be tested before removal attempts to insure that the fabric is not going to be damaged. If the stains get on carpeting, test your cleaning method on an area of rug that is unseen by you or your guests.

In your war on cosmetic stain removal, have these cleaners or ingredients on hand:

Obviously, it is best to attempt to remove the stain as quickly as possible. Fresh stains come out much easier. The good thing about coming across cosmetic stains whilst “doing your time” in the laundry is that the makeup is generally applied on the yacht and likely to be fresh.

Some authorities claim that hairspray works well on removing lipstick stains. Spray a little hairspray on the stain, let stand a few minutes, and then wipe off the hairspray with your white cloth. Rinse, and launder per label care instructions. If the garment is a high ticket item, and you have the resources and access to send it to a professional, this is probably your best choice of action.

Nail PolishRemoving finger nail polish is also fairly easy. Simply use an acetone based fingernail polish remover to remove the stain. You can also place the stain over a small bowl and attach with a rubber band to secure the stain over the bowl. Using a stainless steel spoon, gently drip small amounts of fin-gernail polish remover over the stain and let the residue drip into the bowl, working it in with your finger. Launder per label care instructions.

MascaraRemoving mascara requires different intervention. Because it is oil based, an oil solvent from a dry cleaning establishment works the best. The en-zymes in the dry cleaning solvent breaks down the protein glue, which is the substances that attaches the stain to the fabric, and also attacks the stain itself. Let dry, brush off the residue, and launder per care label in-structions.

LipstickBe sure to read the care label on any garment before attempting to remove the stain. You may find your garment to be “dry clean only.” Lipstick, because it is an oil based form of makeup, can best be treated with a prewash stain remover before attempting to wash the shirt or blouse. Don’t rub the stain - it may only drive it in deeper. Blot the stain with your clean white cloth, and rinse in warm water. If the stain is persistent, try applying a good liquid household detergent to the stain, again not rubbing the material.

Often, rubbing alcohol will remove lipstick stains. Dab the stain with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, then add a small amount of household detergent, and wash the garment per label care instructions.

Household ammonia is another good resource for removing lipstick. First blot the stain with a bit of water to remove as much of the lipstick as possible, then treat with a little ammonia, and rinse and wash per care label instructions.

Do not use ammonia on silk or wool!

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MAKEUP GUIDETHE STEWTALK

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MAKEUP GUIDETHE STEWTALK

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MAKEUP GUIDE

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Liquid MakeupLiquid makeup stains are tough to remove. You can try using Dawn dish soap as a removal agent. As liquid makeup is oil based, Dawn works the best for cutting the stain. Dawn was, after all, used to clean up birds and sea otters during crude oil spills. As liquid makeup is oil based, the same method is used as in cleaning mascara stains. Brush or blot off any excess, and use a dry cleaning fluid such as K2r Spot Cleaning fluid, or Afta Cleaning Fluid to flush the stain. (Be careful not to use on acetates!) Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.

There are many different ways to remove cosmetic stains from fabrics. Many of the processes used work as well on carpet and furniture as they do on clothing. Determine if your makeup stain is oil based or non-oily, and proceed from there. Always carefully follow any care label instructions and laundering information. Doing so can not only save clothing (be it guest or personal), but it can also save your dignity in the laundry!

Written by the Talking Stew....

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