Whether you wear makeup every day or only on special occasions, chances are you’ve had a moment where foundation spilled from the bottle or transferred from your skin onto your favourite outfit.
Not all foundations are created equal, and that’s what makes them tricky to remove. Oil-based and liquid formulas cling to fabric fibres and leave greasy marks, while powder foundations can settle into the weave, causing dull patches. Using the right stain remover for your fabric type is key to lifting the stain without damage.
While Kim Kardashian famously swears by shaving cream to lift foundation stains, our experts at the GHI have tried-and-tested methods of their own. Here’s how to remove foundation stains from clothes and carpets effectively.
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GHI Tip: The first thing you should do is gently scrape off any solid residue with a blunt knife.
Washable fabrics
No stain remover to hand? Don’t panic — act fast and wash the item as soon as possible using a biological laundry detergent (if the fabric allows). However, the most effective option is to pair your detergent with a pre-wash or in-wash stain remover, such as Vanish, to give it extra cleaning power.
For cotton garments, lightly spray the stained area with De.Solv.It, following the manufacturer’s directions. Repeat if needed, then wash the item on the hottest temperature safe for the fabric, using a biological detergent.
If the mark remains, soak the item in an oxi-action pre-wash stain remover (like Vanish), selecting a formula designed for either whites or colours depending on your garment.
For other washable fabrics (excluding silk and wool), spot-treat the area with Stain Devils Nature & Cosmetics before washing according to the care label.
Stain busters for washable fabrics
Vanish Fabric Stain Remover, Oxi Action Powder, 1 kg
Dr Beckmann Stain Devils – Cosmetics and Nature
De.Solv.it Universal Stain Remover & Pre Wash 100ml
Carpet
Foundation can be stubborn when it hits the carpet, but it’s not impossible to remove. Start by scraping off as much residue as possible with a blunt knife, then blot the area gently with dry paper towels to absorb any excess. Avoid rubbing — this only spreads the stain further.
Mix one teaspoon of washing-up liquid with one cup of warm water, and gently work the solution into the stain using a damp cloth. Keep rotating to a clean part of the cloth as you blot to lift the makeup. This may take a little patience, but persistence pays off!
Once the foundation has disappeared, rinse the area with plain water to remove detergent residue, then blot again with a dry cloth or paper towels to absorb moisture.
Alternatively, you can try using a make-up remover to tackle foundation on carpets — just remember to test it first on an inconspicuous patch to ensure it won’t damage or discolour the fibres.
GH Tip: Avoiding spills is all about control — put foundation on the back of your hand and apply to the face from there. Also, you could tuck tissues into the neckline of your outfit, like make-up artists do, to be doubly sure of not getting any spilt on your top.
What not to do when treating foundation stains
Before you grab the nearest cleaning product, take note of these common mistakes, they can make stains even harder to shift:
- Don’t apply hot water straight away – heat can “set” the pigment and oil, locking the stain into the fibres. Always start with cool or lukewarm water.
- Avoid rubbing the fabric – scrubbing spreads the stain and can damage delicate fibres. Blot gently instead.
- Skip the bleach – unless the garment is white and bleach-safe, it can strip colour and weaken the fabric.
- Don’t delay cleaning – foundation sets quickly, so act fast before it dries.
- Be cautious with solvents – products like acetone or alcohol can dissolve dyes in certain fabrics, so always test on an inconspicuous spot first.
Must-have stain removers
Bicarbonate Of Soda
Astonish Oxy Active Non Bio Fabric Stain Remover
Dr. Beckmann Cosmetics & Nature Make-Up, Grass & Mud Stain Remover
No Nonsense White Spirit
