Your Stain Guide Solution

Concealer on your collar, lipstick on your lapel, or mascara on your towel? We've been there. Luckily, mastering how to lift makeup stains is easier than conquering the cat eye. Follow our expert moves to learn how to coax out mascara, lipstick, and more from your favorite fits.

What to use to treat makeup & lipstick stains:

• Stain Solution to pretreat & Stain Brush to scrub
• Wash basin or sink
• Stain-fighting wash formula like Signature Detergent

How To Pretreat

Step One

Before beginning, gently brush away any excess makeup residue with your fingers if necessary. Start by applying an enzymatic stain treatment, like Stain Solution over the stained area. From powder-based bronzer smudges to waxier lipstick smears, this solution is highly effective at treating mixed-base stains such as these.

Step Two

Work it into the fabric using a damp Stain Brush. Gently scrub, using circular motions. Try to avoid scrubbing outside the area of the stain to help stop spreading makeup marks. Rinse the brush as needed during treatment to remove any excess makeup residue.

Step Three

For added cleaning power, pour water from a height onto the affected area, using a kettle or your faucet. Take care to pour from a safe distance so the water won't splash on you. The force of the pouring water will help to work the stain.

Step Four

For older, tougher stains, soak before washing. Fill a sink or wash basin with the warmest water the fabric can tolerate (typically hot water for everyday fabrics), then let it soak for 30 minutes.

Apply more Stain Solution, then toss in the wash. After pretreating and soaking, rinse hands well with water.

Deep Clean

• Always launder according to your garment's instructions. We recommend using a deep cleaning detergent that helps target tough stains, like Signature Detergent.
• For makeup stains on white or light-colored items, opt for Whites Detergent instead for added brightening benefits.
• Select the hottest, longest cycle the fabric can tolerate (typically hot water for cottons and other everyday fabrics).
• Remove promptly from the machine to check stains.

Dry & Finish

Air-dry makeup stained items until you're certain marks have lifted. Keep in mind some stain residue may not be visible until garments are fully dry. Repeat the stain treatment process as needed.

Take Note: Our recommended stain treatment methods are based on textile science, and solely intended for use with The Laundress products. We cannot guarantee the success of products from other brands. Always test delicates and items tagged "dry clean" for color bleeding and water reactions before laundering. Kindly note that not all garments may perform and react as science would predict.