How To Remove Makeup / Foundation Stain

These steps work for make-up & foundation, as well as face powder, rouge, and eyebrow pencil.

Washables and Nonwashables:
  • Drip a small amount of dry cleaning fluid through the spot from the underside of the fabric, allowing it to soak onto a clean pad of unbleached muslin or a folded paper towel.  Dry cleaning fluid removes the oily part of the stain, which can be found in both liquid (foundation) and solid (powder) components of make-up.
  • Take another pad, moisten with dry cleaning fluid and gently blot the mark, repeating as the fluid evaporates.  If you see color transferring to the clean pad, throw it away and use a fresh one.
  • If stain remains, repeat the same steps using 8 parts dry cleaning fluid combined with 1 part mineral oil.  The mineral oil helps lubricate the stain if it's begun to set.  Finish by flushing with dry cleaning fluid alone and allow to dry.
  • If you are working on a rouge or blush stain, or any stain that appears to have dyes, repeat the drip & blot process with rubbing alcohol.

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