If you want to know how to get foundation out of clothes, the first thing you need to do is identify what type of fabric it has stained.
If your clothing is made from a natural fiber like cotton or wool, then all you have to do is soak the garment in cold water and add 1/4 cup white vinegar for about an hour.
Read on to find out how to get foundation out of clothes if your garment is made from a synthetic fiber.
Makeup Wipes for Instant Removal
As an alternative to home remedies, try using a makeup wipe on your clothing. These wipes contain chemicals that break down the substance causing the stain and enable you to remove it with just one swipe.
For stubborn stains, however, you’ll need a lot more than makeup wipes. You can use a spray bottle to spritz the area with WD-40 or Goo Gone, but be sure to test it first on an inconspicuous area of the garment.
No matter what you do, don’t ever rub a stain because that will only push it further into your clothing. Just gently blot the stained area with a clean cloth until all of the liquid comes up. After that, wash it in cold water and add 1/4 cup white vinegar to the load.
Removing Oil-Based Liquid Foundation Stains
Liquid Dish Soap and Laundry Detergent
If your clothing is stained with oil-based liquid foundation, then you can use dish soap or laundry detergent to help break it down. Mix 1/4 cup of either dish soap or laundry detergent with 1 cup of warm water and apply it to the stain.
Removing Oil-Free Liquid Foundation Stains
Shaving Cream and Rubbing Alcohol
If your clothing is stained with oil-free liquid foundation, you can use shaving cream and rubbing alcohol to help remove it. Apply a layer of shaving cream to the stain and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, pour some rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth and dab at the stain until it’s gone.
Be sure to wash the clothing as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting.

Removing Powder Foundation Stains
Mild Soap and Water
If your clothing is stained with powder foundation, you can use mild soap and water to help remove it. Mix 1 tablespoon of mild soap with 1 cup of warm water and apply it to the stain.
Gently rub at the stain until it’s gone and then rinse the area with cold water.
Salt and Vodka
If your clothing is stained with loose powder foundation, you can use salt and vodka to help remove it. Apply a layer of salt to the stain and pour some vodka on top of it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before gently rubbing until the powder comes out.
Wash the garment soon after removing the stain to prevent it from setting.
Removing Foundation from Carpet and Upholstery
If your clothing isn’t the only thing that’s stained, don’t worry – there are ways to get foundation out of carpet and upholstery, too.
For carpet stains, try using a vacuum cleaner to remove as much of the substance as possible. Then, mix 1/4 cup dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water and apply it to the stain. Let the mixture sit for about an hour and then vacuum it up with your machine.
For upholstery stains, you can use a spray bottle filled with WD-40 or Goo Gone to spritz the area. Just make sure to test it on an inconspicuous area of the piece first before using it.
No matter what you use, never rub the stain because that will only push it further into the fabric. Just blot at it with a clean cloth until all of the liquid comes up. Then, rinse the area with cold water and let it air dry.
FAQ
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to remove foundation stains?
Hydrogen peroxide is a great stain remover, but it can also bleach the fabric. So, be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment before using it.
What should I do if my clothing is stained with waterproof foundation?
If your clothing is stained with a waterproof foundation, then you’re going to have to take more extreme measures. Dab some dish soap onto the stain and let it sit for about an hour before rinsing it off with warm water. Then, wash the garment in cold water and add 1/4 cup white vinegar to the load.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that every piece of clothing is different and you might have to try a few remedies before you find one that works for your garment. As a last resort, you can take the clothing to a dry cleaner or just throw it out if it’s too stained.