There may be times when you or your guests go to bed with makeup on and the next day you’re left with messy makeup stains on your pillowcases and sheets. No matter how they got there, you need to know some helpful tips for removing them.

Note: It’s always a good idea to check the care instructions for your bedding before trying any of the following cleaning instructions. In addition, it’s recommended to do a spot test on a small patch to ensure a cleaning solution won’t leave a stain or bleach your fabric.

Removing Mascara from Pillowcases

Even though many mascaras claim to be waterproof and smudgeproof, it’s inevitable that they can leave remants on your bedding. Fortunately, removing these traces aren’t difficult if you follow these suggested steps.

What you will need:

  • butter knife or spoon
  • several drops of gentle, dishwashing liquid
  • two cups of water
  • microfiber cloths
  1. Using a butter knife or spoon, gently scrape mascara off your bedding.
  2. Make a soapy solution with water and the dishwashing liquid.
  3. Dampen a cloth with the solution.
  4. Blot lightly at the stain, rewetting the cloth if needed.
  5. Rinse the area under running water in the sink to remove any detergent residue.
  6. Wash your bedding as usual, but let it air dry. You want to avoid dryer heat which could set stains more.
  7. Repeat the previous steps until the stain is completely eliminated.

Removing Foundation from Sheets

Makeup foundation can be messy to remove from your bedding, but the following steps should make cleaning much easier.

What you will need:

  • butter knife or spoon
  • shaving cream
  • water
  • microfiber cloths
  1. Using a butter knife or spoon, gently scrape the foundation off your bedding.
  2. Spray shaving cream on the area and leave it on up to five minutes.
  3. Dab gently at the stain with a damp cloth, dabbing from the outside in towards the center and switch to a clean cloth as needed.
  4. Rinse the area with cold water.
  5. Repeat the previous steps until the foundation is removed.
  6. Wash the sheets as usual, but air dry them to prevent your dryer from setting the stain.
  7. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.

Cleaning Lipstick From Sheets

Lipstick can be harder to clean as it is usually more oily than other types of makeup.  However, the following steps should make this cleaning task much easier.

What you will need:

  • butter knife or spoon
  • witch hazel or isopropyl rubbing alcohol
  • cotton balls
  1. Using a butter knife or spoon, gently scrape the lipstick off your bedding.
  2. Wet a cotton ball in isopropyl rubbing alcohol or witch hazel and blot the stain with it.
  3. Repeat with more wet cotton balls until the stain is lifted. This may take time depending on the stain.
  4. Wash the sheets as usual, but air dry them to prevent your dryer from setting the stain more.
  5. Repeat this process as needed.

Our home cleaning company usually doesn’t offer laundry services, but we can offer bedroom cleaning. However, if you need cleaning services for a special occasion or need help due to a busy schedule, we’re available to provide you with cleaning services for your whole household.