Lipstick stains are hard to remove because they are made up of two main components: wax and pigment. The wax helps keep lipstick on your lips, while the pigment gives it its color. Both of these components can be difficult to break down and remove from fabric. But it doesn’t have to be a daunting and difficult task. We’ve laid out a step-by-step guide to help you get rid of lipstick stains off your favorite carpet!
Pre-cleaning Preparations
Before attempting to remove lipstick stains from your carpet, it is essential to perform some pre-cleaning preparations to ensure the best results.
Sometimes, there isn’t a single cleaner to remove all kinds of stains. Your usual vinegar and baking soda may not be appropriate for certain types of stains. Once you know the cause of the staining, then you’ll know better what kind of cleaning solution you will need.
Avoid causing serious and obvious damage or discoloration to your carpet by testing it on a small spot that isn’t noticeable.
Gather the necessary tools for your chosen cleaning method. These can be clean microfiber towels, a mild dish detergent, a commercial carpet stain spot remover, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, a soft-bristled brush, and a vacuum cleaner.
How to Remove Lipstick Stains off the Carpet
Whether you opt for common household solutions or trusted commercial products like our Natural Carpet Spot Remover, tackling lipstick stains is a manageable task.
Remove Stains Using a Dish Detergent Solution
Use a clean white cloth to blot as much lipstick as possible from the carpet. Avoid rubbing, as it may spread the stain further.
Mix one teaspoon of mild dish detergent with one cup of warm water. Stir the solution until it creates suds.
Dampen another clean white cloth with the dish detergent solution. Blot the lipstick stain gently with the damp cloth, working from the outer edges towards the center.
Dampen a separate cloth with plain water and blot the area to rinse off the detergent.
Blot the dampened area with a dry cloth or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Use a fan or open windows to help the carpet dry faster.
Pro Tip: Avoid using colored cloths as they may transfer dye to the carpet. Always use white cloths to prevent additional staining.
Remove Stains Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Use a clean white cloth to blot away any excess lipstick from the carpet.
In a small bowl, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste.
Gently spread the paste over the lipstick stain, making sure to cover it completely. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for approximately 15-20 minutes. This will help the mixture break down the pigment.
Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the paste into the stain. Afterward, rinse the area thoroughly with water and blot it dry with a clean cloth.
Once the carpet is dry, vacuum the area to remove any remaining dirt or residue.
Pro Tip: Hydrogen peroxide may have a bleaching effect on some carpets, so test it in an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness.
Remove Stains Using Puracy’s Natural Carpet Spot Remover
Confirm that the stain is from lipstick and not from another source.
Spray the Puracy Carpet Spot Remover directly on the stain. You can use it anywhere that can get wet, including mattresses, couches, floor mats, and even dress shirts.
You can simply wipe it with a microfiber towel or you can also agitate it first with a soft-bristled brush.
That’s right! Puracy has a no-rinse formula so you don’t need to worry about wetting your living room floor while cleaning.
Pro tip: For an even more thorough clean, use our Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Shampoo to keep your carpet free from dirt, grime, bad odors, and stains.
Remember, it's important to act quickly when dealing with lipstick stains on your carpet. The longer the stain sets, the harder it becomes to remove. If you encounter stubborn stains or are unsure about the best approach, consider seeking professional carpet cleaning services to prevent potential damage to your carpet fibers.
Things to Avoid When Dealing With Lipstick Stains on Carpet
When removing lipstick stains from carpet, it's important to be cautious about the ingredients and methods you use.
Some substances and techniques can potentially damage the carpet fibers, cause color fading, or create more stubborn stains. Here are some ingredients and methods to avoid:
Avoid using bleach or strong chemicals on your carpet, as they can cause discoloration or damage to the carpet fibers. These substances may also weaken the carpet's structure and reduce its lifespan.
If you are unable to use a natural cleaner, you can tackle tough stains with a grease product such as WD-40 on the affected area. Let it sit for up to 1 minute, and then blot it with a clean towel.
While hot water can be effective for some stains, using it on delicate or sensitive carpets may cause shrinkage, color bleeding, or distortion of the carpet's shape.
Scrubbing the stain vigorously can push the lipstick deeper into the carpet fibers, making it more challenging to remove. It can also damage the carpet's texture and create an unsightly area.
Applying direct heat from irons or hair dryers can melt the wax in the lipstick and bond it further with the carpet fibers. This will make the stain more difficult to remove and may also cause permanent damage to the carpet.
Ammonia and vinegar are too harsh for wool carpets and can cause irreversible damage. Stick to milder cleaning solutions suitable for wool carpets.
Over-saturating the carpet with water or cleaning solutions can lead to mold and mildew growth and may also cause damage to the carpet's backing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you still have questions about getting rid of lipstick stains on your carpet, check out these answers to frequently asked questions:
Yes, lipstick stains can be removed with the appropriate cleaning methods and prompt action. You will need to address the stain as quickly as possible to avoid its permanence.
Prompt treatment prevents the lipstick pigment from setting deeply into the carpet fibers, making it easier to lift the stain. While lipstick stains can be stubborn, they are not always permanent, and effective removal is achievable with the right techniques.
Yes, alcohol can be used to remove lipstick stains from carpets, but it is not the best answer to your problem. Rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or denatured alcohol can help break down the oil-based components of lipstick, making it easier to remove. However, it is crucial to use alcohol in moderation and with caution, as excessive use or aggressive rubbing may damage the carpet fibers or cause color fading.
The best way to treat lipstick stains is with a mild but effective stain remover made specifically for carpets. A solution like Puracy’s natural carpet spot remover is 99.51% natural and plant enzyme-powered. It does not only remove lipstick stains, but it can also remove stains from grass, berries, blood, sweat, oil, red wine, cosmetics, dairy, avocado, turmeric, watermelon, pet accidents, and grease.
Vinegar can be used to treat lipstick stains on carpets, but it is essential to exercise caution, particularly with certain carpet types. While vinegar can help break down lipstick stains, it may not be suitable for delicate or wool carpets as it could cause damage or color fading.
For other carpet types, you can try mixing white vinegar with isopropyl alcohol to create a cleaning solution, which can be applied gently to the stain. Always perform a colorfastness test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibilityMarketing Branded with your carpet.
