Lipstick on Wood

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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 Wood

Apply any cleaning solution to a cloth first, then wipe the surface. Dry the area immediately with a clean towel. Follow up with a wood conditioner or furniture polish to restore the finish.

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Critical Warning

Water is the enemy of wood — excess moisture causes warping, swelling, and permanent staining of the grain. Work quickly and dry immediately. Never use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners on wood — they strip the finish and damage the grain.

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. — Use as little liquid as possible. Apply cleaning solutions to a cloth first, never directly to the wood surface.