How to Remove A Lipstick Stain from Carpet

The lipstick aisle is full of every shade imaginable, perfect for finding your signature colour. Not so perfect when that colour ends up on your carpet. Whether you’ve dropped a tube or the kids have created a mini masterpiece, lipstick stains can feel impossible to fix.

The good news is that all lipsticks contain similar ingredients: oil, wax, and pigment. It’s the oils that cause the stain. If you target those oils, you have a much better chance of lifting the mark.

What you'll need

• Paper towel or clean white/colourfast cloths – For blotting out up the stain without pushing it deeper into the carpet or transferring colour.

• Butter knife – To gently scrape away any excess lipstick without damaging the fibres.

• Aerogard – The isopropyl alcohol in Aerogard helps dissolve the oily base of lipstick (just don’t shake the can before use).

• Nail polish remover (pure acetone) – Useful for stubborn stains, though it can be harsh, so always patch test first.

• White vinegar – A natural option that helps cut through grease and oil in the lipstick.

• Water – For rinsing out cleaning solutions and preventing residue build-up that could attract more dirt.

How to remove lipstick stains from carpet

Act quickly. Like most stains, the sooner you act after the spill, the better your chances are of removing it.

1. Remove the excess

Use a butter knife to gently scrape up any chunks of lipstick. Work slowly to avoid spreading the stain.

Safety & care tips:

• Avoid sharp knives to prevent cutting fibres.

• Go slowly because rushing can push pigment deeper.

• If the lipstick is smudged, blot first.

• Wipe the knife clean immediately so you don’t reapply the stain.

• Take extra care with wool or wool blends.

2. Choose your weapon

You’ve got a few options when it comes to your “weapons” — or rather, cleaning products — and most of them are already in your home. to treat the lipstick stain, all of which can usually be found around the home.

Stronger solvent options (for stubborn stains)

• Aerogard - Oily stains need a solvent to break them down, and the isopropyl alcohol used as the carrier in Aerogard works well for this. Apply a little to a cloth and blot gently.
  
  Don’t shake the can before use, since that mixes the insect-repelling ingredients with the alcohol. Avoid circular rubbing, as it can damage carpet fibres.

• Nail polish remover - Make sure the nail polish remover you’re using is pure acetone, and always work in a well-ventilated area.

Household & natural options (gentler, safer first steps)

• White vinegar -  Vinegar is used a lot around the home because it can be effective at dissolving grease.

• Mild dishwashing liquid – Mix a few drops with cold water. This solution is safe for most carpets and good for lifting fresh stains.

• Bicarbonate of soda – After blotting with vinegar, sprinkle bicarbonate lightly over the damp patch. Let it sit to absorb oils and odours, then vacuum once dry.

Safety & care tips

• Apply any solutions directly to a white cloth, never directly onto the carpet.

• Blot gently, don’t rub, to avoid spreading the stain.

• Avoid mixing products (e.g. vinegar and acetone). Use one option at a time.

• Keep kids and pets away from the area until the carpet is fully dry.

3. Treat the stain

Apply your chosen cleaner to a white cloth and press repeatedly over the stain. Rotate the cloth to a clean section as needed.

Extra tips:

• Start with small amounts of cleaner.

• For stubborn marks, use a soft-bristled brush to lift fibres between blotting rounds.

• Follow vinegar or dishwashing liquid treatments with a plain water blot to remove residue.

4. If at first you dont succeed, try, try again!

Repeat steps 1–3 if stains still remain

Repeat the process if colour continues transferring to the cloth.

Extra tips:

• If one cleaner isn’t working, switch to another (e.g. start with vinegar, move to Aerogard or acetone if needed).

• Be patient because scrubbing can damage fibres.

• For larger stains, treat the area in sections.

5. Rinse and dry

Rinse the area with cold water and blot until dry. This removes leftover cleaning solution.

​​Extra tips:

• Place a clean dry towel over the damp area, weigh it down and leave for a few hours to draw out moisture

• Open windows or use a fan to help drying. Avoid heat because it can set remaining pigment.

• If a faint mark reappears, repeat the process with a gentle cleaner. This is called wick-back.

Final Thoughts

Lipstick stains can take some patience, but this process should help fade or remove the mark. A handy backup is Electro 3 Spot and Stain Cleaner, great to keep in the cupboard for emergencies. If you’d prefer professional help, Electrodry is always ready to assist.