After a long day, it’s tempting to just crash into bed without taking off your makeup. Sure, it feels so convenient at the moment, but by morning, your pillowcase reveals the aftermath—mascara streaks, foundation smudges, and lipstick stains. Not exactly the kind of view you’d like to greet you in the morning!
Is there a way to remove those makeup stains? You bet there is, and not only one way. There are, in fact, various ways to handle these stains and we go over them in this article.
1 of 5 | Blot the Stain Immediately
Blotting is the first and most crucial step to prevent a makeup stain from getting worse. It helps lift excess product from the fabric before it has a chance to soak in and spread.
Here’s why it’s essential and how to do it correctly:
- Stops the Stain from Setting: Blotting absorbs the makeup sitting on the surface, making it easier to remove during washing. Use a clean cloth or paper towel and gently press—don’t rub—to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fibers.
- Prepares the Fabric for Cleaning: Removing the excess product ensures that when you treat the stain, you focus on what’s already embedded, and don’t just smear the makeup around. Be sure to work from the edges toward the center to keep the stain contained.
Remember: Quick, careful blotting makes a huge difference in how easily the stain comes out later!
2 of 5 | Use Cold Water First
Starting with cold water is one of the simplest but most effective steps to remove makeup stains. It helps loosen the stain without causing it to set deeper into the fabric.
Here’s why it works and how to do it correctly:
- Prevents the Stain from Setting: Cold water keeps the stain from binding to the fabric, which can happen with warm or hot water. Run the stained area under cold water from the back of the fabric to flush the makeup out instead of pushing it further in.
- Safeguards Delicate Fabrics: Cold water is gentle on sensitive materials like silk or microfiber, reducing the risk of shrinkage or warping. Hold the fabric under a steady stream of cold water for a few minutes to rinse away as much pigment as possible before applying any cleaning product.
Remember: Cold water gives you a strong start in tackling makeup stains while protecting your bedding from unnecessary damage!
3 of 5 | Apply Dish Soap for Oily Makeup
Dish soap is a game changer when it comes to removing makeup stains because it’s designed to cut through grease and oils—the same stuff found in many makeup products.
Here’s why it’s effective and how to use it:
- Breaks Down Stubborn Oils: The grease-cutting power of dish soap dissolves the oils in foundation, lipstick, and mascara, making it easier to lift the stain from the fabric. Apply a drop of dish soap directly to the stain, gently rub it in with your fingers, and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
- Gentle on Most Fabrics: Unlike harsher cleaners, dish soap works well on durable materials like cotton or polyester without damaging the fibers. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove both the stain and any soapy residue.
Remember: Dish soap is a quick, affordable solution to tackle oily makeup stains and keep your pillowcases and bed sheets looking fresh!
4 of 5 | Try Baking Soda for Gentle Abrasion
Baking soda is a natural, fabric-safe cleaner that uses its mild abrasive properties to lift makeup stains without harming your pillowcases and sheets.
Here’s why it’s effective and how to use it:
- Loosens Stains Without Damage: Baking soda gently scrubs away makeup pigments and oils without scratching delicate fibers. Mix it into a paste with a small amount of water, apply it to the stain, and rub lightly with your fingers or a soft cloth.
- Neutralizes Odors and Residue: Along with cleaning, baking soda helps eliminate any lingering smells from the stain, leaving your bedding fresh. Let the paste sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cold water.
Remember: Baking soda is a simple, all-natural way to restore your bedding while keeping the fabric intact!
5 of 5 | Test Before Using Bleach
Bleach is a powerful tool for removing makeup stains, but it’s not safe for every fabric or color. Testing it first ensures you won’t accidentally damage your pillowcases or sheets.
Here’s why this step matters and how to do it correctly:
- Prevents Discoloration or Damage: Bleach can weaken fibers or strip color from non-bleach-safe fabrics, leaving them looking worse than before. Dab a small amount of diluted bleach on a hidden corner of the fabric, like the seam or hem, and wait a few minutes to see how it reacts.
- Ensures It’s Safe for Your Bedding: Testing gives you confidence bleach will work without ruining your sheets. If the fabric holds up, mix bleach with water according to the instructions and spot-treat the stain before washing as usual.
Remember: This extra step keeps your bedding safe while helping you effectively remove those tough makeup stains!
When Should You Seek Professional Cleaning Services?
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try or how many techniques you follow, certain makeup stains just won’t come out. Maybe it’s the type of stain, the fabric, or even the wrong cleaning methods—but instead of risking further damage, it’s time to let the professionals handle it. Professional cleaning services specialize in removing tough stains while protecting the integrity of your pillowcases and sheets, especially for delicate textiles or high-value bedding.
Here’s when you should consider calling in the experts:
- When Stains Persist After Multiple Washes: If you pretreated, rinsed with cold water, and ran the wash cycle with laundry detergent but the stain still lingers, professional dry cleaning might be your best option. Their advanced tools and stain-specific techniques can do what standard washing can’t.
- For Delicate or Expensive Fabrics: Items like silk pillowcases, linen sheets, or intricate textiles need special care that can’t be achieved with heat or basic detergents. Professionals use safe cleaning methods that preserve the fabric’s look and feel without risking damage.
- For Bedding Too Large for Standard Machines: Oversized items like duvet covers, weighted blankets, comforters, or quilts can be tricky to clean at home. A professional cleaner ensures a deep clean without causing uneven wear or damage to the material.
Trusting your laundry to professionals saves you time, effort, and the heartbreak of permanently ruining your favorite bedding. It’s worth it when nothing else seems to work!
Say Goodbye to Makeup Stains on your Pillowcases and Sheets—Schedule a Cleaning with Great American Cleaners today!
Sleep soundly in soft, fluffy, and deeply cleaned bedding linens – let Great American Cleaners professionally clean them for you! Our dry cleaners clean your linens without using harsh chemicals, a cleaning process similar to what we perform on fine suits, wedding dresses, fur coats, shirts, and other clothing items we dry clean. If they’re heavily soiled, have begun to turn yellow, smell bad, and are starting to feel itchy, don’t delay!
Whether it’s lingering odors, makeup smudges, or general laundry needs, our professional dry cleaning service has you covered. Visit us at 215 El Cerrito Plaza Road, El Cerrito, California, 94530, or email us at help@greatamericandrycleaners.com.