Quick Fixes for Tough Stains: Removing Lipstick from Your Carpets

The right lipstick can transform your entire mood… until it winds up smeared across something it shouldn’t touch.

This happens constantly. Your toddler might view the sofa as their canvas. A girls’ night could spiral into an accidental interior decorating session. Even your dog can become an accomplice in the mess when he decides to check what that new lipstick tastes like.

To help you wipe the slate clean, this guide will show you exactly how to get lipstick out of a carpet safely and effectively, so let’s get to it.

Does lipstick stain carpets permanently?

Before you hang your head in defeat and Google ‘cheap rug replacements,’ keep in mind that your lipstick doesn’t have to stain your carpet permanently. Quick action matters most here. A few quick blots now can save you a backbreaking scrubbing session later.

You see, lip products are designed to stay put. They’re packed with waxes, emollient oils, and strong pigments that stick as hard as possible to whatever they touch.

That may be great for getting that perfect pout but not as charming when those same ingredients touch the carpet fibres.

Once they harden or oxidise, the oily base can sink deep into the pile while the pigment clings stubbornly to the fine threads. If you let them, they’ll bind to the surface and become much harder to remove without taking some of the fibres along with them.

How to get lipstick out of a carpet without damaging the fabric

Every carpet material is different. Some handle moisture or heat just fine, while others become a mess at the slightest drop of the wrong product.

The age of the smudge makes a world of difference as well. Catching a stain early gives you the upper hand; soft stains dissolve without resistance.

Once they harden, everything changes. In case oils and pigment have bonded to the fibres, soften the wax first to loosen them. Follow with another cleaning round to finish things off.

Either way, you don’t need fancy equipment or solutions. The following household staples will do the trick:

The goal here isn’t just to erase the blemish but to do so without wrecking your flooring in the process. To restore synthetics, like Olefin or Triexta, back to their original glory, follow these steps to a T.

1. Scoop, don’t smear. Using a butter knife or spoon, scrape off any makeup sitting on top, but be careful not to rub it in.
2. Blot with diluted dish soap. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with lukewarm water, dip your cloth in the solution, then blot the blemish from the outside in. You can try 70% isopropyl alcohol or vinegar instead. Both are suitable for most artificial materials and can dissolve oil particles quickly.
3. Rinse and dry. As the mark starts fading, grab a cloth dampened with plain water and blot lightly until the residue disappears. Pat dry with a paper towel to catch any remaining moisture.
4. Repeat as necessary. Makeup designed for long wear and matte formulas are challenging to eliminate. When this is a concern, you should give the piece time to dry fully and try another round.

Natural weaves, including wool, jute, sisal, and cotton blends, demand extra caution.

• Avoid alcohol and vinegar. These wreck delicate fabrics. They strip natural oils, roughen weaves, and dull the finish.
• Try a mild detergent or compatible product. This is a much safer alternative—just make sure to mix it with cold water and try it on a hidden patch first. If it passes the test, dab it carefully on the soiled area.
• Rinse the fabric. Wash out the spot in question lightly to remove any loosened particles or suds before drying it thoroughly.

Now, about those viral ‘miracle’ hacks you’ll find online, most are better left untested. Take white vinegar, for example. Though it works wonders on synthetic coverings, it’s too acidic for wool and other organic materials and can cause them to fade or lose their texture.

Similarly, rubbing alcohol fares better on synthetics than plant-based fibres, as it can strip their natural oils and weaken the weave.

You’ll also see hairspray and WD-40 floating around forums. These so-called miracle fixes are a real trap for the unwary, as they tend to leave behind a sticky film that clings to every speck of dust and grime.

Instead of dealing with one spill, they’ll drag you into a never-ending vacuuming vortex.

Many people mistakenly believe that hydrogen peroxide is safe for carpets, too. This multipurpose chemical has a habit of bleaching dyed fabrics and leaving pale blotches behind. The result? A patchy floor that looks even worse, especially in areas that have already faded due to heavy foot traffic.

What NOT to do when cleaning lipstick from the carpet

A few small slip-ups can make a minor problem snowball into a much worse one. To remove lipstick from your carpet without damaging it or sacrificing your weekend, you must…

When to call a carpet cleaning expert?

Sometimes, that stubborn smear just won’t budge, no matter how careful or determined you are.

If the ‘get the lipstick out of the carpet’ mission is starting to feel like a lost cause, it might be time to bring in the experts.

This is also your best bet if the smudge has been sitting for a while, the rug is made of a sensitive material, or the pigment has spread significantly.

Certified cleaners use advanced equipment and potent yet fabric-safe products that household supplies simply can’t match. They know exactly how to treat each material and dissolve oils and pigments without damaging the pile.

In addition to saving your sanity, they’ll save you a small fortune on premature replacements down the line by preventing long-term damage.