A variety of shirts and tops hanging on a clothing rack

HOW TO GET MAKEUP OUT OF CLOTHES QUICKLY

Whether your concealer takes a spill during your morning routine or you’ve spotted some foundation on your shirt collar, makeup can cause a mess. Getting makeup on your favorite shirt can be frustrating, but with the right tools, there’s no need to worry. This simple guide will help you target makeup stains, so you’ll be prepared if it happens again.

HOW TO REMOVE MAKEUP STAINS FROM CLOTHES

The easiest way to tackle a makeup mess is to apply detergent or stain treatments directly to the stain. Always check your garment’s care label before treating the stain. If allowable, proceed to wash the stained garment in the warmest water suggested for your clothes. Alternative options include soap and water or baking soda for stubborn stains.

If you’re in a pinch and it’s impossible for you to hand wash your clothes, a spot remover pen or wipes may be your best bet. First, blow off any excess makeup or gently scrape it off with a credit card. Then, saturate the stain with the spot remover until it is removed.

HOW TO GET RID OF MAKEUP FROM CLOTHING

To get makeup out of clothes, you will need to look at your garment’s care label and laundry symbols for proper guidance, including whether to use hot or cold water. Another helpful tip is to consider the type of cosmetics that made the stain. Was the culprit oil-based liquids or moisturizers, or rather a dry substance? This guide will serve as general step-by-step instructions to help you quickly treat many makeup stains.

SUPPLIES 
  • Laundry detergent

TOOLS
  • Clean cloth

  • Water

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STEP 1: REMOVE EXCESS MAKEUP

Do not wipe the makeup, otherwise you risk pushing the stain deeper into the fabric. Use the edge of a spoon or credit card to carefully scrape excess liquids off your clothes. Try blowing or gently shaking your garment to remove dry cosmetic ingredients.

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STEP 2: PRETREAT THE STAIN

Apply liquid detergent directly onto the stain. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the stain in front and back and fully saturate it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

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STEP 3: MACHINE WASH OR HAND WASH

Be sure to consult the recommendations on your garment’s care label. For optimal results, use the warmest, regular cycle possible on your washing machine.

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STEP 4: LINE DRY

It is recommended to line dry your treated items so you can see the progress of the stain. If the stain remains, you may need to repeat the steps. Otherwise, if you put your stained clothes in the dryer, it could set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.

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HOW TO GET CONCEALER OR FOUNDATION OUT OF CLOTHES

Non-flammable oil-free makeup remover can be helpful to break down makeup particles from liquid concealer and foundation stains. Scrape the excess makeup with the edge of a spoon or a credit card and directly apply the makeup remover to the stain. Let it sit for up to 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water and repeat if necessary. Otherwise, you can hand wash or machine wash as normal, depending on your garment’s care instructions.

Hand pouring detergent to treat a stain on a button-front shirt Hand pouring detergent to treat a stain on a button-front shirt

HOW TO REMOVE OLD FOUNDATION STAINS FROM CLOTHES

To help remove old foundation stains, apply liquid detergent to the front and back of the stain and allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, soak your stained clothes for an hour in a solution of detergent and the warmest water recommended on the care tag.

After soaking, use a soft brush to gently scrub the stain and rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed before tumble drying.  

Treat stains right away for the best chance to remove them. The longer a stain sits, the more likely it is to set, making it more difficult to remove. You’re not completely out of luck if your stain had time to set, but it will take a bit more work. Some washers feature soil level settings that are designed to help you get the right clean for your laundry load. You can select a high soil level setting for garments with visible stains.

HOW TO REMOVE OLD MAKEUP STAINS FROM WHITE CLOTHES

Luckily, you can use the same process to treat your white clothes. If the stain persists—or you see yellowing in your white clothing—try a different spot treatment or liquid chlorine bleach.

HOW TO GET MASCARA OUT OF CLOTHES

Pretreat the stain using a bit of detergent and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse under hot water with a soft toothbrush. Wash as normal in the hottest water recommended by the care label. Check the progress of the stain and ensure it has been completely removed before putting the garment in the dryer. You may need to repeat these steps if the stain is still visible. 

Mascara’s ingredient list often includes a combination of dyes, oils and waxes, which typically makes it more difficult to treat mascara stains. For the best results, tackle stains as soon as they happen.

HOW TO REMOVE LIPSTICK STAINS QUICKLY

Try to treat the stain as soon as possible; otherwise, it can absorb into the fabric, making it more difficult to remove. For removing lipstick stains from clothes, start by scraping off any excess residue and pretreat the front and back of the stain with liquid detergent. Let the detergent sit for 15 minutes before soaking the stain in a mixture of detergent and water for an hour—or overnight, for optimal results. Then, gently use a soft toothbrush on the stain—working from the outside in—and rinse the fabric completely before running it through a regular wash cycle. As always, check your garment’s care label to ensure this method is compatible with your fabric. 

For more stain-fighting capabilities, add an oxygen-based detergent or ½ cup of baking soda to the wash load. Lipstick can be especially difficult to remove from clothes due to its oils, pigments and special chemicals, which allow it to last—on your lips—throughout the day.

EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHER AND DRYER SETS

Add power and durability to your laundry lineup with Maytag® washer and dryer sets. Each Maytag® machine has features that work hard to help you get laundry done quickly. These features include the Extra Power button, which boosts stain fighting  on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation. The Deep Fill option can also increase water levels to help thoroughly soak heavily soiled loads. Choose from stackable options for convenience or sets with smart features to make laundry day easier—right from your phone.  

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