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Makeup stains are a common problem, whether it's from a Halloween party, a special event, or just an accidental brush of foundation against your couch. 

With the rise of highly pigmented and long-lasting makeup products, cleaning these stains can be tricky. Add face paint to the mix—especially the heavy-duty stuff for costumes—and you might feel like you’re facing a cleaning nightmare.

But don’t worry! At COIT, we’re stain removal experts, and we've got your back. Whether you’re dealing with foundation on your favorite couch, lipstick on your shirt, or face paint on the kids’ clothes, this guide will show you the best ways to remove those tough stains.

Understanding the Type of Makeup or Face Paint

Before starting stain removal, you need to understand exactly what kind of makeup or face paint you're dealing with. Different types of makeup require different cleaning methods, so identifying the stain type can save you a lot of time and effort. Using the wrong cleaning product could make the stain worse or even damage the fabric. Here's a quick breakdown:

Oil-Based Makeup and Face Paint 

These products contain oils, which can be particularly stubborn to clean. Grease paints and some face paints fall into this category. Oil-based stains tend to soak into fabric fibers, making them harder to lift out. For these types, using a strong grease-cutting cleaner like dish soap or rubbing alcohol is your best bet.

Water-Based Makeup and Face Paint

This type is easier to remove and usually just requires soap and water. Since water-based products don’t bind to fabric as much as oil-based makeup, they’re generally quicker to clean up. However, they can still leave behind pigment stains, so be sure to act fast before the stain dries.

Powder Makeup

Powders like blush or eyeshadow can be challenging because they tend to sit on the fabric surface and spread easily. Once disturbed, powder stains can scatter and cover a larger area. Blotting gently without rubbing is crucial here, and a good vacuum can help remove any remaining particles before tackling the stain itself.

How to Get Makeup Out of Upholstery

Got makeup on your couch or another piece of furniture? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get those stains out. These methods are safe for most fabrics, but always check the cleaning instructions for your furniture and test on an inconspicuous spot first.

1. Remove Excess Makeup

The first step is to get rid of any excess makeup without rubbing it further into the fabric. Use a spoon or a dull knife to scrape off any solid makeup, like powder or foundation, from the surface.

Pro Tip: Avoid scrubbing at this point. Rubbing the stain can cause it to spread and set deeper into the fibers.

2. Blot the Stain

Grab a clean, white cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain. Don’t rub, as this can make things worse. Blotting will help absorb some of the makeup from the fabric.

3. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

Depending on the type of upholstery, you'll need to pick the right solvent to clean the stain:

• Dish Soap Solution: Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of warm water. This method works great for both oil- and water-based makeup. The dish soap cuts through oils and pigments.
• Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol): Alcohol can break down oily residues in makeup, but it can be harsh on some fabrics, so test it on an inconspicuous area first.
• Ammonia Solution: For tougher stains on non-delicate fabrics (never use ammonia on wool or silk!), mix one tablespoon of ammonia with a cup of water.
• Vinegar Solution: A gentler option that works well for lightly stained upholstery. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water.

4. Blot the Stain Again

Dampen a clean cloth with your chosen solution and gently blot the stain. As the cloth absorbs the makeup, switch to clean areas of the cloth or use a new one. This keeps you from spreading the makeup around.

Continue blotting until the stain starts to lift.

5. Rinse and Dry

Once the stain is gone or mostly gone, use another clean cloth dampened with water to remove any leftover cleaning solution. This is especially important if you used something strong like ammonia or alcohol.

Let the upholstery air dry or, if you're in a hurry, use a hairdryer on a cool setting.

How to Get Makeup Out of Clothes

If you’ve got makeup or face paint on your clothing, don't panic. You can tackle these stains with a few simple steps, depending on the fabric and type of makeup involved.

1. Check the Care Label

Before doing anything, always check the care label on the clothing. Some fabrics, like silk or wool, may require special treatment. For delicate fabrics, it's best to stick with gentle cleaners like mild detergent or take the item to a professional cleaner.

2. Pre-Treat the Stain

Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much makeup as possible. Next, apply a pre-treatment to the stain. This could be:

• Liquid Dish Soap: Rub a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain. The soap will help break down oils and pigments in the makeup.
• Laundry Detergent: Apply a bit of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush.
• Makeup Remover Wipes: Believe it or not, these can work wonders on makeup stains! Gently dab the stained area with a makeup wipe, but don’t rub too hard.

3. Soak in Cold Water

Soaking is a crucial step for getting makeup stains out of clothing. Fill a sink or bucket with cold water and submerge the item. Let it soak for at least 15–30 minutes, which will help loosen the stain before washing.

4. Wash as Usual

Once you’ve pre-treated and soaked the item, wash it as per the care label instructions. Use cold water, as hot water can cause the stain to set. If the stain is particularly stubborn, consider adding a stain remover to the wash cycle.

5. Air Dry

Avoid putting the stained item in the dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone. Heat can cause the stain to set, making it even harder to remove. Air dry the item and check for any remaining traces of makeup.

How to Get Face Paint Out of Clothes

Face paint stains—especially those from Halloween—can be even more intense than regular makeup stains. Here’s how to tackle them:

1. Scrape Off Excess Paint

Use a spoon or the edge of a credit card to scrape off as much of the face paint as you can. This prevents the stain from spreading during the cleaning process.

2. Blot the Stain

Dab at the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the face paint as possible. Try not to rub, as that will push the paint deeper into the fabric.

3. Choose a Cleaning Solution

The best solution depends on whether the face paint is oil-based or water-based.

• For Oil-Based Face Paint: Use dish soap, rubbing alcohol, or makeup remover wipes to pre-treat the stain.
• For Water-Based Face Paint: Simple dish soap or laundry detergent should do the trick.

4. Pre-Treat and Soak

Pre-treat the stained area with your chosen cleaner, then soak the clothing in cold water for 15–30 minutes.

5. Wash and Air Dry

Follow the care label instructions for washing the item, using cold water and your regular detergent. As with makeup stains, air-dry the item to avoid setting any leftover stain.

Bonus Tips: Removing Stains from Delicate Fabrics

Some fabrics, like silk, velvet, and wool, require extra care when removing makeup stains. Here are some specific tips:

• Silk: Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia. Stick to a mild dish soap and cool water, and always blot gently. Consider professional cleaning for tough stains.
• Leather: Leather furniture is trickier, as it can be damaged by water or harsh solvents. Use a leather cleaner specifically designed for this purpose, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Velvet: Avoid scrubbing velvet, as it can damage the fabric. Blot the stain with a dry cloth and use a small amount of dry cleaning solvent for stubborn stains.

Prevention Tips

Makeup stains are hard to avoid, but there are a few things you can do to protect your furniture and clothing from future stains:

1. Use Furniture Protectors for Added Defense

Slipcovers or furniture protectors are one of the easiest ways to safeguard your upholstery from makeup stains, especially during special occasions. Whether it's a casual get-together or a Halloween party where face paint and makeup are in full swing, furniture protectors offer a solid barrier. They're easy to wash and replace, so even if a spill happens, your couch remains untouched.

Pro Tip: Choose machine-washable covers that can be quickly cleaned and reused after the event.

2. Create a Dedicated "Makeup Zone"

One of the best ways to prevent makeup stains from spreading to your furniture is to set up a designated "makeup zone" in your home. By choosing a specific area, like a bathroom or vanity space, where all makeup application happens, you minimize the risk of accidental spills on couches or clothing. Make sure this space has good lighting, a mirror, and enough counter space to comfortably hold your products, reducing the chances of products tipping over or landing in unexpected places.

Bonus Tip: Keep a small towel or cloth in your makeup zone to place brushes, sponges, and other applicators on to avoid spreading powder or liquid makeup onto surfaces.

3. Use Stain Repellents for Extra Protection

For fabrics like couches, chairs, and even car seats, applying a stain-repellent spray can be a game-changer. These fabric protectors create a barrier that prevents makeup stains from soaking into the fabric fibers and make cleanup much easier. 

Many products on the market are designed specifically to repel oils and pigments found in makeup and face paint. A quick spray before big events, or as part of your regular cleaning routine, can save you from a major stain emergency down the road.

Note: Always test any fabric protector in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t discolor or damage your furniture.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros

If you’ve tried these stain removal methods but the makeup or face paint just won’t budge—or if you’re dealing with delicate fabrics you don’t want to risk damaging—sometimes it’s best to call in the professionals. 

At COIT, we specialize in deep cleaning and restoring upholstery, carpets, and fabrics. Whether it’s a tricky stain or a full deep clean, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s chat about how we can help restore your furniture and fabrics to their best condition!

 Contact COIT today for expert cleaning solutions.

Contact COIT for a professional cleaning!