Lipstick on Denim

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Lipstick is a mix of waxes, oils, and pigments — you'll need to break down all three. Don't rub: scrape and lift.

checklistTreatment Steps

Step 1: Scrape Off Excess

Use a blunt knife or spoon edge to gently lift any lipstick that's sitting on the surface. Work from the outside in to avoid spreading.

Step 2: Apply Dish Soap

Apply a small drop of liquid dish soap directly to the stain. Dish soap is excellent at cutting through the waxes and oils in lipstick. Gently work it in with your fingers.

Step 3: Dab with Rubbing Alcohol

If the pigment remains, dab rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and blot from the outside in. The alcohol dissolves the remaining dyes. Replace cotton balls as they pick up colour.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Rinse with cool water, then wash according to the care label. Check the stain before drying — heat will set any remaining pigment.

Step 5: Special Care for Denim

Treat stains from the inside of the garment when possible — this pushes the stain out rather than further into the fibres. Always wash inside-out to keep colour vibrant.

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Critical Warning

Denim's indigo dye runs easily — especially on dark or unwashed jeans. Always test on a hidden seam, and never mix coloured denim with light fabrics during cleaning. Avoid hot water, bleach, and chlorine. These fade the indigo and weaken the fabric structure over time.

Supplies Needed

check_circleLiquid Dish Soap
check_circleRubbing Alcohol
check_circleCotton Balls
check_circleCool Water

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Pro Tip

Hairspray (the old-fashioned aerosol kind) breaks down lipstick surprisingly well — spray, wait 30 seconds, then blot. The alcohol content does the work without spreading the pigment. — Wash denim in cold water inside-out to protect the dye. Air drying preserves shape and colour better than tumble drying.