If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had the unfortunate experience of getting mascara on your clothes. It seems like no matter how carefully you apply it, there’s always that one rogue lash that ends up ruining your shirt.
Or, even worse, you accidentally drop the wand and end up with a big black smudge on your sleeve. But don’t worry—I’m here to help.
In this article, I will share my tried-and-true methods for getting mascara out of clothes. These methods are quick, easy, and best of all, they actually work. So, if you’re looking for a way to get rid of that pesky mascara stain, read on.
How to get mascara out of clothes
1. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a solvent that can dissolve and break down the oily pigments in mascara. The high evaporation rate of rubbing alcohol can also help to lift the stain from the fabric.
To remove mascara stains using rubbing alcohol, you can follow these steps:
- Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into an old cup, then apply it directly to the stain.
- Rub the alcohol into the stain with a white cloth or sponge.
- Allow the alcohol to sit on the stain for at least 2 minutes.
- Rinse the clothing thoroughly with water to remove any remaining alcohol.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
2. Laundry detergent
Laundry detergent effectively removes mascara stains from clothes because it contains enzymes and surfactants designed to break down and remove various types of stains, including oily or greasy stains like mascara.
To remove mascara stains using laundry detergent, you can follow these steps:
- Dampen the stained area of the clothing with water.
- Apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly to the stain.
- Rub the detergent into the stain with a white cloth or sponge.
- Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse the clothing thoroughly with water to remove any remaining detergent.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
3. Bleach
Another great option is to use bleach. Bleach works by breaking down the pigments in the mascara and lifting them out of the cloth.
To remove mascara stains using bleach, you can follow these steps:
- Mix 1 part bleach to 5 parts water in a bucket or basin.
- Dip the stained clothing into the solution, and then gently scrub the affected area.
- Rinse the clothing thoroughly with water to remove any remaining bleach solution.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
It’s important to note that not all fabric can be bleached, and some fabrics may be damaged by bleach. It’s always a good idea to check the care label on the clothing and to test a small, inconspicuous area before using bleach on the entire stain.
4. Dish soap
Dish soap is an effective stain remover because it contains surfactants, which help to break down and remove stains.
To remove mascara stains using dish soap, you can follow these steps:
- Dampen the stained area of the clothing with water.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain and gently rub it in for a few minutes.
- Rinse the clothing thoroughly with water to remove any remaining stains.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
It’s important to be gentle when using dish soap on clothes, as excessive rubbing can damage the fabric.
5. Makeup remover wipes
Makeup remover wipes are pre-moistened wipes typically formulated with ingredients, such as solvents, oils, and surfactants, that work together to remove makeup products such as mascara and lipstick.
To remove mascara from clothes using makeup remover wipes, you can follow these steps:
- Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much mascara as possible.
- Gently wipe the stain with a makeup remover wipe, being careful not to rub the fabric too hard or use too much force.
- If the stain is still visible after the wipe, take a new wipe and repeat the above steps.
6. Hairspray
Hairspray can be used to remove mascara stains from clothes because it contains alcohol, which can dissolve and break down the oily pigments in mascara. Additionally, the propellant in hairspray can help lift the stain from the fabric.
To remove mascara stains using hairspray, you can follow these steps:
- Spray a small amount of hairspray directly on the stain.
- Rub the hairspray into the stain with a white cloth or sponge.
- Allow the hairspray to sit on the stain for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse the clothing thoroughly with water to remove any remaining hairspray.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
7. Shaving cream
Shaving cream contains oils and surfactants, which help to break down and remove oily or greasy stains like mascara. To remove mascara stains using shaving cream, you can follow these steps:
- Apply a small amount of shaving cream directly to the stain.
- Gently rub the shaving cream into the stain for 2-3 minutes.
- Allow the shaving cream to sit on the stain for at least 3 minutes.
- Rinse the clothing thoroughly with water to remove all traces of shaving cream.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
8. Professional stain remover
Professional stain removers are products specifically designed to remove a wide range of stains from various surfaces, including clothes. They typically contain a combination of ingredients, such as surfactants, enzymes, and solvents, that work together to break down and remove the stain.
To use a professional stain remover, all you have to do is apply it directly to the stain and rub it in. Rinse the cloth thoroughly, and you’re good to go.
9. Professional dry cleaning
If all the above methods have failed, taking your clothes to a professional dry cleaner is another option. Dry cleaners have specialized equipment and professional-grade cleaning products designed to remove a wide range of stains, including mascara.
They also have the experience and expertise to handle delicate fabrics and remove mascara stains without causing damage to your clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you get mascara out of your couch?
Gently blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess mascara.
Then use a specialized fabric cleaner or a mild water and detergent solution to clean the stain gently. You should be very careful not to saturate the couch with the cleaning solution and avoid using hot water on the stain.
If the stain is still visible after trying these methods, consider hiring a professional cleaner. They have special equipment and cleaning solutions that can help to remove mascara stains from couches.
How do you get mascara out of your eye?
Flush it out with water.
You can do this by running water over your eye for a few minutes or by using an eyewash cup to flush the eye with water. It’s important not to rub your eye, as this can cause further irritation and spread the mascara.
You should also avoid using makeup remover or harsh chemicals to remove the mascara, as they can harm your eye. If you experience severe pain, redness, or swelling after removing the mascara, seek medical attention immediately.
Can you remove mascara stains from the carpet?
Yes, you can.
Start by blotting the stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much mascara as possible. Then mix a solution of 1/4 teaspoon non-bleach detergent with a cup of warm water. Apply the solution to the stain and gently blot it with a clean cloth (be careful not to saturate the carpet).
Rinse the area with clean water and then blot dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, you can try using a specialized carpet stain remover.
Conclusion
Getting mascara out of clothes can be a tricky task, but with the right cleaning methods, you can restore your clothes to their original condition.
You can choose to use bleach, dish soap, or laundry detergent. You can also try using makeup remover wipes, hairspray, shaving cream, or a professional stain remover. And if everything fails, you can simply take your clothes to a professional dry cleaner.
With these tips in mind, you can feel confident in tackling mascara stains and keeping your clothes looking their best.
Thanks for reading.
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