How to remove Foundation Makeup from Linen
First 60 seconds
Do not reach for a rag and start scrubbing yet. Scrape away the excess foundation makeup from the linen, lifting solids off the surface without pressing them further in. A blend of oil, pigment and mineral powder that needs a solvent before soap can rinse it out, and strong when wet but creases and shows water rings if dried unevenly.
What you'll need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dish soap
- WD-40 or a similar lubricant
Step by step
- Gather your materials before you start — set out everything so you are not searching mid-treatment.
- Rubbing alcohol: dab with alcohol on a cotton pad, working from the edge in.
- Dish soap: mix a few drops with cold water into a light suds.
- WD-40 or a similar lubricant: spray lightly, wait a minute, then wipe from the outside in.
- Rinse and blot dry with a clean cloth, then press with dry towels and change them until no more transfers onto the towel.
Do not do this
- Hot water as a first step. It spreads oil-based stains before they can be lifted.
- Rubbing the spot. It pushes the stain deeper and spreads it outward.
Common questions
Can I use hot water to remove foundation makeup from linen?
Hot water is not usually necessary, but on linen it is safer to stay with cool water regardless, since strong when wet but creases and shows water rings if dried unevenly.
Is it safe to scrub the stain out?
Scrubbing usually makes things worse. Blot or lift instead of rubbing, working from the outer edge inward so the stain does not spread.
What if the foundation makeup stain has already dried?
A dried stain takes longer and may need repeated treatments, but the same agents still work — just re-wet the area gently first to reactivate the stain before treating it.