How to Get Makeup Foundation Stains Out of Fabric
Removing makeup foundation stains can be very difficult, particularly if they aren't treated right away. Oil-based foundations can present particular problems, as they set into fabric quickly, and the longer they remain on the surface of your garments, the more difficult it can be to get rid of them.
Taking your clothes to a professional dry cleaner every time you get makeup on them can be very pricey. Fortunately, it can be very easy to remove makeup stains from your clothes with basic ingredients that you have around the house.
Things You Will Need
- Plastic spoon or knife
- Nail brush or soft bristle toothbrush
- 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution (for liquid foundation)
- Grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for powder foundation)
- White paper towels
Tip
Remember that timing is critical when dealing with stains, so treat the foundation stain on your clothing as soon as you notice it. If the makeup stain is deeply set on a garment, or if the garment is of a delicate fabric such as silk, cashmere or suede, take the garment to a professional dry cleaner. For oil-based stains that do not respond to the above treatment, apply a small amount of WD-40 to the stain and rinse.
Warning
Never apply dry heat to a stain, as it can set the stain into the fabric permanently.
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Use a plastic knife to scrape off any hardened or caked-on makeup. Be sure to move the knife in a lifting motion, rather than pressing the stain deeper into the fabric.
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Blot out recent foundation stains with a damp paper towel, lifting and blotting until you have removed all that you can from the garment.
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Pour a few drops of hydrogen peroxide solution onto the stain to remove liquid foundation; pour a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent mixed with a little water onto the stain to remove a powder foundation stain.
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Work the detergent or solution into the makeup foundation stain with your fingers, using a circular motion.
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Rub the detergent or solution into the stain in a circular motion, first counterclockwise and then clockwise, with a nail brush or toothbrush.
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Launder the fabric either by hand or in a washing machine, depending on the fabric care instructions found on the garment's tag.
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Lay the garment flat to dry. Machine-dry only if the stain has been completely removed and if the fabric care instructions allow it.
The Drip Cap
- Removing makeup foundation stains can be very difficult, particularly if they aren't treated right away.
- Use a plastic knife to scrape off any hardened or caked-on makeup.
- Launder the fabric either by hand or in a washing machine, depending on the fabric care instructions found on the garment's tag.
References
Writer Bio
Ashley Friedman graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Social Sciences. She has experience writing copy for the websites of creative professionals, and regularly contributes to several blogs covering popular culture, travel, food, and social action.
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- Alexandra Barry/Demand Media
- Alexandra Barry/Demand Media
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