Leaning back after doing your make-up, or a child who’s been playing with mum’s foundation: a make-up stain on the sofa is especially noticeable on light-coloured upholstery. The tricky part with foundation and most make-up is that it contains both oil and pigment — so water alone, or a plain cloth, won’t do the job.
What you’ll need
- Clean, white cloths
- A small amount of washing-up liquid (breaks down oil) mixed with lukewarm water
- A fabric cleaner for any remaining residue, such as our Fabric Cleaner
- Optionally, a soft brush for dried-in powder residue
Step by step
- Remove loose powder or excess make-up first. Gently brush off or wipe away loose residue with a soft brush or the edge of a cloth before using any liquid — otherwise you’ll just work the powder deeper into the fibres.
- Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with lukewarm water. Washing-up liquid is specifically designed to break down oil and grease, and foundation contains both.
- Blot the stain gently, from the outside in. Don’t rub — that pushes the oil and pigment deeper into the fabric and spreads the stain.
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, which would otherwise attract more dirt.
- Treat any remaining haze with a fabric cleaner and let it air dry fully.
A note of caution
Always test any product on an inconspicuous spot first, especially on light or delicate fabrics. Don’t use hot water — it can set the pigments further into the fibres.
When should you call in a professional?
Has the stain already dried in, does it cover a large area, or does a greasy haze remain visible after treatment? Then the oil has often soaked in deeper than a surface treatment can handle. Our professional cleaning tackles oil and pigment stains thoroughly, even on light upholstery. Get in touch for free, no-obligation advice.
