How To Get Mascara Out Of Clothes (PROVEN TECHNIQUES)

Have you ever faced such an irritating situation when your favorite cloth got mascara stains right before you stepped out of the door?

If yes!! Then trust me, we have all been in that situation, and it’s undoubtedly frustrating. Getting mascara stains out of clothes is not a joke, especially if you don’t have the proper arsenal at your disposal. But fear not, because, Whether you have a cotton fabric or cashmere or whether you have a fresh stain or set-in stains, we have got you covered.

In this comprehensive “How To Get Mascara out of Clothes” guide, we are going to be talking about all the efficient and effective methods vetted by industry experts to remove mascara stains from your clothes. Followed by answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

So without any further ado, let’s bid farewell to those stubborn mascara stains and bring your favorite clothes to their previous pristine condition. 

UNDERSTANDING MASCARA STAINS

Mascara stains on clothing can be a really hassle-some work to deal with. And that’s mainly because of the ingredients that are used in the production of this magical makeup. For those who don’t know what mascara is made of, it comprises various oils, waxes, and pigments that provide us with the desired length and volume. However, when these ingredients find their way into our favorite garment, they spell enormous trouble. 

Usually, the combination of oils and pigments firmly adheres to your clothing, making it very challenging to remove. And that’s precisely why acting as quickly as possible is advisable to avoid the potential of permanent stains on your clothes. In fact, if you leave the stain untreated, there are chances of the stain being set in and making it even more challenging to get rid of.

Moreover, the type of mascara formulation can play a significant role in cleaning the stain. There are various types of mascaras available these days, such as – Waterproof mascaras, washable mascaras, etc. Each mascara formulation type requires a different approach to get rid of the stain. 

For example – Waterproof mascaras stains are more challenging to get rid of. The conventional cleaning approach is not practical since waterproof mascaras are meant to withstand tears and humidity. As a result, it can provide pretty stubborn stains. On the other hand, washable or regular mascara stains are easier to get rid of, and the conventional cleaning approach works just fine.

PRE-TREATMENT STEPS 

When it comes to dealing with any makeup stains, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent the stain from being a permanent eyesore. However, dealing with the stain carefully is vital to avoid worsening the matter. Let’s talk about all the pre-treatment steps that you can take to save your favorite clothing from being permanently ruined. 

• ACT QUICKLY and AVOID RUBBING THE STAIN: As soon as you notice the mascara resist your temptation to rigorously rub the fabric. Since rubbing will spread the stains to a larger area and push it to the deep inside of the fabric and thus making it more challenging to remove. Instead, gently blot the mascara stain with a paper towel or tissue paper to absorb any excess mascara residue.

• USE a MILD DETERGENT or PRE-TREATMENT STAIN REMOVER: Before jumping into the main cleaning process, we recommend using a mild detergent or a pre-treatment stain-removing agent on the affected area. This will help break down the oils and pigments in the mascara stain, allowing you to remove the stain with ease in the subsequent cleaning process.

Always remember to get rid of the mascara stains and get your favorite clothing in pristine condition; pre-treatment steps are important to prepare the stained area for further cleaning process and increase the effectiveness of the overall stain removal process.

HOW TO GET MASCARA OUT OF CLOTHES

You can use various ingredients to get rid of mascara stains from your favorite clothing. Let’s discuss some of the most popular methods vetted by industry experts.

METHOD 1: DISH SOAP and WATER 

Mascaras are usually oil-based, so only water can’t help you remove the mascara stains. To get rid of the stains, you need a gentle cleanser and water that can combine work effectively in removing the stains. And that gentle cleanser can be dish soap. Dish soaps are gentle on clothing fibers, and dish soap’s surfactants effectively break down the oils and pigments of mascara stains.

In addition to that, Dish soaps are usually readily available and a non-toxic option for stain removal. You can quickly remove the mascara stains by following the pre-treatment steps and gently scrubbing the stain with dish soap and water.

Let’s talk about the things you need and the steps you need to follow for this method –

THINGS YOU NEED:

1. Clean white cloth or paper towels
2. Mild liquid dish soap
3. Cold water
4. Bowl or basin
5. Old toothbrush (optional)
6. Laundry detergent (optional for tougher stains)

STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW:

1st STEP: BLOT THE STAIN – The first step is to blot the mascara stain using a paper towel or with a clean cloth gently again to remove the excess mascara residue.

2nd STEP: PREPARE THE SOAPY SOLUTION – Next, add a few drops of dish soap in a bowl or basin and mix it well with cold water to create a soapy solution.

CAUTION – Avoid using hot water as it will help the stain to set in.

3rd STEP: DAB and SOAK – Then take another fresh white cloth, dip it into the soapy water, and dab it into the stain. This will help the fabric loosen up the mascara stain’s oils and pigments.

4th STEP: GENTLY CLEANSE THE STAIN – Next, gently scrub over the stains using a soft-bristled toothbrush in a circular motion. Continue to scrub until the stain starts to lift off. 

CAUTION – While brushing, you must be gentle with the process to not damage the delicate fabrics of your clothing.

5th STEP: RINSE WITH COLD WATER – Rinse the affected area with some cold water to remove the soapy water. You can also hold your clothes under a gentle stream of cold water.

6th STEP: CHECK for RESIDUAL STAINS – Finally, check for any further stains on your clothing. If you find traces of any residue, repeat the above steps one by one. And before repeating this time, apply some laundry detergent directly over the stain. 

ADDITIONAL TIPS and PRECAUTIONS using DISH SOAP – 

• As every fabric is different, perform a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to avoid damage.
• Always avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals as there can be a chance of damaging the fabric.
• If your fabric is delicate, like silk, chiffon, or maybe cashmere, and requires special care. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

METHOD 2: RUBBING ALCOHOL

Rubbing alcohol, AKA Isopropyl Alcohol, is another powerful solvent that can be used to remove stubborn mascara stains. Rubbing alcohol works really well in breaking down the mascara pigments and oils; when applied directly over the stains, it becomes effortless to wipe the stains away. Moreover, it evaporates quickly, reducing the chances of the fabric getting over-saturated and causing damage.

Let’s talk in detail about how to get mascara out of clothes using rubbing alcohol – 

THINGS YOU NEED:

1. Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol) – 70% concentration or higher is recommended.
2. Clean white cloth or cotton balls
3. Cold water
4. Bowl or basin

STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW: 

1st STEP: BLOT THE STAIN – First, blot the mascara stain using a clean cloth to remove excess stain residue and to prepare for the rubbing alcohol treatment.

2nd STEP: TEST in a HIDDEN AREA – Rubbing alcohol makes the cleaning process more straightforward, but it also has the potential to damage or discolor the fabric. So to avoid this, patch test in an inconspicuous area like the inside seam or hem of your clothing.

3rd STEP: APPLY RUBBING ALCOHOL – Now dampen a clean white cloth or a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and carefully dab over the stains from outside of the stains to the center.  

CAUTION – Avoid rubbing as this can spread the stains further.

4th STEP: BLOT and LIFT: Using a different clean white cloth or cotton ball, blot the mascara stain to lift off the dissolved mascara. While doing so, you will notice the stains are gradually transferring from the fabric to the cloth.

5th STEP: RINSE with COLD WATER: Once you have successfully removed the mascara stains, rinse the area with cold water to remove any further alcohol or dissolved pigment.

ADDITIONAL TIPS and PRECAUTIONS – 

• USE HIGH CONCENTRATION: For the best result in cleaning, always opt for rubbing alcohol with a concentration of 70% or higher. 
• WORK in an OPEN AREA: The smell of rubbing alcohol is powerful, and a well-ventilated area is essential for dissipating the scent.
• STORE in SAFE PLACE: Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and should not be stored near heat sources or open flames. Also, store it where it won’t be easy for the children or pets to access.
• FOLLOW-UP with WASHING: After removing the stain using rubbing alcohol wash your clothing the usual way to remove the stains and the mascara residue.
• NEVER SOAK COMPLETELY – Never saturate your clothing with rubbing alcohol completely; instead, use a moderate amount.
• SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP: For more delicate fabrics like cashmere or silk, rather than using rubbing alcohol, it is recommended to seek professional help.

METHOD 3: USING HAIRSPRAY 

Hairspray is another effective alternative that can help dissolve the oils and pigments of mascara stains from fabrics. Hairspray contains alcohol which makes it easier to lift off the mascara stains. Moreover, hairspray is meant to provide a light hold on the hair. This particular characteristic makes it even more suitable to tackle fresh mascara stains without leaving any sticky residue. Hairspray is also a readily available household item.

Let’s find out step-by-step How to get mascara out of clothes effectively-   

THINGS YOU NEED:

1. Hairspray (preferably alcohol-based)
2. Some Clean white cloth or paper towels
3. Some Cold water
4. A bowl or a basin

STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW:

1st STEP: BLOT THE STAIN – Like every other method, you must begin the process by gently blotting the stains using a fresh cloth or paper towel. Make sure you refrain from rubbing in this step.

2nd STEP: APPLY HAIRSPRAY – Next, take your hair spray and hairspray directly into the stain from a few inches away from the affected cloth.

3rd STEP: BLOT & LIFT THE STAIN – Now, using a clean white cloth, start blotting the affected area; this will help you lift off the dissolved mascara. Keep blotting until the stain is transferred into the clean cloth.

4th STEP: RINSE with COLD WATER – Once you have successfully removed the mascara stains from your clothes. Rinse the affected area with some cold water to completely get rid of the residual stains and hairspray.

ADDITIONAL TIPS and PRECAUTIONS Using HAIRSPRAY:

• AVOID EXCESSIVE APPLICATION – Try not to overuse your hairspray and make it excessively saturated. Hairspray contains alcohol as well, so overusing it can damage the fabric.
• PATCH-TEST BEFORE USING – And just like every other method, don’t forget to patch-test in an inconspicuous place of your fabric to prevent it from getting damaged.

ADDITIONAL EFFECTIVE METHODS for REMOVING MASCARA STAINS

As the steps of tackling the mascara stain with any ingredients are more or less the same. In this section, we are going to give you ideas of more ingredients that you can use to effectively get your mascara stain out of your clothes.

• METHOD 4: MAKEUP WIPES/COTTON BALLS with MAKEUP REMOVER – When it comes to the time when you need to tackle a very small region with mascara stains or when you’re on the go or traveling, a makeup wipe/cotton balls soaked in makeup remover comes really handy. Makeup remover can also dissolve minor mascara stains effortlessly. 
• METHOD 5: BAKING SODA and WATER PASTE – Baking soda is another handy and natural ingredient that can fight against mascara stains. To work with it, add a small amount of baking soda in a bowl and mix it with some water until you get a thick but spreadable consistency. Apply the paste directly into the affected fabric and gently scrub against the stain using your nails. Once you completely get rid of the stain, wash the cloth using cold water. 
• METHOD 6: LEMON JUICE or WHITE VINEGAR – Both lemon juice and white vinegar is an acidic substance and works pretty well to dissolve the mascara stains. To work with them, you directly apply a tiny amount of either lemon juice or white vinegar directly over the stain and start blotting with a fresh cloth. While doing so, ensure you don’t excessively rub the affected area.
• METHOD 7: STAIN-REMOVING GEL or STICK – When it comes to the point where you’re dealing with a very tough and stubborn stain, stain-removing gel or stick comes in handy. Stain-removing gel/sticks efficiently remove mascara stains and almost every stain you can think of. However, not following the instructions in the product might bring devastating outcomes. So, follow the instructions carefully and act accordingly.
• METHOD 8: SEEKING PROFESSIONAL DRY CLEANING ASSISTANCE – And finally, if you want to avoid risking your fabric or you’re dealing with a very delicate one. It’s advisable to seek help from dry cleaning professionals as they are the people who have specialized equipment along with the necessary skill sets to deal with various types of fabrics to bring them to pristine condition.

HOW TO DEAL WITH SET-IN MASCARA STAINS

Often times we don’t notice the mascara stains immediately after the mishap happens. This causes the stain to set into the fiber, making removing it more challenging than usual. However, if you take the right approach, you can still effectively increase the chances of removing old set-in mascara stains. Here are some effective methods of taking off the old set-in stains.

• PRE-TREATMENT with DISH SOAP and WATER – Even for the set in mascara stains, pre-treatment is important. To pre-treat the mascara stain dampen the mascara-stained area using cold water and apply some dish soap. Gently rub the stain with dish soap; this will allow the dish soap to penetrate into the fibers. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to break down the stains and prepare for washing.
• BAKING SODA and VINEGAR PASTE – Now create a thick but spreadable paste with Baking soda and vinegar and directly apply it over the stained area. The abrasiveness of baking soda and the acidic nature of vinegar combined can help lift off the mascara stains. Let the paste rest over the stain for around an hour, then rinse it with cold water and launder your clothes.
• STAIN-REMOVING GEL – If you still see some mascara stain residue and your clothing fabric is not that delicate, use some stain-removing gel following the instructions on the product’s label. Stain-removing gels are formulated to break off even the most stubborn makeup stains.

Always remember, patience is required when you’re dealing with set-in mascara stains since set-in mascara stains might require multiple treatments or methods to get rid of the mascara stains from your clothing completely. 

CONSIDERATIONS for DIFFERENT FABRIC TYPES

Our clothing generally comes in a variety of fabrics, for example – Cotton, polyester, silk, wool, velvet, linen, chiffon, etc. Each of these fabrics has its unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and thus, the way they react to the stains is also different.

How a fabric reacts to the stain depends on various factors, such as the fabric’s absorbency, fiber structure, and the final finish of the clothing. There are some fabrics like silk or cotton are usually made up of natural fibers and have the tendency to absorb the stains pretty quickly, making it more challenging to get rid of the stains. 

Also, there are synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon usually have a smoother surface making it easier to clean any sort of stains.

Additionally, there are also some delicate fabrics like wool or cashmere that usually require special attention while cleaning.

Let’s look at how we should deal with some of the most popular clothing while cleaning, whether it’s fresh or set-in stains.

FABRIC TYPE	RECOMMENDATIONS for FRESH STAINS	RECOMMENDATIONS for SET-IN STAINS
COTTON	* Pre-treat with Dish Soap and Water. * Then use makeup wipes with makeup remover	* Consider soaking the garment in detergent and water before washing.
POLYESTER	* Blot with Rubbing Alcohol * Use Hairspray for quick Stain Removal	* Seek Professional Dry Cleaning
SILK	* Use makeup wipes with makeup remover * Avoid rubbing to prevent damage	* Seek Professional Dry Cleaning
WOOL	* Use Makeup wipes with Makeup remover * Use mild detergent for fresh stains * Avoid rubbing or using harsh chemicals	* Seek Professional Dry Cleaning
DENIM	*Pre-treat with Dish soap and Water * Use Stain-removing Gel	* Pre-treat the set-in stain with a stain-removing agent or a mixture of vinegar and water before washing. * Rub a small amount of detergent directly on the stain and allow it to sit for some time before washing.
RAYON	* Blot with Rubbing Alchohol * Apply Baking Soda and Water paste	* For colored rayon, consider using a color-safe stain remover or vinegar-water solution. * For white rayon, use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to treat the set-in stain.
LINEN	* Blot the stain with Mild detergent and a Clean Cloth * Avoid Hot water or Harsh chemicals	* Mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to the set-in stain. Leave it for a few hours before washing * Then use Mild Detergent and Cold Water for washing.
VELVET	* Gently blot the stain with a Damp cloth. * Avoid excessive water or Soaking.	* Seek Professional Cleaning for Set-in Stains.
CHIFFON	* Gently dab with a Mild Detergent Solution. * Don’t wring or twist the fabric.	* For colored Chiffon, use a color-safe stain remover. * For White Chiffon, Use the combination of Hydrogen Peroxide and water.
SATIN	* Blot the stain with Mild detergent and a Clean cloth. * Avoid Hot water or Harsh chemicals.	* Blot the stain with Mild detergent and a Clean Cloth. * Avoid Hot water or Harsh chemicals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

CAN I USE REGULAR SOAP to REMOVE MASCARA STAINS?

ANSWER: Regular soaps can be used for regular laundry purposes; however, it won’t be a wise decision to be dependent on regular soap in the stain-cleaning process. This is because regular soaps don’t have the necessary surfactants that are required to break down the oils and pigments in mascara. As a result, regular soap cannot fully lift off the stains. For better results than regular soap, we advise you to opt for dish soap or detergent that are designed explicitly for stain removal. 

HOW TO REMOVE WATERPROOF MASCARA STAINS from CLOTHING?

ANSWER: A waterproof mascara primarily aims to withstand water, sweat, and tears. This unique water-resistant property of waterproof mascara makes their stain more stubborn and resistant to regular stain removal methods. As a result, it becomes more challenging to remove waterproof mascara stains.

If you deal with waterproof mascara stains, we recommend you use an oil-based product in the pre-treatment process, for example – oil-based makeup removers or baby oils. These oil-based products can easily break down the oils and pigments on your waterproof mascara, making it easier to remove the stain in the final laundry process. Soak a clean cotton ball and gently dab it over the mascara stain to apply these oily products. Don’t, under any circumstances, rub the cotton ball. 

Once you get done with the pre-treatment steps. Using dish soap or a laundry detergent, launder your affected clothes and rinse them off with cold water.

CAN I USE BLEACH to REMOVE MASCARA STAINS?

ANSWER: You should never use bleach to remove mascara stains. Even if it’s waterproof, mascara stains.

This is because bleach is a powerful chemical that can cause discoloration of your clothes. Especially if your fabric is colored, you should refrain from using bleach to prevent permanent damage to your clothing.  

WHAT TO DO IF THE MASCARA STAIN PERSISTS AFTER TRYING THESE METHODS?

ANSWER: If, after following a stain removal method, the stain still persists on your clothing, the stain is either stubborn or has setted-in your fabric. 

In such situations, we recommend you repeat the pre-treatment process to further break down the stains, followed by general laundering. Even after this step, if you still see traces of stains remaining on the fabric, you must seek professional help.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In conclusion, we have tried to share all the mascara removal tips & techniques that are vetted by industry experts to help you become the master in mascara stain removal.

Please share the article so your friends and family can also learn how to get mascara out of clothes. And Finally, we recommend you subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get valuable tips like such right into your inbox.