To get mascara out of clothes effectively, follow these expert-recommended steps:
- Remove excess mascara carefully : Use a spoon or a blunt edge to gently scrape off any excess mascara without rubbing it further into the fabric
- Use alcohol or micellar water : Dab pure alcohol or micellar water on a cotton pad and gently blot the stain. Repeat until the stain lifts. Micellar water helps transfer the stain onto a clean towel placed behind the fabric
- Apply grease-fighting dish soap or detergent : Dab some dish soap or a heavy-duty liquid detergent onto the stain and gently rub it under warm water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to break down oily components of the mascara
- Soak if needed : For stubborn stains, soak the garment in lukewarm water with detergent for 30 minutes before washing
- Pre-treat with stain remover : Use a commercial stain remover or a detergent designed for greasy stains (e.g., Ariel liquid) and spread it over the stain before washing
- Wash according to fabric care instructions : Wash the clothing in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Avoid using the dryer until the stain is completely gone, as heat can set the stain permanently
- Air dry and repeat if necessary : After washing, air dry the garment and check if the stain is gone. Repeat the treatment if needed before drying again
Additional tips:
- For white clothes, specialized stain removers like HG stain away no. 5 can be effective
- Avoid rubbing the stain harshly to prevent spreading or embedding it deeper into the fabric
- Water-based mascaras are generally easier to remove than oil-based ones
This approach combines gentle blotting, targeted stain breaking, and proper washing to remove mascara stains from clothes efficiently.
