Erase Stubborn Lip Balm Stains: Ultimate Guide to Post-Drying Stain Removal

Lip balm, a staple in many people’s beauty routines, can sometimes leave an unwelcome mark on our clothes. If you’ve accidentally dried clothing with lip balm residue, don’t despair! Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you remove it effectively and restore your garments to their pristine condition.

1. Identify the Lip Balm Type

The first step is to determine the type of lip balm you’ve used. Different formulas may require slightly different removal techniques:

• Wax-based: Hard and waxy, these lip balms contain beeswax or paraffin.
• Oil-based: Made with oils like shea butter or coconut oil, these lip balms are typically softer.
• Petroleum-based: Vaseline or petroleum jelly are the main ingredients in these lip balms.

2. Scrape Off Excess

Using a butter knife or dull edge, gently scrape off any excess lip balm from the clothing. Be careful not to spread it further.

3. Treat Wax-Based Lip Balm

a. Freezer Method: Place the affected area in a freezer for at least 30 minutes. The lip balm will harden and become easier to remove. Once frozen, use a butter knife to scrape it off.

b. Hot Iron Method: Place a clean cloth over the lip balm stain and apply a hot iron on low heat. The heat will melt the lip balm, and you can blot it away with the cloth.

4. Treat Oil-Based Lip Balm

a. Dish Soap Method: Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain and rub gently with a clean cloth. Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.

b. Cornstarch Method: Sprinkle cornstarch over the stain and let it sit for a few hours. The cornstarch will absorb the oil. Brush off the cornstarch and launder as usual.

5. Treat Petroleum-Based Lip Balm

a. WD-40 Method: Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Blot with a clean cloth and launder as usual.

b. Goo Gone Method: Apply a small amount of Goo Gone to the stain and rub gently with a cloth. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

6. Laundering

Once you’ve removed the lip balm residue, launder the garment as usual. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can set the stain.

7. Drying

Air dry the garment to prevent the lip balm from melting and re-attaching to the fabric.

Additional Tips

• Test any removal method on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
• If the lip balm stain is large or has set in, consider taking the garment to a professional dry cleaner.
• To prevent future lip balm stains, always remove any excess lip balm from clothing before washing and drying.

FAQ

Q: Can I use nail polish remover to remove lip balm stains?
A: No, nail polish remover is not recommended as it can damage the fabric.

Q: What if the lip balm stain is on a delicate fabric like silk?
A: Use a gentle method like the cornstarch method. Avoid using harsh chemicals or heat.

Q: Can I use a hair dryer to dry the garment after removing the lip balm?
A: No, heat can set the stain. Always air dry the garment.