HOW TO GET A LIPSTICK STAIN OUT OF UPHOLSTERY:

Lipstick stain removal, from upholstery or carpet, will take some consideration if a permanent stain is to be avoided. The following step will help diminish the stain if not remove it. However, there are many variables: e.g. length of time on/in the material, ingredients in the lipstick, and type of fabric/fiber.

Step 1:  Scrape as much excess lipstick off the upholstery as possible, without smearing it further into the upholstery.

Step 2:  For the lipstick still remaining take a clean cloth and sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent like ‘K2r’, if available. Alternatively, try surgical or white (paint) spirit/turpentine.

Helpful Hint:  Be sure to test any solvent on an inconspicuous area of the upholstery to make sure it is safe and will not damage the fabric.

Step 3:  Next, blot at the stain until the solvent is absorbed.

Step 4:  Repeat steps 2-3 until the stains are removed from the upholstery.

HOW TO GET A LIPSTICK STAIN OUT OF CARPET:

The steps, above, on how to get lipstick stains out of upholstery are the same for carpet. Alternatively, If the above stain removal steps do not work you can mix a solution of two cups cold water, one tablespoon washing up liquid, and one tablespoon of white vinegar.

Sponge the stain with a clean cloth, blotting at the stain until the liquid is absorbed, and the stain removed. Once the stain from the lipstick is gone use some cold water and a clean cloth and blot the area to remove the cleaning solution, and then blot dry.

Helpful Hint: Be sure to get the carpet only as wet as is necessary to remove the lipstick.

In combination with the above steps here are a couple of other remedies/tricks to try whether on upholstery or carpet:

• Use isopropyl alcohol (similar to surgical spirits, but for cleaning electronic components), sponge some onto the stain, then blot until the stain is removed. Rotate the cloth to a fresh area as the lipstick is transferred to it.
• Use hairspray; spray enough of it on the stain to dampen the area. Let the hairspray sit on the stain for a couple of minutes, then blot away the stain. Sponge the area with water to rinse, then pat it dry.
• Use shaving cream, rub some men’s white shaving foam into the stain, then gently rub it off, softly, with a cloth.

Note: Do not use any solvent/alcohol solutions on a wool carpet!