Don't Let Foundation Stains Ruin Your Clothes—Follow These Easy Steps to Remove Them (2024)

Laundry

Stain Removal

By

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Don't Let Foundation Stains Ruin Your Clothes—Follow These Easy Steps to Remove Them (1)

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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Updated on 06/09/24

Fact checked byMarcus Reeves

Don't Let Foundation Stains Ruin Your Clothes—Follow These Easy Steps to Remove Them (2)

The oils and pigments in liquid or powder foundation can leave set-in stains on clothes. Enzyme-based stain removers and heavy-duty detergents can remove these stains. But before you put them in the dryer, ensure the stain is completely gone; otherwise, the dryer can make the stain more difficult to remove.

Here's a complete guide with detailed information on removing liquid or powder foundation from washable clothes.

Quick Guide for Removing Foundation Stains

  • Lift away excess liquid foundation from clothes with a dull knife or the edge of an old credit card or blow a hair dryer on "cool" to remove excess powder foundation.
  • Work a few drops of an enzyme-based stain remover or dishwashing liquid into the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.
  • Wash the garment with a heavy-duty detergent. Ensure the stain is gone before tossing the item in the dryer.

How to Get Liquid Foundation Out of Clothes

Don't Let Foundation Stains Ruin Your Clothes—Follow These Easy Steps to Remove Them (3)

There are two types of liquid foundation: oil-based and non-oil-based. A foundation stain from an oil-based product is usually more challenging, but both types are treated with the same stain removal steps for washable clothes.

  1. Scrape away the foundation. Use a dull knife, the edge of a spoon, or an old credit card to lift it away the foundation drips from the fabric surface. Do not rub since it will push the stain deeper into the fibers and make removing it more difficult.
  2. Apply a small amount of an enzyme-based stain remover. A stain remover or a few drops of dishwashing liquid can break the bond between the oil foundation and the fabric.
  3. Work the cleaner into the stain. Wait 15 minutes, and then wash the garment by hand or in the washing machine, following the care label instructions.
  4. Check the stain is gone before putting it in a clothes dryer. If the stain remains, repeat the cleaning steps. The high heat from the dryer can permanently set the stain.

Tip

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, lift away the excess liquid and take the garment to a professional cleaner as soon as possible.

How to Get Powder Foundation Out of Clothes

Don't Let Foundation Stains Ruin Your Clothes—Follow These Easy Steps to Remove Them (4)

If you follow the first step and remove the powder before it settles in the fabric, you probably don't have to do anything else.

  1. Don't rub in the foundation. Resist the urge to brush away the foundation with your hand or a cloth. You'll only end up rubbing the particles into the fibers.
  2. Use a hair dryer to blow away the powder. Set the blow dryer on cool and low. If the powder grains are deeper in the fabric's weave, use a sticky lint roller to remove the powder.
  3. Remove set-in stains with a stain remover or dish soap. Use the same stain removal steps recommended for liquid foundation.

5 Best Tips to Treat and Prevent Foundation From Staining Clothes

  • Act quickly: Treat the stain as soon as you see it. Look for foundation stains around collars after wearing foundation all day. Fresh stains are easier to remove than older ones.
  • Use shaving cream: If you don't have a stain remover or dishwashing liquid handy, use some foaming shaving cream (not the gel) to lift the stain. Work the shaving cream into the stained fabric, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then wash the garment as usual.
  • Embrace the soak: If discoloration is still visible after washing the garment, mix oxygen-based bleach powder with cool water. Submerge the entire garment and let it soak for at least four hours; eight is better. Check the stain and repeat with a fresh solution if needed.
  • Prevent drips: Avoid getting drips from the liquid foundation container on your clothes by applying the foundation to the back of your hand instead of directly to your face.
  • Protect your clothes with a bib: Tuck some tissues into the neckline of your garment like a bib to protect the fabric as you apply the foundation.

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Don't Let Foundation Stains Ruin Your Clothes—Follow These Easy Steps to Remove Them (2024)
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