How to Remove Makeup Stains from Clothes, Fabric & Furniture

by Rigoberto Santaella - June 24, 2025

Many times, while applying makeup, we have minor accidents that end up staining our clothes or furniture. But have you thought about how to remove makeup stains from your favorite outfits or sofa fabric?

Don’t worry—whether you’re wondering how to take off makeup stains or how to get makeup out of fabric, our homemade tricks will help you get the job done. The success of removing makeup stains from fabric or furniture depends on how quickly you act, the material involved, and the type of cosmetic. In this post, you’ll learn how to remove makeup stains effectively and safely.

Common Types of Makeup Stains and Where They Appear

Lipstick, foundation, mascara, and eyeshadow are common culprits that can cause stains on clothing, upholstery, and bedding. Lipstick stains are usually greasy and highly pigmented, foundation is stubborn and oily, mascara can smudge easily, and eyeshadow may leave powdery or shimmery residues. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to take out makeup stains from your shirt or how to remove makeup from fabric, the key lies in identifying the stain and acting fast.

Foundation, Lipstick, Mascara, and More

Lipstick stains are often found on collars or clothing worn while applying makeup. Foundation commonly stains necklines and can also transfer to couches or pillows. Mascara may cause black streaks on pillowcases or clothes, especially if makeup isn’t removed before bed. Learning how to remove makeup stains based on the type of product is crucial for achieving spotless results.

Where Makeup Stains Happen Most (Bedding, Sofas, Clothing)

How do you remove makeup stains from pillowcases or sofa cushions? These are some of the most common places makeup shows up. Whether it’s sleeping in makeup or accidental transfers, knowing how to remove makeup from fabric like sheets or couch covers can save you time and frustration.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Makeup Stains from Fabric

First, we need to know what material our furniture is made of and what type of makeup was used. Generally, there are two types of makeup: oil-based and non-oil-based. For example, eyeshadow, blush, and powder makeup are oil-free. Lipstick, mascara, blush, and some liquid makeup are oil-free. Regardless of the type of makeup spilled, we should do a resistance test on an inconspicuous area before attempting how to remove makeup stains safely and effectively.

But before we dive into how to remove makeup stains, there are two golden rules you should follow: Forget about rubbing the area; it will only spread the product further. And you should always act as quickly as possible to prevent the stains from becoming permanently embedded.

What You Need: Tools and Cleaners

Now we must arm ourselves with the appropriate tools to remove the makeup stain. Certain cleaning products, both natural and commercial, will be crucial to removing the stain, as well as cleaning utensils such as:

• Microfiber cloths
• Clean napkins or cleaning cloths
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Acetone
• Bleach
• Commercial cleaners for all fabrics
• Ammonia for cleaning

Removing Fresh vs. Dried Makeup Stains

When learning how to remove makeup stains, it’s essential to act quickly, especially with fresh stains. Once they dry, they’re harder to remove. First, test the product on an inconspicuous area of ​​the garment to avoid damaging it. If the stain is oily, pour dish soap on it. This will help remove the grease from the fabric.

For dried stains, try baking soda. Mix it with water and let it sit on the stain for a few hours before washing the garment or fabric.

Vinegar is also an excellent homemade, natural, and eco-friendly stain-removing solution. Mix it with water and soak the stained garment in this solution for 30 minutes before washing it in the washing machine.

You can also try hydrogen peroxide, it is a great option when learning how to remove makeup stains from tougher fabric. After removing the excess product, apply it to the stain. Rub it gently and then place the garment in the washing machine. The stain should be gone!

Note that ammonia can also be used; just rub it into the stain gently to avoid damaging the fabric or altering the color.

Best Practices for Different Fabric Types

How to get makeup out of fabric depends on what you’re cleaning:

For common fabrics like cotton, linen, and synthetics

• Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
• Pre-treat with stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, or a dish soap and water solution.
• Gently massage the stain with a gentle brush or cloth.
• Rinse with cool water.
• Launder as normal.

For delicate textiles such as silk, chiffon, or satin.

• Blot the stain with makeup remover or micellar water.
• If the stain is persistent, try expert dry cleaning.

For oily or greasy makeup stains such as foundation.

• Dish soap works well in breaking down oils.
• Apply dish soap immediately to the stain and gently rub in.
• Rinse with cold water and repeat as required.

For stubborn stains.

• Try making a paste of baking soda and water.
• Apply the paste on the stain, allow it to dry, and then brush it off.
• For some stains, a solution of white vinegar or lemon juice and lukewarm water can work.

How to Get Makeup Out of Carpets and Upholstery

Cosmetic or beauty product stains are among the most difficult to remove, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible. In fact, learning how to remove makeup stains properly can make all the difference.

The most effective and important thing is to act quickly once detected to prevent the cosmetic from being absorbed or embedded in the upholstery or carpet. Always consider whether the upholstery is fabric or leather, as cleaning methods vary.

Cleaning Foundation from a Couch or Chair

For fabric or carpet upholstery, if the cosmetic stain is greasy, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle an absorbent, such as talcum powder, and let it sit for at least half an hour before shaking it off. This will prevent the fabric from absorbing much of the stain.
• If it’s a fabric case, follow the previous step and then wash it normally.

If the upholstery is leather, do the following:

• Remove most of the stain with a cloth or absorbent paper.
• Then, using a clean cloth dampened with water and mild soap, gently rub from the outside to the inside to prevent the stain from spreading, and dry it immediately. Remember, never let the leather soak and do not dry it with a hairdryer or any artificial heat source such as a stove.

For non-oily stains, you can follow the procedure mentioned above.

Best Makeup Stain Removers You Can Use at Home

Both natural and commercial cleaners can be effective when learning how to remove makeup stains, but the best choice depends on the type of stain and the fabric involved. Natural options such as baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap are often effective for lighter stains, while commercial stain removers are better suited for tougher, set-in stains.

Top Commercial Products

When figuring out how to remove makeup stains from furniture, a mix of powerfull stain removers and the right method is required. Commercial products such as Tide To Go, Goo Gone, and Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator are frequently recommended.

DIY Options: Vinegar, Baking Soda, Dish Soap

If you’re looking for how to remove makeup stains from furniture using natural solutions, a moderate dish soap solution, a vinegar solution, or a baking soda and vinegar paste can all help remove stains organically. For harder stains, try isopropyl alcohol or a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solution. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure that it does not harm the fabric.

When to Call a Professional Cleaning Service in Florida

Deep Stains or Delicate Fabrics? Let Experts Handle It

While DIY methods are effective for many situations, some makeup stains—especially those on delicate fabrics or deeply embedded in upholstery—may require professional treatment. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t figure out how to remove makeup stains without damaging your furniture or clothing, it’s time to bring in the experts. Acting fast is essential, but so is using the right technique for each material.

Why Choose Yorleny’s Cleaning Service

At Yorleny’s Cleaning Service, we understand the challenges of keeping your home spotless—even when stubborn makeup stains strike. Our experienced team uses safe, effective, and fabric-appropriate methods to ensure your home looks its best. Whether it’s furniture, carpets, or clothing, we know exactly how to remove makeup stains without compromising the integrity of your materials.

Don’t let stains stress you out—let us handle the dirty work! Contact us today to schedule a professional cleaning and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in expert hands.

FAQ: How to Remove Makeup Stains

How do you remove makeup stains from delicate fabrics without damage?

To safely remove makeup stains from delicate fabrics like silk or lace, start by gently blotting (not rubbing) the area with a damp cloth. Use a mild solution of water and gentle dish soap, or a fabric-safe makeup remover. Always test on a hidden area first. Avoid harsh chemicals that may discolor or weaken the fibers. For valuable or vintage pieces, consider hiring a professional cleaning service in Florida, like Yorleny’s, to prevent permanent damage.

What’s the best way to take out foundation and lipstick stains from furniture?

For couches or vanity chairs, remove excess product first, then apply a mixture of dish soap and warm water using a microfiber cloth. For stubborn lipstick stains, try rubbing alcohol in small amounts. Avoid soaking the fabric. Upholstery-specific stain removers can also be helpful.

When should I hire a professional to remove makeup stains?

If the stain is old, deeply set, or on valuable fabric like velvet, suede, or antique bedding, it’s time to call a pro. Also, if repeated DIY attempts haven’t worked, or you’re preparing a rental property for inspection, professional cleaning ensures safe and effective results. Yorleny’s Cleaning Services offers specialized stain removal in Florida for stubborn makeup stains on clothes, furniture, or household surfaces.