How to Get Lipstick Out of Carpet in 6 Ways
Author: Anne Cowart | Editor: Omar Alonso
Review & Research: Jen Worst & Chris Miller
It's pretty normal to drop lipstick on the floor while hurrying for your office or a date. Most people tend to leave the discoloration for a later cleanup since they need to head out the door, but that can leave hard stains. With the proper cleaner and effort, we'll show you how to get lipstick out of carpet without a lasting stain.
However, if you have an expensive carpet made of the softest material, it can be pretty hard to get rid of those dried lipstick marks. You may need to use several of these methods to tackle it from different angles.
Well, let's avoid letting the upsetting thoughts creep inside our minds. We've gathered ways to show you how to remove lipstick from carpet, so you can leave all the worries behind now. What are we waiting for? Let's get right into it.
Why Lipstick Stains & Why We're Careful When Cleaning It
Since most lipsticks contain grease, it's difficult to remove the lipstick stains without damaging the carpet material. You have to put a lot of effort into taking out the stains if you aren't aware of these more intelligent methods. We don't want you to struggle that much. So, here lies the brilliant tricks to remove lipstick stains easily!
Methods for Solid Lipsticks
Solid lipsticks are the hardest ones to get rid of as they sit tightly over and in the carpet fibers. You might even end up having a permanent stain over your carpet if you don't take instant measures. Luckily, we have two effective methods to help you out in this case, even if you didn't catch it in time. Let's check them out.
Method One: Dry Cleaning Solvent or Adhesive Removers
Many people would suggest adhesive removers for cleaning lipstick from carpets. But the dry cleaning solvent is a better alternative, in our opinion. You might ask why you should choose cleaning fluid over adhesive removers.
That's because once the lipstick has fallen on the floor, you don't get much time to arrange professional items like adhesive stain removers. So, it's better to utilize readily available options, like dry cleaning fluid, in those emergencies. Now, let's see how to clean your carpet using cleaning fluid.
Things You'll Need:
- An old clean cloth
- Adhesive remover or dry cleaning solvent
- Dishwashing detergent
- Warm water
- Fabric cleaner
Conveniently, you likely already have most, if not all, of this around the house. We do recommend keeping adhesive remover around because it's critical in removing glue from carpet, too. Remember the golden rule that any liquid around any kid will inevitably end up on the carpet!
Step 1: Applying the Fluid's Magic
In this step, depending on your preferred use, you need to choose between adhesive removers and dry cleaning solvents. As mentioned above, we prefer dry cleaning fluid as it is handier than adhesive removers.
First, you must apply the remover directly over the stained area. Take the old cloth and start dabbing the area. After a few minutes, you will notice that the color is starting to get absorbed into the old cloth.
Don't rub the area vigorously, as it may damage the carpet fabric and worsen the overall situation. Simply dabbing the cleaner solution will be enough to get rid of the stain.
Step 2: Cleaning Up the Remaining Discoloration
Unfortunately, the fluid won't be able to take off all the lipstick. So, you need a homemade solution to clean up the rest of the lipstick, as the chemicals present in the cleaner can affect your carpet's color. Here's what you need to do.
- Mix some dishwashing detergent, water, and fabric cleaner in a bowl
- Take a clean cloth or a rag and soak it into the mixture. Then blot the area carefully to remove the remains.
Note: You should use warm water for this mixture as warm water helps in securing the carpet fibers from the chemical's side effects. Warm water and dabbing are crucial in how to get lipstick out of carpet.
Method Two: All-Purpose Stain Remover
This method works in three stages. The first step goes as the beginning step, which explains the essential preparation you need for the final steps. And as for the second step, it's the central part, while the last step is just to clean up the overall mess. So, here you go!
Things You'll Need:
- An old clean cloth
- An all-purpose stain remover
- Rubbing alcohol
- Powdered laundry detergent
- Warm water
Again, these are all items you very likely already have in your home. Keep some all purpose cleaner around, because it happens to be fairly effective in removing mascara stains from carpet and clothes as well.
Step 1: Soak & Rub the Stained Area
In the beginning step, you need to get an old clean cloth, soak it in water, and then rub the stained area with the wet cloth. Try taking out as much stain as possible. You have to be fast in this step.
Step 2: Apply the Stain Remover
As mentioned, this is the central and most important step. Before working on the stain, get an all-purpose stain remover and check properly if it contains grease remover or not.
Your stain remover won't be effective at all if it doesn't contain any grease-removing element, as lipsticks are all about grease. After arranging the stain remover, spray it over the area.
Use a cloth to transfer the stains. If this doesn't work out, try pouring some rubbing alcohol and lightly scrubbing with a sponge until the stain starts to come off.
Step 3: Get Rid of the Mess
This mess-cleaning step is all about giving the finishing touch to the whole process. You must make a paste using powder detergent and warm water. Spread the paste over the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Lastly, clean it with a clean cloth, and you are done!
How to Get Liquid Lipstick Out of Carpet
Liquid lipstick is mostly just a matte color on simple make-up days. You don't have to use this additional trick for your liquid lipstick if it isn't matte.
Method Three: Hydrogen Peroxide for Liquid Lipstick
But if it is a matte liquid lipstick, then the extra grease and fast-drying color will create an ugly stain on your carpet. So, how are we even going to get rid of this matte stain? Let’s find out.
Things You'll Need:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- A clean cloth
- A spray bottle
- Clean water
You most definitely have these items in the house already, so gather them up and we’ll proceed. Keep hydrogen peroxide around, because you'll need it when you get an eyeshadow stain on your carpet as well.
Step 1: Act Quickly Before the Stain Sets In
Before starting the process, get the primary job done. It will help a ton if you can remove the lipstick immediately. Use tissue paper or a clean cloth to remove the liquid lipstick as much as possible before it dries.
You must absorb the liquid with the tissue from the edges to the center to avoid spreading it more.
Step 2: Apply Hydrogen Peroxide
After the primary step, take a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on a clean cloth. Use the cloth to blot the stained area. After blotting for a few moments, the chemical will start to break the stain and cause it to come off. Lastly, take a spray bottle and pour some clean water.
Spray the water into the affected area so that the remaining hydrogen peroxide solution comes off with the water. Then use a clean cloth to absorb the dampness and get rid of the excess dirt.
Extra Ways for Getting Lipstick Out of Carpet
If none of the methods mentioned above manages to remove the lipstick stain from your carpet, there's nothing to worry about. These additional hacks can save you from that misery! Let's look deeper into the processes.
Method Four: Petroleum Jelly & Ammonia
Most of us likely have ammonia around for basic cleaning as well as petroleum jelly for skin care. Both of these ingredients can be used together to help clean up lipstick in the following manner:
- Apply some petroleum jelly and scrub the area lightly with a toothbrush.
- Now, put some of the glycerine on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Drop some ammonia with a dropper over the glycerine layer.
- After a couple of minutes, rinse the area with clean water. It's better to use lukewarm water because it cleans the area thoroughly and keeps the carpet fibers unharmed and healthy.
Now your carpet is sure to look as fascinating and flawless as it did before this unfortunate accident.
Method Five: Hairspray & Wet Wipes
If you don't have the ingredients mentioned above, we've got an alternative trick for this situation too! All you need is your hairspray and a wet wipe or cloth. But make sure that the hairspray contains alcohol in it. This trick won't work if your hairspray doesn't include alcohol.
- Start by spraying hairspray over the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes until it's dry.
- Then take a wet wipe or a cloth and start cleaning the area. The stain will eventually come off after some time.
An amazing fact about this trick is that you don't have to use water for it! A wet wipe will work out for this perfectly.
Method Six: Detergent Pens & Wet Wipes
Detergent pens and wipes are something to use for emergencies. If you don't have enough time to work on any method that takes over minutes, then follow this process.
- Drag the nib of the detergent pen over the stained area. The detergent will come out of the nib, and rubbing the nib against the stain will make the lipstick come off.
- Similarly, you just have to rub the detergent wipes against the stains to make them come off.
Before starting this procedure, it's important to get the excess stains off the carpet as much as possible with a clean cloth or tissue.
That’s How to Get Lipstick Out of Carpet!
You are not the only one to spill lipstick on the carpet while getting ready. Whenever an incident like this happens, don't panic. Just remember the methods we talked about and pursue any of those to get the lipstick stain off your rug.
It's no surprise that lipstick stains. Lipstick can be made up of as low as 5% colorants and as high as 21% colorants. With up to 60% liquid oils to help it smear across your lips, the stain can easily smear across your carpet as well.
Well, we have mentioned all the effective ways how to get lipstick out of carpet without using any toxic ingredients. So feel free to apply any of those to save the day.