Lipstick on Linen

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.

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.

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.

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

After treatment, lay the linen flat on a clean towel and roll it gently to remove excess moisture. Hang or lay flat to dry — never wring linen, as it permanently distorts the weave.