How To Get Lipstick Out Of Carpet (Without It Leaving A Stain)

• How to get lipstick out of carpet (without it leaving a stain)
• How to deal with wool carpets
• Cleaning dried lipstick
• Tips for keeping your carpet clean

Discovering lipstick stains on your carpet can be a frustrating experience. Try as you might to be careful; this happens to the best of us, and it can be an absolute nightmare when it does.

Whether pink or red, lipstick stains have a way of standing out against the fibres of your carpet, leaving you wondering how to tackle the mess. Fear not, though – with the right approach and a few simple tricks, you can banish those stubborn stains and restore your carpet to its former glory (yes, even white carpets and rugs!).

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about removing lipstick stains from your carpet. From quick and easy DIY solutions to targeted stain removal techniques, we've got you covered. Grab your cleaning supplies, and let's start saying goodbye to those pesky lipstick stains once and for all! Here's everything that you need to know.

How to get lipstick out of carpet (without it leaving a stain)

Step 1: Blot away the excess lipstick

When you discover lipstick on your carpet, the first step is to act quickly. Grab a few paper towels or a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing the lipstick, as this can spread it further into the carpet fibres and make it more difficult to remove. Instead, use a dabbing motion to try to pick up any of the excess lipstick on the top layer of the carpet.

Focus on gently pressing down on the stain to absorb as much of the lipstick as possible. Continue blotting until no more lipstick transfers onto the paper towels or cloth. Removing the excess lipstick as soon as possible will prevent the stain from setting into the carpet fibres and make the cleaning process much more manageable.

Step 2: Hairspray to the rescue

Believe it or not, hairspray can work wonders when it comes to getting rid of lipstick stains on your carpet. This is because hairspray contains alcohol, which helps break down the oils in the lipstick. These oils make the stain stick to your carpet fibres, so breaking them down makes removing them easier. If you want to make the stain easy to remove, you can use it.

Start by spraying a small amount directly onto the lipstick mark. Let the hairspray sit on the stain for a few minutes. This gives it time to work its magic and break down the oils. Then, take a clean cloth and gently blot the stain. You'll see the dissolved lipstick start to lift away. Repeat these steps as needed until the stain starts to fade away. Hairspray might not be your first thought for stain removal, but it can help save your carpet from those pesky lipstick marks!

There are so many clever uses for hairspray. Take a look!

Step 3: Use the right carpet cleaner

If the lipstick stain is still there after using hairspray, it's time to call in a carpet cleaner. Look for one designed specifically to tackle tough stains like lipstick.

The best carpet cleaners have potent ingredients that can break down stubborn stains without harming your carpet. But before you use one, test it on a small, hidden part of the carpet to make sure it won't cause any damage.

Once you know it's safe, apply the cleaner directly to the lipstick stain. Use a soft brush or cloth to work it into the carpet fibres gently. Leave it for the recommended time, then blot away any extra cleaner with a clean cloth.

Finally, let your carpet dry completely before stepping on it again. A carpet cleaner is a powerful tool against tough stains, but always follow the instructions carefully to keep your carpet looking its best!

For more tips on how to clean carpets, check out our other article. 

How to deal with wool carpets

You can use the above tips with most carpets. However, for wool carpets or other delicate materials, it's important to take extra care when removing lipstick stains. Keep in mind that harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage wool fibres and make the stain worse.

Choose a gentle carpet cleaner, or try creating your own cleaning solution using warm water and mild detergent. Mix the detergent with water to make a foamy solution, then apply it directly to the lipstick stain. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently work the cleaning solution into the carpet fibres, being careful not to scrub too vigorously.

Once you've treated the stain, blot away any excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth and let the carpet air dry completely.

Cleaning dried lipstick

If you find a dried lipstick stain on your carpet, don't worry – you can still remove it. Leaving the lipstick to dry for a while may make things easier. (That is especially true if you have a coloured carpet, where the red will stain less prominently!).

First, gently scrape off any dried lipstick using a blunt knife or spoon. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibres while doing this. Once you've scraped off as much lipstick as possible, treat the stain like you would a fresh one.

Blot the area to remove any leftover lipstick residue. Then, spray the stain with hairspray. The alcohol in the hairspray helps break down the oily lipstick. Leave the hairspray for a few minutes to work its magic.

After that, use a carpet cleaner to clean the stain further. Apply it directly to the stain and gently work it with a soft brush or cloth. Finally, blot away any excess cleaner with a clean cloth. Keep at it with patience and persistence – even dried lipstick stains can be removed!

Tips for keeping your carpet clean

Now that we've looked at how to get rid of lipstick stains on carpet, let's talk about keeping the thing clean. Prevention is better than cure! Simply put, avoiding creating lipstick stains on your carpet is easier than dealing with them later. Here are some general tips:

• Have a "no shoes" policy. Encourage everyone to remove their shoes before walking on the carpet and be careful when putting makeup near it.
• Put a rug down by the mirror. You could also use a rug or mat in places where you often apply makeup. This can catch any spills before they ruin your carpet. You might also want to assess your makeup storage solutions and clean your makeup brushes to keep things tidier.  
• Vacuum regularly. Don't forget to vacuum regularly and get your carpet cleaned by professionals - this helps keep dirt and stains from building up and makes your carpet look nice and clean.

Taking these steps to care for your carpet can prevent lipstick stains and other marks from spoiling your home. Being proactive about carpet care is all about keeping your home looking fresh and welcoming.

Dealing with lipstick stains on your carpet doesn't have to be a nightmare. With the right approach and patience, you can effectively remove these stubborn stains and keep your carpet looking clean and fresh.

Remember to act quickly, using simple household items like paper towels or hairspray to tackle the stain as soon as possible. If the stain persists, don't hesitate to bring in a carpet cleaner or try gentler methods for delicate carpets.

Additionally, taking proactive steps to prevent stains, such as removing shoes indoors and using rugs or mats in high-risk areas, can go a long way in maintaining the cleanliness of your carpet.

Next, find out how to remove wax from carpet and learn some new makeup hacks. 

Q&A

What takes lipstick out of the carpet?

When you have a lipstick stain on your carpet, your best bet is to use something with rubbing alcohol in it. Many modern-day carpet cleaners include this ingredient. Alternatively, you may use some hairspray and then dab the stain to remove it.

Can vinegar remove lipstick stains?

Yes, vinegar can help remove lipstick stains. However, lipstick can smell strong. If you plan to use this method, you will need to clean and rinse the carpet well afterwards. Therefore, it may be better to use a professional carpet cleaner instead.

Do you use hot or cold water for lipstick stains?

When you have blotted away most of the excess lipstick, you can use warm or hot water to remove the stain. This approach works best for lipstick stain removal. You should also use a professional carpet cleaner to remove the stain.

How do you get lipstick out of a cream carpet?

If you want to remove lipstick from a cream carpet, read our guide above. The process will be the same regardless of the carpet's colour. However, if you have a light carpet, you should avoid letting the stain dry completely. This can make it more difficult to remove the stain entirely.

 Did our tips help save your carpet? Let us know in the comments below!