How to Remove Tea, Coffee, Ink and Lipstick Stains

Different stains need different first moves. A wrong one, such as hot water on a protein stain or rubbing on ink, can make things permanent.

Tea and coffee

Rinse from the back of the fabric under cool running water to push the stain out rather than through. Apply a little liquid detergent, then wash. Milk tea and coffee with milk contain protein, so use cool water first.

Ballpoint ink

Place a clean cloth under the stain and dab with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser on a cotton pad, working from the outside in. Replace the cloth beneath as it picks up ink. Rinse and wash. Always test on a hidden spot because alcohol can affect some dyes.

Lipstick and makeup

Gently scrape off excess, then dab liquid detergent or micellar water on the mark. Rinse in warm water and wash. Foundation and lipstick are oil-based, so avoid water alone at first.

What to avoid

• Hot water on tea, coffee with milk, blood or egg.
• Rubbing hard, which spreads and frays the fibres.
• Putting a stained garment in the dryer or under a hot iron.

When to hand it over

On silk, wool, suits and anything dry clean only, skip home experiments. Bring the item in and tell us what the stain is. For more stains, read our common stain guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to remove ink from clothes?

Dab with rubbing alcohol on a pad while keeping a clean cloth beneath the stain, working from outside in, then rinse and wash.

Does hot water set coffee stains?

Hot water can set milk-based stains. Start with cool water, then wash as the label allows.