What Detergent Can I Use on Silk?

It's best to use a gentle detergent that is specifically designed for silk or other delicate fabrics when cleaning silk.

How Long Should I Soak the Fabric?

It's best to only soak the fabric for 15 minutes or less to prevent the fabric from shrinking or deteriorating.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Lipstick > Silk

How to Easily Remove Lipstick Stains from Silk Without Damaging the Fabric

Lipstick stains can be a difficult mess to clean, especially on delicate fabrics like silk. But with the right tools and instructions in hand, lipstick stains can easily be removed without causing any damage.

Updated 26 Jun 2023

By Cyryl Wozniak

Whether you’re trying to get out a smudge that snuck onto your dress during a night of celebrating or you’ve had an accident with that new tube of lipstick, getting lipstick off of silk can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, with these steps you’ll be able to remove the stain without damaging the fabric.

Materials You'll Need

Lukewarm water
Dishwashing liquid
A soft bristled brush, such as a toothbrush

Step 1: Blot the Stain

Use a clean white cloth to gently blot the excess lipstick off of the fabric. Be sure to use a pressing motion rather than a scrubbing motion, as scrubbing can push the lipstick deeper into fabric and cause more damage.

Step 2: Make a Cleaning Solution

Mix together a mild cleaning solution with one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and two cups of lukewarm water. Be sure to use a detergent that is safe for silk, as some products may be too harsh and may damage the fabric.

Step 3: Soak the Stain

Submerge the stained area in cleaning solution and allow it to soak for 15 minutes. Do not let the fabric soak for more than 15 minutes or it could cause the fabric to shrink or deteriorate.

Step 4: Scrub the Stain

Using the soft bristled brush, gently scrub the stained area until the lipstick has been lifted out of fabric. Be sure to use a light hand as scrubbing too harshly will damage the fabric.

Step 5: Rinse the Fabric

Rinse the fabric with lukewarm water to remove any remaining residue. Once fabric is rinsed, check to make sure that the stain has been completely removed.

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