How do I get lipstick stains out of my t-shirt?

There are a variety of ways to get lipstick stains out of t-shirts, such as washing with detergent or mixing vinegar and water. You can also remove lipstick stains with lemon juice, baking soda, dish soap, cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or rubbing alcohol.

Do I need to pre-treat the stain before washing my t-shirt?

Generally, yes. It's important to pre-treat the stain before washing so that it doesn't set in and make it harder to remove.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Lipstick > T-shirt

8 Proven Ways To Get Lipstick Stains Out Of Your Favourite T-Shirts

Lipstick stains are one of the most common stains found on clothing. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to get those stubborn stains out of your favourite t-shirts.

Updated 26 Jun 2023

By Noemi Denker

We all have experienced the unsightly mess of lipstick on our clothing at least once in our lives. Whether it’s an accidental smudge or a wild night, you can be frustrated by the thought of discarding the clothes when you know they can be saved with a bit of effort.

If you’re looking for proven ways to get rid of lipstick stains from your favorite t-shirts, here are eight easy solutions:

Normal Wear and Tear

If your lipstick stain is fairly fresh, just wash it in your normal laundry cycle with detergent. The stain should come off after you let it air dry. If the stain is still visible, try washing t-shirt again with detergent and warm water.

Vinegar Solution

Mix a solution of one-part white vinegar and one-part cold water. Saturate the stained area with the vinegar water using a cloth or sponge. Allow the t-shirt to sit for an hour before washing as normal.

Lemon Juice

Much like vinegar, lemon juice works as a natural deodorizer. Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of cold water. Soak the stained area for about 20 minutes before washing as usual.

Baking Soda

Create a paste using baking soda and cold water. Apply it directly to the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Gently scrub the area and then rinse thoroughly with water. Wash as normal.

Dish Soap

Apply a small amount of dish soap to stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Rub the shampoo into the lipstick stain and then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Wash as normal.

Cotton Balls

Soak a handful of cotton balls in rubbing alcohol and dab them directly on the lipstick stain. Blot the area with a dry cloth and then wash as usual.

Rubbing Alcohol

Dampen the area with rubbing alcohol, then rub the area gently with a soft toothbrush or cloth until the lipstick stain disappears. Rinse the area with cold water and then wash as normal.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Another great solution is to use hydrogen peroxide to remove lipstick stains. Soak the affected area with hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water. When done, wash as normal.

These are eight proven ways to get lipstick stains out of your favorite t-shirts. With the right combination of cleaning solutions and a bit of patience, you can easily make your clothes look brand new again.

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