Makeup enhances our looks - well, it's supposed to - but it doesn't do much for clothes and linens. Here's how to remove makeup stains from clothes- even kid's face paint!

Start by treating the oily/waxy component of the stain with a pre-treater like Shout, Resolve or any stain remover. Then rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent (Tide, Wisk and Persil are considered heavy-duty)  or a paste made of powdered detergent and water.

Scrub stain lightly and rinse in hot water. Next, wash in the hottest water suitable for the fabric using detergent and an all-fabric bleach to remove the dye in the stain.

If the stain remains, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach (OxiClean, Clorox 2, Country Save Bleach, or Purex 2 Color Safe Bleach are brand names) and cool water. Follow the package directions as to how much product per gallon of water. Completely submerge the garment and allow it to soak for at least eight hours. Check the stain. If it is gone, wash as usual. If it remains, mix a fresh solution and repeat. It may take several soakings to remove the stain but it should come out. Be patient!

If the garment is dry clean only, point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

For more stain removal tips: Stain Removal A to Z

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