Is there a more incredible feeling than finding the perfect lipstick shade? The one that goes with everything looks great on you and is kiss-proof! It’s like the perfect mauve shade has been sent from the heavens above.
But what happens when disaster strikes? What happens when the perfect lipstick falls on your brand new cream carpet? Or your beloved child finds your collection and decides your carpet was lacking some color? Or your dog finds its way into your makeup?
That’s right; we are talking about a lipstick stain on your carpet! If, like us, the sight is a familiar one, you might have found yourself in a state of panic. Perhaps you were frantically scrubbing or have resigned yourself to always having a strategically placed rug in one spot.
Well, to that we say, no more! We have tried and tested the best methods to remove a lipstick stain from your carpet. Sounds like music to your ears? We bet! So what are you waiting for? Want to know how to get lipstick out of a carpet? Keep reading!
How to get lipstick out of a carpet?
When it comes to removing lipstick from a carpet, we know that this isn’t one method that suits all kinds of things.
That’s why we have included a few different methods depending on if the stain is fresh and the type of carpet you have.
We have also included methods that use household items to make the job even easier! So sit back, and let us find the best lipstick removal method for you and your carpet.
Do it fresh!
Lipstick stains are easier to remove when they are fresh. Ideally, you want the stain to have as little time as possible to prevent the lipstick from clinging to the fibers in your carpet and becoming a permanent stain.
As soon as the lipstick hits the carpet, grab the blunt end of a spoon or knife to remove the lipstick stain chunks. Try and remove most of it this way, but do not run the stain. Rubbing will spread the stain and make matters worse.
Once you have scrapped as much as you can, take a cloth and spray it with a cleaning solution. Press this onto the stain. If the cloth becomes too stained, switch sides and wash the fabric off. You can repeat this process if needed.
Next, leave the cleaning solution to sit on the carpet for roughly five minutes. Then, using a small amount of detergent and some water mixed in a glass, wash out the solution.
Take a clean cloth and scrub the spot to remove the cleaning solution. Ensure that the stain has gone before scrubbing it, as this will cause the stain to spread. Rinse the area with a wet cloth and then use it to massage the spot.
If there is still some of the stain left, use the cloth to blot the area. Blotting will help to lift the stain out of the area. To finish, place a dry rag over the stain. It is good to place a heavy object on top of the rag to help the water absorb.
Your carpet can then air dry stain-free! You might need to repeat the cleaning solution steps for darker lipsticks, especially if you have a light carpet.
Removing lipstick stain with hairspray
Need the lipstick stain removed but haven’t done your cleaning supply shop yet? No fear, you can use some hairspray! It is best to do a patch test beforehand to ensure that your carpet does not react to the hairspray.
It is also best to avoid hairspray that contains tea tree oil as this can cause discoloration, especially with light-colored carpets. Find a part of the carpet that is hidden and apply the hairspray. If there is no change, you can use it on the stain!
It is always best to remove as much lipstick as possible first with the blunt end of a spoon or knife. Simply spray onto the stain, wait a minute or two, and pat with a paper towel.
If you find this does not work or the carpet reacts to the hairspray, you can try some other household items. Windex, for example, is a great alternative and can be used following the same method.
You can also use an acetone-based nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or white vinegar. When using any of these products, apply them directly to the stain. It is best to use small amounts and leave them to sit on the solution for 15 minutes.
After this time, use a clean cloth and dab the area. Take care not to rub the area too hard as this can cause the stain to spread and make it worse. Instead, use gentle rubbing motions and press down the fabric to absorb the stain with the cleaning solution.
Use a pack and forth stroke as opposed to circular motions, as these can weaken the carpet. Repeat these motions until the stain is no longer on the carpet. You can repeat this procedure up to three times if it is necessary.
Once the stain is no longer visible, dip a clean cloth in some cold water. Use the cloth to rinse the solution off the area. Give the rag a light squeeze to apply some water to the stained area, diluting the cleaning solution.
You can then blot the spot and leave it to air dry. It might be worth opening some windows for increased ventilation to help with this.
Carpet shampoo to remove lipstick
As we know, a carpet requires regular cleaning to keep it fresh and ensure its longevity. You can purchase carpet shampooers yourself or splash the cash and have your carpet professionally cleaned!
A carpet shampooer is a fantastic way to remove tough stains and be suitable for lipstick removal! Simply follow the instructions on your carpet shampooer bottle to achieve a clean carpet once more!
Removing Lipstick from carpet with Hydrogen Peroxide
If none of the other methods have worked, hydrogen peroxide will come swooping in to save your carpet! It is an excellent method to remove stubborn lipstick stains that other methods might not succeed.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a final step if other methods have lifted the stain instead of entirely removing it. You will want to use a 3% hydrogen peroxide, as lower percentages will not work as successfully.
Any higher percentages might also damage the carpet due to the bleach included in hydrogen peroxide. Take a small amount of the solution and place it on your lipstick stain.
You can also place a small amount on a cloth if you are worried about pouring too much on the stain. Me and my shaky hands could never pour it directly! For best results, make sure the spot is soggy and use a rag to wet the stain thoroughly.
Leave the stain for up to an hour and inspect it again. There should be some change, but the stain may be visible. If it is, you can repeat the above steps. Allow it to try, and the substance will break down to water and does not need removing.
You can take a cloth to blot it dry and keep the room ventilated so your carpet can air dry. Once dried, you can repeat the process. Hydrogen Peroxide is a good method for stubborn or lipstick stains that have been there for a while. Be aware, though, these stains can take longer than others to remove.
Final word
And here we are, the end of the line. As you can see, there are a few great methods that we are sure will remove the lipstick stain from your carpet!
Be sure to act as quickly as you can and dab the surface to see your carpet return to its former glory!
