Lipstick on Upholstery

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.

Work in small sections and blot frequently. After treatment, fan the area dry or use a hairdryer on a cool setting to prevent watermarks forming as the fabric dries.