Mascara stains can be annoying and difficult to remove. However, with the right techniques and products, you can get mascara out of clothes, carpet, and upholstery. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to remove mascara stains from different materials.
How to Remove Mascara from Clothes
Mascara stains on clothes like shirts, dresses, pants, and jackets can look unsightly. Follow these tips to remove mascara from fabric:
Act Quickly
Don’t let the mascara stain set in. Immediately grab a paper towel or clean rag and dab at the stain to remove any excess mascara. Avoid rubbing, which can push the stain further into the fabric.
Use Regular Laundry Detergent
For small stains, add a scoop of regular laundry detergent directly on the stain and let sit for 5-10 minutes before washing as usual. The detergents contain surfactants that can break down the waxy, oily mascara formula.
Try Lestoil or WD-40
For tougher mascara stains, apply a small amount of Lestoil or WD-40 onto the spot and let it soak for 10-15 minutes before washing. These solvents are strong enough to dissolve and draw out dried, set-in mascara stains.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and hot water and soak the stained clothing for 30 minutes before washing normally. The oxygen-releasing properties of hydrogen peroxide help bleach and lift mascara stains.
Use Hairspray
Spritz some hairspray onto old mascara stains and rub gently with a soft toothbrush. Let it sit briefly, then rinse and launder as usual. The alcohol in hairspray breaks down stubborn makeup stains.
Try Rubbing Alcohol
Use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to dab at mascara stains. The alcohol will dissolve the pigments. Rinse thoroughly before washing. This works well for delicate fabrics too.
Removing Mascara from Carpet
Mascara dripped on a carpet can create dark, ugly blotches. Use these cleaning solutions to remove mascara from carpet fibers:
Dish Soap
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and use a clean cloth to spot treat the stain. Dish soap contains degreasers that can tackle makeup stains.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and blot the solution onto the stain using a paper towel. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before dabbing it dry. The peroxide whitens and fizzes away the mascara.
Hairspray
Spray hairspray liberally over the mascara stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the area to dissolve the makeup. Rinse with water and blot dry.
Rubbing Alcohol
Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the carpet stain. The alcohol will break down the mascara formula. Blot with water and dry the area thoroughly.
White Vinegar
Make a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Using a clean cloth, blot it onto the carpet and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Blot dry. Vinegar dissolves stains and removes smells.
Laundry Detergent
Make a paste of laundry detergent and water. Carefully work it into the stain using an old toothbrush and let it sit briefly. The detergents in the solution will draw out the mascara. Rinse and blot dry.
Eliminating Mascara from Upholstery
Mascara stains on upholstered furniture, car seats, etc. can be tackled with these handy tips:
Baby Wipes
Gently rub a hypoallergenic baby wipe on the mascara stain. The emollients and mild cleansers can lift makeup from delicate upholstery.
Baking Soda
Make a paste of baking soda and water and gently dab it onto the stain using a clean cloth. Let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a damp sponge. Baking soda is a mild abrasive.
Dish Soap
Dilute a few drops of dish soap in lukewarm water. Using a soft-bristle brush, lightly scrub the stain. Avoid saturating the upholstery; blot gently with a paper towel.
Rubbing Alcohol
Use a cotton ball to press rubbing alcohol directly onto the mascara stain. Check the fabric first for colorfastness. Rub gently and wipe clean.
White Vinegar
Dip a microfiber cloth in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Dab the stain and let sit for a couple of minutes before blotting dry. Vinegar cuts through grease.
Laundry Spray
Check the upholstery tag and test an inconspicuous spot first. If it’s safe, spray a laundry pre-treatment spray on the stain and let it soak in for 10 minutes before blotting and wiping clean with a damp cloth. The surfactants in the spray will dissolve the mascara.
Tips to Prevent Mascara Stains
While makeup stains happen occasionally, you can take some precautions to avoid mascara smears on your clothes and furnishings:
- Apply mascara before putting on your clothes to avoid drips.
- Use a lash comb to separate lashes after applying mascara. This removes any clumps.
- Avoid pumping the mascara wand in and out of the tube which causes excess product buildup.
- Hold a tissue under your eye when removing mascara to catch any flakes.
- Opt for tubing or washable mascaras which are designed not to smudge or smear.
- Spot clean upholstery and carpets frequently to tackle stains immediately.
With some handy household products and immediate action, you can successfully tackle mascara stains and keep your clothes, carpet, and upholstery looking pristine. Act quickly and use gentle yet effective cleaning solutions for the best stain removal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get old mascara stains out of clothes?
For old, set-in mascara stains on clothing, pretreat with Lestoil or WD-40 before laundering. The solvents help dissolve the thick, waxy stains. Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can also help bleach and remove dried mascara stains from fabric.
What removes waterproof mascara stains?
Waterproof mascara is harder to remove since it contains polymers that make it extremely resistant to water. Use oil-based products like baby oil, WD-40 or hairspray to break down waterproof mascara before washing the clothes as usual.
How do you get mascara out of upholstery?
To remove mascara from upholstery, blot rubbing alcohol onto the stain to dissolve it, then wipe with a damp cloth. You can also make a baking soda paste or use mild dish soap and lukewarm water with a soft brush to gently scrub waterproof mascara stains from delicate upholstered furniture or car seats.
What natural product removes mascara stains?
Some natural products that work to remove mascara include hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, lemon juice, and dish soap. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach and lift stains. Vinegar and lemon juice dissolve grease and cut through makeup stains. And dish soap contains effective surfactants for breaking down oils.
Does hairspray remove mascara stains?
Yes, hairspray is an effective stain remover for mascara because it contains alcohol which dissolves and breaks down the waxy makeup formula. Just spray hairspray directly on the stain, let it soak in briefly, then rinse the area with cool water before washing as usual.
Can you use laundry detergent to remove mascara stains?
Yes, you can rub liquid or powder laundry detergent directly onto mascara stains on clothes, upholstery or carpet before washing or rinsing the area. The surfactants and enzymes in laundry detergent work to pretreat and break down the makeup stains.
What are some tips to avoid mascara stains?
Apply mascara before getting dressed, hold a tissue under your eyes when removing makeup, avoid pumping the wand which causes excess buildup, use lash combs to separate lashes, and opt for tubing or washable mascaras. Also immediately spot clean stains on furniture or carpet.
Conclusion
Removing mascara stains requires using the right stain-fighting ingredients for the surface. Quick action also helps lift the stains before they set. With some handy household products like dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and laundry detergent, you can successfully remove pesky mascara stains from clothes, upholstery, and carpets. Act quickly and always spot test first, especially on delicate fabrics. With the right techniques, you can keep your belongings looking clean and stain-free.