How to Get Lipstick Out of Rugs

Lipstick causes unsightly stains when it gets onto rugs. This can happen if you inadvertently crush a container of lipstick that has fallen onto your rug or if your children or pets get hold of your lipstick and play with it. While most lipsticks are made of wax that is not water-soluble, you can usually remove lipstick stains with commonly available solvents. If your rug is sensitive to solvents, you can use a detergent that contains degreasing ingredients, but this takes more time and effort than using solvents.

Dry-cleaning fluid or spot remover
Rubbing or denatured alcohol
Mild detergent or carpet shampoo
Mixing vessel
Sponge or brush
Soft, clean cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Moisten a cloth and blot lipstick stains that are still fresh.
- 2
  Locate an inconspicuous spot on your rug, such as one hidden under furniture. Moisten a clean cloth with dry-cleaning fluid or spot remover and dab it onto the spot. Check the cloth for any carpet dye and check the rug to make sure the fibers have not dissolved. Skip to Step 4 if you see any evidence of damage.
- 3
  Moisten a clean cloth with dry-cleaning fluid or spot remover and apply it to the stain, or spray pump-action or aerosol spot remover directly onto the stain. Allow the solvent to remain on the stain for up to five minutes, or as marked on the product package. Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Repeat until you have removed as much of the stain as possible.
- 4
  Apply rubbing or denatured alcohol to a clean cloth and treat any stain residue with it.
- 5
  Moisten the area with water. Whether you used a solvent or not, apply a bit of liquid detergent with degreasing action, such as carpet shampoo or dish-washing liquid that contains degreasers.
  
  If you were able to use a solvent first, simply use a circular motion to remove the spot remover and stain residue and then rinse the area with water.
  
  If you were unable to apply a solvent, allow the detergent to rest on the spot for a few minutes and then blot it with a clean cloth. Repeat this treatment and continue to blot the stain. Rinse the area with cold water once you have removed the stain.
- 6
  Blot all excess water with a clean cloth. Allow the area to dry and then vacuum your rug.

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