Can I use rubbing alcohol on all makeup stains?

Rubbing alcohol works well on many makeup stains, especially mascara and lighter stains, but it is not ideal for every fabric. Test first and avoid using it on delicate or dry-clean-only items.

Why should I not put makeup-stained clothes in the dryer?

Heat can set the stain into the fibers and make it much harder to remove. Always inspect the garment first and re-treat if needed.

Does hand sanitizer really remove makeup stains?

Yes, on washable garments it can help because many sanitizers contain alcohol. It is a good emergency option, but you should still wash the item afterward.

What should I use for lipstick stains?

Liquid laundry detergent is the best first step for lipstick because it helps break down the oily, waxy residue. Blot it out, then wash the garment.

When should I take a makeup-stained item to a dry cleaner?

Take it in if the garment is silk, wool, suede, or labeled dry clean only, or if the stain is old and not responding to home treatment.

How to Remove Makeup Stains

By Zach Pozniak, VP of Operations at Jeeves of Belgravia New York and fourth-generation dry cleaner · @jeeves_ny

Quick answer: To remove makeup stains, place a clean towel behind the fabric, lift the stain with micellar water or rubbing alcohol, then treat with detergent and wash. Never tumble dry until the stain is completely gone.

How to remove makeup stains fast

The best way to remove makeup stains is to lift the pigment first, then wash the fabric normally. For most washable clothes, micellar water or rubbing alcohol works well on foundation and mascara, while liquid laundry detergent is especially useful for lipstick.

Always place a clean towel behind the stain so it has somewhere to transfer, and never tumble dry until the stain is gone. Heat can set makeup deep into the fibers and make the stain much harder to remove.

Foundation and mascara stains

Put a clean towel behind the stain. This keeps the makeup from spreading and helps pull it out of the fabric.
Apply micellar water or rubbing alcohol. Use enough to dampen the stain, not soak the whole garment.
Work it gently. Use a soft plastic spoon or similar tool to press and lift the stain into the towel. Do not scrub hard.
Repeat as needed. Keep transferring the stain until little or no color is coming out.
Treat and wash. Apply an all-purpose stain remover or liquid laundry detergent, then wash as recommended on the care label.
Inspect before drying. If any stain remains, repeat the treatment or use oxygen bleach on washable items.

Lipstick stains

Lipstick often needs a different approach because it contains pigment plus waxy oils. Start with a clean towel behind the stain, then work liquid laundry detergent into the spot and blot it out with another towel.

Repeat until the stain lightens, then wash the garment as usual. If the fabric is safe for it, oxygen bleach can help with any leftover color after washing.

Quick emergency option

If you are away from home, high-proof vodka, rubbing alcohol, or even hand sanitizer can help break down makeup stains on washable garments. Dab it on, work it gently, then wash the item as soon as you can.

This is a useful backup, but it is not a substitute for a full wash. For waterproof mascara and stubborn stains, expect to repeat the process more than once.

What to avoid

Do not rub aggressively. That pushes makeup deeper into the fibers.
Do not dry the garment first. Heat can lock the stain in.
Do not use strong solvents on delicate fabrics. Silk, wool, and dry-clean-only items may need professional care.

When to get professional help

If the stain is on silk, wool, suede, or a dry-clean-only garment, stop before you damage the fabric. The same goes for very old stains or heavily pigmented makeup on delicate clothing.

For washable items, though, the key is simple: lift the makeup, treat the residue, wash, and check before drying.

Got a stubborn makeup stain?

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About the author

Zach Pozniak is VP of Operations and co-owner of Jeeves of Belgravia New York, the Madison Avenue dry cleaner serving New York since 1979, and the fourth generation of his family in the trade. Zach posts garment care techniques as @jeeves_ny on TikTok to over 620,000 followers, and his book The Laundry Book, co-written with his father Jerry Pozniak, was featured on Good Morning America in October 2024. Jeeves NY's clients include the Metropolitan Opera, the Met Museum, and FIT, and the business has been profiled by The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine.