We’ve all done it — tossed a pair of jeans or a hoodie into the wash without checking the pockets, only to discover a melted tube of ChapStick has made a greasy mess on everything. Whether it’s wax, oil, or tinted lip balm, those stains can be stubborn.
The good news? You don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite outfit. Knowing how to get ChapStick out of clothes the right way can save your laundry from disaster. With the right steps and a little patience, you can remove both fresh and melted ChapStick stains completely.
1. Identify the Type of ChapStick Stain
Before diving into cleaning, figure out what kind of ChapStick you’re dealing with.
-
Fresh ChapStick stain: Greasy but soft, usually easy to treat.
-
Melted or dried-on stain: Likely set from the washer or dryer, which needs a deeper clean.
-
Tinted or colored lip balm: Contains dyes that may require extra treatment for discoloration.
Pro Tip: Don’t toss stained clothes into the dryer again until the stain is gone — heat will make it much harder to remove.
2. Scrape Off Excess Wax
Start by removing as much solid ChapStick as possible.
What to Do:
-
Use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off the residue.
-
If it’s melted and sticky, place the fabric in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to harden the wax first.
-
Once solid, scrape again to lift off as much as you can.
This step helps prevent spreading the grease deeper into the fibers during washing.
3. Pre-Treat with Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent
The key to removing ChapStick stains is breaking down the oily and waxy components — and dish soap is perfect for that.
Steps:
-
Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap (like Dawn) or stain remover directly to the affected area.
-
Gently work it in using your fingers or a soft toothbrush.
-
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
-
Rinse with warm water, not hot (to avoid setting the stain).
This process dissolves oils before they set permanently.
4. Use Baking Soda or Vinegar for Deep Cleaning
If the stain persists after pre-treating, go for one of these natural stain removers.
Option 1: Baking Soda Paste
-
Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to form a paste.
-
Rub it onto the stained area gently.
-
Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then rinse.
Option 2: White Vinegar
-
Mix equal parts vinegar and water.
-
Dab the mixture onto the stain using a clean cloth.
-
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
Both methods help break down leftover wax and deodorize the fabric.
5. Wash as Usual — But Check Before Drying
Now that most of the grease and wax are gone, it’s time to wash.
Steps:
-
Wash the garment in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
-
Use a strong laundry detergent for oily stains.
-
After washing, inspect the spot before drying.
If you still see any mark or oily patch, repeat the treatment. Drying it now could make the stain permanent.
6. For Melted ChapStick in the Washer or Dryer
Sometimes the problem isn’t just one shirt — it’s your whole laundry load! If melted ChapStick leaked inside your washer or dryer, here’s how to clean it:
Washer:
-
Run a hot wash cycle (no clothes) with ½ cup of white vinegar.
-
Wipe down the drum with a microfiber cloth after.
Dryer:
-
Warm the dryer for a few minutes to soften residue.
-
Wipe the drum with paper towels or a rag dipped in white vinegar.
-
Then, run an empty cycle with a few damp towels to remove leftover grease.
7. For Colored ChapStick or Lip Balm Stains
If your ChapStick had color (like tinted or flavored lip balm), you might notice a light dye mark.
Here’s what helps:
-
Use hydrogen peroxide (for whites) or color-safe stain remover (for colors).
-
Apply it with a cotton ball and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
-
Rinse thoroughly before washing again.
Quick Summary: How to Get ChapStick Out of Clothes
| Step | Method | Purpose |
| 1. Scrape Excess | Freeze and scrape wax | Prevent spreading |
| 2. Pre-Treat | Use dish soap or detergent | Break down oils |
| 3. Deep Clean | Apply baking soda or vinegar | Remove residue |
| 4. Wash & Check | Use warm water | Eliminate remaining stains |
| 5. Clean Machines | Vinegar rinse | Remove leftover wax |
| 6. Handle Colored Stains | Use peroxide or color-safe bleach | Remove dye |
FAQs: Getting ChapStick Out of Clothes
1. Can ChapStick stains come out after drying?
Yes, but it may take multiple treatments. Use dish soap or vinegar, then rewash before drying again.
2. What removes ChapStick from clothes best?
Dish soap is the most effective, followed by baking soda or white vinegar for deep cleaning.
3. Can I use rubbing alcohol?
Yes, rubbing alcohol can help break down waxy residue — just test on a small area first to avoid fading.
4. How do I remove melted ChapStick from a dryer?
Heat the dryer slightly, wipe with paper towels and vinegar, then run an empty cycle with damp towels.
5. What if the ChapStick stain has color?
Use hydrogen peroxide or a color-safe stain remover to lift the dye before washing.
Conclusion: Quick Action Saves Your Clothes
The secret to removing ChapStick from clothes is acting fast and using the right approach. Whether it’s melted lip balm from the dryer or a greasy mark on your shirt, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar can work wonders.
