How to Remove Lipstick from a Shirt Collar

The Logic Verdict

My Take: Sue’s method tackles lipstick’s wax, oil, and dye in three short steps: dab the mark with denatured alcohol to loosen the wax, smear dishwashing detergent across the pigment, and finish with a stain stick before a cold wash and air-dry. The combo pulls the color without scorching the collar.

The Science

Lipstick is basically wax, oil, and strong pigments. Denatured alcohol dissolves wax and lifts oil so detergents can reach the dye. Dish soap brings surfactants to disperse the color, while a stain stick (built on enzymes/solvents) sits on the fabric through the wash. Cold water keeps any remaining pigment from re-setting into the cotton blend, and air-drying lets you re-treat if needed.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Blot with alcohol. Place a paper towel behind the collar. Moisten a soft cloth or cotton ball with denatured alcohol and dab the lipstick until you see transfer. Avoid rubbing so you don’t spread the stain.
2. Add dish soap. Dot a bit of dishwashing detergent onto your fingertip and massage it over the mark to emulsify the remaining oils and pigments.
3. Boost with a stain stick. If you have a laundry stain stick or gel, glide it over the treated area to keep active ingredients in place through the wash.
4. Wash cold. Launder the shirt on a cold cycle with regular detergent. Skip hot water; it can set residual dye.
5. Air-dry and inspect. Hang or lay flat to dry. If any color lingers, repeat the alcohol and soap steps before the next wash.

Parts & Tools

• Klean-Strip Denatured Alcohol (Amazon) – Matches the solvent Sue dabbed on the lipstick.
• Palmolive Ultra Dish Soap (Amazon) – Any grease-cutting dish soap works for the second step.
• Shout Laundry Stain Stick (Amazon) – Keeps enzymes concentrated on the collar during the wash.

What NOT To Do

• Don’t scrub dry lipstick with a brush—it will grind wax deeper into the weave.
• Don’t run the shirt through a hot dryer until you’re sure the stain is gone; heat sets pigment.
• Don’t mix denatured alcohol with bleach or other strong cleaners; use it alone and in a ventilated area.

Resources

• Klean-Strip Denatured Alcohol (Amazon)
• Palmolive Ultra Dish Soap (Amazon)
• Shout Laundry Stain Stick (Amazon)