We tried it: 3 ways to remove lipstick stains — naturally.

How can one inch of Temptation Red cause so much potential tragedy? From an off-kilter kiss that smears across a shirt collar to a clumsy drop of the tube, lipstick stains look fierce, but there’s a good chance they’ll come out in the wash — if you pretreat the stain properly.

Almost all lipstick stains are solvent-based, made with waxes, oils, and dyes, which are all challenging substances when it comes to getting them out of fabric without using harsh chemicals like bleach.

An Internet search will net you plenty of different methods for getting lipstick stains out of clothes — in fact, we found so many that we decided to try out the three we saw most frequently (aside from stain removal sprays): dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and vinegar.

So, what works? Read on, and find out.

First, a couple of considerations for removing lipstick stains

No matter what method or products you use to remove lipstick from your clothes, the first step is to carefully scrape off excess lipstick with a butter knife. Chances are, you’ll only have to perform this step if you sat on an open tube of lipstick or your kid got ahold of your ‘stick and smeared it with a heavy hand, as kids are wont to do.

Before you start the stain-removal process, check the garment’s care label, and wash it in the hottest water recommended — which will usually be a cold water wash, on account of new technologies in laundry detergents and washing machines that make hot water unnecessary most of the time.

(The exceptions are towels, items that have been in contact with someone who’s sick, and bedding that’s rife with dust mites or bed bugs.)

How to remove lipstick with dish soap

Step 1: Fold up a paper towel (ideally a tree-free or reusable paper towel) and lay the stained side on top of it. Squeeze a sploosh of dish soap on the back side of the stain (we used Mrs. Meyers in their delightful peony scent — yum!).

Step 2: Rub the soap into the fabric with your finger for around 30 seconds.

Step 3: Wet a clean cloth, and rub again for around the same amount of time.

Step 4: Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Want natural dish soap options? Here are our members’ 10 highest-rated natural dish soaps from earth-friendly brands on Grove.

How to remove lipstick with rubbing alcohol

Step 1: First, do a tiny patch test in an inconspicuous place on the fabric to ensure the rubbing alcohol won’t damage or discolor it.

Step 2: Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with rubbing alcohol (we used alcohol swabs.)

Step 3: Blot the stain — don't rub! — with the alcohol-soaked cotton ball.

Step 4: Dampen a clean cloth with cool water, and blot at the stain again — don’t rub!

Step 5: Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Can vinegar remove lipstick stains?

Step 1: Do a patch test in an inconspicuous spot to ensure the vinegar won’t damage or discolor the fabric.

Step 2: Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with plain ol’ white vinegar or cleaning vinegar, which is a smidge stronger than plain ol’.

Step 3: Blot the stain — don't rub! — with the vinegar-soaked cotton ball.

Step 4: Dampen a clean cloth with cool water, and blot the stain again — don’t rub!

Step 5: Let it sit for 15 minutes.