Ink and pigment

Dye stains include color transferred from non-colorfast garments in the wash; on leather, extension guidance treats dye stains as permanent. [1]

Cosmetic stains range from water-based to oil-based products — lipstick, foundation, mascara and hand lotion each appear in the cited cosmetics guidance. [2]

Stains in this family

Ballpoint & inkTreat ink while it is fresh — laundering or drying can set it, and dried India ink may …Dye transferDye stains are very difficult to remove, so keep the discolored item away from heat and…LipstickLipstick is an oily, heavily pigmented stain: dissolve the waxy base first with a dry-c…Makeup & foundationMatch the treatment to the formula. Water-based makeup comes out with bar soap or heavy…Permanent markerPermanent (felt-tip) marker is one of the hardest stains — UGA warns permanent inks are…

All stains A–Z →

Sources

  1. Institutional University of Georgia Extension — Remove Stains from Dye (Hair, Food Coloring, Other) (accessed 2026-08-18)
  2. Institutional University of Georgia Extension — Remove Stains from Cosmetics (Makeup, Sunscreen) (accessed 2026-08-18)

Updated 2026-08-19. Compiled from the cited sources; not independently verified by this site.

Safety

Always follow care and product labels. Never mix cleaning products — especially anything containing chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids. If swallowed or splashed in eyes, contact Poison Control (US: 1-800-222-1222 or poison.org).