How to Get Lip Gloss Out of Jeans (Without Ruining Them)

A Fashion Emergency We’ve All Faced

There’s nothing that ruins the line of a perfect pair of vintage jeans quite like a smudge of glossy pink. I’ve been there—a dropped applicator right before heading out for the evening. It’s a moment of pure panic, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your favorite denim.

To win the battle, you first have to understand the enemy. Lip gloss stains are difficult to remove because they are a combination of an oil-based stain for shine and a pigment stain for color. We need to tackle both parts without harming the fabric. With the right technique, you can handle it like a pro.

The 3 Golden Rules: What to Do in the First 60 Seconds

How you react in the first minute can make all the difference between a simple fix and a permanent mark.

Rule 1: Scrape Off the Excess. Before you do anything else, grab a dull knife, the edge of a credit card, or a spoon. Gently scrape off any solid, goopy excess from the surface of the jeans. This prevents the stain from getting any larger.

Rule 2: Blot the Oil. Next, take a clean, dry cloth or a paper towel and use a gentle blotting motion on the stain. This will start to lift the oil component. Never, ever rub or wipe, as that will only push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers.

How to Remove Lip Gloss from Jeans: 3 Proven Methods

With the prep work done, it’s time to remove the stain. I recommend starting with Method 1, as it’s often the most effective and safest for all denim types.

Method 1: The Go-To Technique Using Dish Soap

This is my go-to for a reason. The same ingredients that cut through grease on your dishes work wonders on the oils in lip gloss.

You’ll Need:

• Clear, grease-fighting dish soap (like Dawn)
• A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush is perfect)
• Cold water

Steps:

1. Apply a single drop of dish soap directly onto the lip gloss stain.
2. Gently work the soap into the stain using your fingertip or the soft-bristled brush in a small, circular motion.
3. Let the soap sit for 10-15 minutes. This gives it time to fully break down the oil.
4. Rinse the entire area thoroughly with a steady stream of cold water until all suds are gone.

Method 2: The DIY Paste for Natural Stain Lifting

If you prefer a home remedy or don’t have the right soap on hand, this absorbent paste works wonders.

You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar or water
• A small bowl

Steps:

1. Create a thick paste by mixing a few tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water or white vinegar.
2. Apply the paste so it completely covers the stained area.
3. Let the paste dry completely, which can take 30 to 60 minutes. As it dries, it will pull the oil out of the denim.
4. Gently scrape off the dried paste and rinse the area clean with cold water.

Method 3: Using Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains

For a really stubborn or slightly older stain, a solvent like rubbing alcohol may be needed to break down the pigment and wax. Remember to test this first!

You’ll Need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• A cotton swab or cotton ball

Steps:

1. Lightly dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
2. Dab the stain gently, working from the outside edges inward. This prevents the stain from spreading.
3. You should see the gloss pigment transfer from the jeans to the swab. Use a fresh part of the swab as it picks up the color.
4. Once the stain is lifted, rinse the area with cold water to remove any residual alcohol.

The Final Touch: How to Wash Your Jeans Post-Treatment

You’ve treated the spot, but you’re not done yet. The final wash is critical to success.

After treating the stain with your chosen method, wash the jeans as you normally would, but make sure to use a cold water cycle.

Before you even think about the dryer, carefully inspect the area where the stain was. Ensure the stain is completely gone.

CRITICAL WARNING: Never put jeans in a machine dryer unless you are 100% certain the stain is removed. The high heat from a dryer will cook the stain into the fabric, setting it permanently.

For the first wash after treatment, always air dry your jeans. Lay them flat or hang them up. This is your final quality check to make sure no trace of oil remains.

Special Care for Your Denim: Expert Advice

Not all denim is created equal. Here’s how to adapt for your specific pair.

• Dark Wash & Colored Jeans: These are more susceptible to color loss. Solvents like rubbing alcohol can potentially lift dye, so the “test first” step is non-negotiable. Stick to the dish soap method for the safest results.
• Stretch Denim: Jeans with a high percentage of elastane or spandex for that perfect fit can be damaged by harsh solvents. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and stick to gentle methods like dish soap to protect the fabric’s stretch and recovery.
• When to Call a Professional: If your jeans are a cherished vintage pair, made of a delicate denim blend, or if the stain persists after two gentle attempts, don’t risk it. It’s time to trust a professional dry cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use hairspray to remove a lip gloss stain?

This is an old trick that we no longer recommend. While older aerosol hairsprays contained alcohol that acted as a solvent, many modern formulas do not. Using hairspray now can introduce unknown chemicals, lacquers, and oils, potentially making the stain worse. It’s much safer and more effective to use pure isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) so you know exactly what you’re working with.

What if the lip gloss stain is old or has already been through the dryer?

An old or heat-set stain is significantly harder to remove, but not always impossible. Your best bet is to start with Method 1: The Dish Soap Technique. Apply the dish soap and let it sit for at least an hour, or even overnight, to give it maximum time to rehydrate and break down the set-in oils. You may need to repeat the process two or three times before washing.

Will these methods work on white jeans?

Yes, but you must be extra cautious. The dish soap and baking soda methods are the safest starting points for white denim. If a slight pigment stain remains after treatment, you can dab it with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide. You must test this on an inner seam first, as hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can affect fabrics differently.

Can I use this method for other makeup stains?

Absolutely. The grease-fighting dish soap method is particularly effective for any oil-based makeup. This includes liquid foundation, concealer, and cream blushes. The key is always to tackle the oily component first.

A Final Word from Your Stylist

So there you have it—your action plan for tackling that stray lip gloss. A small stain should never sideline a great pair of jeans from your wardrobe rotation. Now you have the stylist’s know-how to handle it like a pro and keep your denim looking flawless.