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University of Illinois Extension
Lipstick and lipbalm

Lipstick and lipbalm

Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.

Washable Fabrics

Steps to Clean

Chemical solvents and supplies

  • Detergent
  • Dry-cleaning solvent
  • All-fabric bleach
  1. Spray or sponge with dry-cleaning solvent or treat with a stain stick. Then rub with heavy duty liquid detergent and scrub in hot water.
  2. When Step 1 is complete, follow Step 2 to remove the dye stains using bleach. Try all-fabric bleach which is less damaging to colors and fabrics. Use liquid chlorine bleach for tough dye stains on fabrics that are safe to bleach.

Carpet

  1. Work on removing the stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the stain is left on the carpet the greater the chances are of the stain setting.
  2. In every case remove all excess wet or dry material before attempting to clean. Blot wet materials using a white terry towel (check helpful hints for a detailed description of blotting). Vacuum excess dry materials or gently scrape up materials with a spoon.
  3. Apply a small amount of dry cleaning solvent to the white terry towel and blot the stain. Continue until no further transfer of material to the towel is apparent.
  4. If the stain remains proceed to the next step.
  5. Mix 1/2 tsp. of dishwashing soap into 1 cup of warm water.
  6. Apply a small amount, blot or tamp and repeat until the stain is removed. Be patient. Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times. Tamp down on the carpet; do not scrub as this may distort the texture of the pile.
  7. Cover the stain with the towel and press down repeatedly to absorb the stain material and detergent.
  8. Once the stain is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry white terry towel until all moisture is removed. Repeat this process several times to remove cleaning solution residue. (Residue can attract soils).

Steps to Clean


Or


What you will need

  • Dry Cleaning solvent
  • Detergent
  • White vinegar

Steps to Clean

  1. Scrape off excess foreign material.
  2. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the dry cleaning solvent.
  3. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
  4. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent/vinegar solution.

Upholstery

What you will need

  • Dry cleaning solvent

Steps to Clean

  1. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the dry cleaning solvent.
  2. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.
  3. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the stain disappears.