Accidents happen, and sometimes lipstick ends up in unexpected places like your carpet or couch. These are one of the most common and difficult makeup stains to remove.

While it may seem like a daunting task to remove lipstick stains from fabric, with the right approach and a few simple steps, you can tackle the issue effectively.

In this blog post, we will provide you with easy-to-follow tips to remove lipstick stains from both carpets and couches, helping you restore your fabrics to their former glory.

How to remove red lipstick from your Carpet & Upholstery

To remove lipstick stains from your carpet and upholstery scrape away the excess lipstick without pushing it in further. Blot the stain with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel, then use a mild detergent and fresh cloth to dab away the stain. Rinse with cold water and allow to dry.

Before you start

Removing lipstick from carpets

Removing lipstick from couches

Additional tips

Before you start

Before attempting to remove lipstick stains, it’s important to note that different fabrics and materials require different cleaning methods.

Test any cleaning solution or method on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet or couch first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.

Removing Lipstick Stains from Carpets

Scrape off excess lipstick: Carefully scrape off any excess lipstick from the carpet using a dull knife or spoon. Be gentle to avoid spreading the stain further.

Blot the stain: Dampen a clean white cloth or paper towel with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or a stain remover specifically designed for carpets. Blot the lipstick stain gently, starting from the outer edges and working your way toward the centre. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread.

Dilute the stain: Mix a mild dishwashing detergent with warm water to create a soapy solution. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring out excess moisture, and gently blot the stained area. Continue blotting, frequently rinsing the cloth and repeating the process until the stain starts to lift.

Rinse and dry: Dampen a clean cloth with plain water and blot the area to remove any soapy residue. Use a dry towel to absorb excess moisture from the carpet. Allow the carpet to air dry completely.

Removing Lipstick Stains from Couches

You can use pretty much the same method for couches as you can carpet. However, you need to be extra careful with:

Velvet Couches

Leather couches

Suede Couches

Leather Couches: For leather, it’s always best to use a leather cleaning product. This is because you can easily dry the leather out with things like dish soap and damage the clearcoat.

Suede & Velvet: While you can use the above method, take extra care not to oversaturate the area. This can lead to discolouration and damage to the fabric. They are hypersensitive materials!

Additional Tips

For stubborn stains, you can try using an oxygen-based stain remover or a commercial carpet and upholstery cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product carefully and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Avoid using heat to dry the fabric, as it can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.

If the stain persists or you’re concerned about potential damage, it’s advisable to seek professional help from a carpet or upholstery cleaning service.

Conclusion

While lipstick stains on carpets and couches may be a nuisance, they can be effectively removed with the right techniques.

By following these easy steps and exercising caution, you can bid farewell to lipstick stains and restore the beauty of your fabrics. Remember, prompt action and testing cleaning methods on inconspicuous areas are key to successful stain removal.