Lipstick can be a girl’s best friend, but it can also be a real pain when it gets on your clothes or furniture. If you have a leather couch or chair and get lipstick on it, don’t worry, I’m here to help!
In this article, I will discuss four simple home remedies to help you remove lipstick stains from your leather goods. We will cover several methods, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
But before we get into the meat of the topic, let me address a few important things to set the scene.
Does Lipstick Stain Leather? Why?
Lipstick is made with oils, waxes, and pigments. These ingredients can all leave behind a stain on leather if they are not removed quickly.
The oils in the lipstick can seep into the leather and cause it to become discolored. The waxes can also build up on the surface of the leather and attract dirt, which can lead to a dull and lackluster appearance.
The pigments in the lipstick can also transfer to the leather, leaving behind a colored stain. This can be especially noticeable if you have a white or light-colored leather item.
So, now that we know why lipstick stains leather, let’s talk about a few important tips to remember before you start trying to remove the stain.
Important Tips Before You Begin
- First, it’s important to understand that not all leather is created equal.
- There are many different types and finishes of leather, so it’s important to identify what kind of leather you’re working with before trying to remove a stain.
- Fortunately, most leather goods will have a protective coating that makes them a bit more resistant to staining, so chances are that your lipstick stain can be removed with a little elbow grease and the right cleaners.
- But even if leather is not coated, the methods I will show you will still work just fine.
- Next, it’s important to understand that there are two types of lipstick stains: those that are fresh and those that have been on the leather for a while.
- If you have a fresh lipstick stain, the best course of action is to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer a lipstick stain sits on leather, the harder it will be to remove.
- However, even if your lipstick stain is not fresh, there’s no need to despair.
- With the right cleaning methods and a little bit of effort, you should be able to remove even the most stubborn lipstick stains from your leather goods.
- As with any cleaning project, it’s always best to test a small, inconspicuous area of the leather before Proceeding with the main project.
- This will help you to identify any potential problems and ensure that your chosen cleaning method is safe for the leather.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
How To Remove Lipstick Stains From Leather
There’s no doubt that the best way to remove lipstick stains and any other type of makeup stains from leather is using a good quality leather cleaner or saddle soap, but what if you don’t have any leather cleaner on hand?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
In this section, I will show you four simple home remedies that can help you remove lipstick stains from your leather goods.
1. Use Warm Water And Mild Dish Soap
The first DIY method is to use warm water and mild dish soap. This method is best for fresh lipstick stains that have not had a chance to set into the leather.
But also, to a large extent, this method can be used to remove older lipstick stains. This is an awesome home remedy for getting lipstick stains out of leather because mild dish soap is safe for leather.
The best part is you already have it in your kitchen, so there is no need to go out and buy anything special. Ensure your dish soap is mild, as some can be harsh and damage leather.
To remove a lipstick stain using this method, you will need the following;
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A clean white cloth
- A soft-bristled brush
- Leather conditioner
Here’s how to do it:
Step One:
- Blot as much lipstick off the leather as possible using a clean paper towel.
- Now put 3-5 drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
Step Two:
- Stir the water to create a soapy solution.
Step Three:
- Load some of the soap lather onto the lipstick stain.
- Dip a clean white cloth into the soapy water and wring it out until it’s damp.
Step Four:
- Gently scrub the lipstick stain with the damp cloth.
- Use small, circular motions, and be sure to apply a moderate amount of pressure.
- Continue wiping until the lipstick stains are completely removed.
Step Five:
- Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Inspect the leather to see if the stain has been removed.
- If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 2-5 until it’s gone.
Step Six:
- Once you’re satisfied with the result, apply your usual leather conditioner to the product and buff it in using a clean, soft cloth.
- After that, leave the leather to air dry.
2. Using Rubbing Alcohol Solution
Using rubbing alcohol is one of the best ways to remove any type of lipstick stains from leather.
But, as rubbing alcohol can dry up leather, it’s important to use this method sparingly and follow up with a good quality leather conditioner.
Rubbing alcohol contains dissolving properties that can cut through both fresh and old lipstick stains, making it an ideal cleaning solution for leather.
Also, any form of pigment, oil, or wax present in the lipstick will be removed with the help of rubbing alcohol, so you don’t have to worry about those pesky stains leaving behind an ugly mark.
To remove lipstick stains from leather using this method, you will need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A bowl
- A clean microfiber cloth
- Leather conditioner (must-have)
- Water
Here’s how to do it:
Step One:
- As always, start by blotting away any excess lipstick from the leather with a clean cloth.
- You don’t want to rub the stain as this will only end up making it bigger, so just blot gently.
Step Two:
- Next, mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a bowl.
- For a stronger solution, you can use more rubbing alcohol than water.
Step Three:
- Dip your microfiber cloth in the solution and start dabbing at the stain.
- Be sure to do a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the leather first to ensure the rubbing alcohol doesn’t damage it.
- If everything looks good, continue dabbing the stain with the cloth until it disappears.
Step Four:
- Once the stain is gone, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any residual rubbing alcohol from the leather.
- You want to follow up with a dry clean cloth to remove any remaining moisture on the leather.
Step Five:
- Finally, apply a generous amount of leather conditioner to the area to keep the leather hydrated.
- Leave it on for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a clean cloth.
- And that’s it! Your leather should now be stain-free and look as good as new.
3. Using Baking Soda
The baking soda is your best bet if you particularly have a very greasy or oily lipstick stain.
It does a great job of removing all the oil and grease from the leather and lipstick stain.
The best thing about using baking soda is that it’s a natural cleaning agent and won’t damage your leather.
Baking soda can also be used together with the previous methods if you have an oil stain after cleaning up the lipstick stain with alcohol or mild dish soap.
To remove lipstick stains from leather using this method, you need the following:
- Baking soda
- A clean cloth
- Water
- Leather conditioner
Here are the steps to follow;
Step One:
- Make a paste of baking soda and water
Step Two:
- Apply the baking soda paste to the stain using a spoon or finger.
- Make sure the baking soda paste covers the entire surface of the lipstick stain.
Step Three:
- Let the baking soda sit on the lipstick stain for at least 20 minutes.
- You can also let it sit overnight if the stain is very tough to remove.
Step Four:
- After 20 minutes (or more), use a clean cloth to remove the baking soda paste from the leather.
- You should see the lipstick stain starting to come off with the baking soda. If it’s not, you can repeat steps two and three.
Step Five:
- Once the baking soda paste is removed, use a clean damp cloth to wipe over the entire surface of the leather.
- Pat the leather surface to dry with a dry cloth or tissue paper and apply a generous amount of leather conditioner.
4. Using White Vinegar
I never would have thought of this until I tried it, and it worked like a charm!
The white vinegar is another great natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove lipstick stains from leather.
It contains acetic acid, which helps break down the lipstick’s pigment, making it easier to remove.
Not only is this an awesome cleaning hack, but it’s also a great way to remove any lingering bad smells from the leather.
To use this method, here are some of the things you need;
- White vinegar
- Water
- A bowl
- A clean cloth or sponge
- Leather conditioner
Quick steps to follow;
Step One:
- In a bowl, mix one part white vinegar with one part water.
Step Two:
- Soak your clean cloth or sponge in the mixture and then blot the lipstick stain on the leather.
Step Three:
- Continue blotting until the stain is gone.
Step Four:
- Once the stain is removed, dry the area with a clean cloth.
Step Five:
- To finish, apply some leather conditioner to the entire leather surface to help restore its natural shine and softness.
