Here’s a new cleaning problem we’ve been encountering since 2020: makeup stains on our reusable masks.
These stains have got to be one of the most stubborn ones we’ve seen and we have to say that they are making us less enthusiastic about wearing makeup just so that we can avoid cleaning them.
If you can’t give up your dewy foundation and lippies, here are a few tried-and-tested mask-cleaning methods the Daily Vanity team has tried that have worked for us. Read on to find out how you can get your reusable masks looking clean and stain-free again.
How to clean mask while on the go
One way to make it easier to wash your mask at the end of the day is to clean while on the go. And you can do so with a good makeup wipe.
After all, if makeup wipes are great at removing makeup from our face in one swipe, they’ll be able to do the same for freshly transferred makeup on our mask.
Once you notice a stain on your mask, gently dab and rub at the stain with a makeup wipe. Make sure you squeeze the solution out of the wipe to concentrate the makeup-removing formula on the affected spot.
This will work best on freshly transferred makeup that hasn’t dried.
How to remove makeup stains on mask at home
Now that you’re home and ready to wash your mask, here are a few methods that are effective in removing makeup stains from them.
Facial cleanser
Use a cleanser that lathers up into a good amount of foam. The rich foam helps to remove stains effectively.
Taking your facial cleanser and adding water to it, lather it until you create foam. Apply the foam onto the affected spot and rub or scrub gently till the stain comes off.
Rubbing alcohol
Are you having trouble getting rid of oil-based makeup stains on your mask?
Pour a few drops of rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain and gently rub or scrub till it disappears. This is going to help you break down oily and waxy makeup.
Dishwashing soap
Here’s another great way to remove oil-based stains. After all, if your dishwashing soap can clean greasy plates, it’ll do the same with oily makeup stains. Simply dispense a small amount onto the stain and rub or scrub gently till it’s gone.
Mask-washing methods if you prefer a soak
For those of us who have no time or patience to scrub out makeup stains from our masks, here are soaking methods you can try.
Shaving cream
Dispense some shaving cream onto the stain and let it sit. After that, check if the stain is gone. Once it has disappeared, give it a rinse and you’re good to go.
Gentle soap and lukewarm water
Pump some soap in a bowl of lukewarm water, then let your mask soak in it till the stains are gone. Note that this only works for water-based makeup stains that aren’t stubborn.
What you can scrub your mask with
Scrubbing is an important part of washing your mask. Besides using your hands to rub two fabrics together, here are other items that can help you get rid of makeup stains from masks more easily.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes
Toothbrushes are the right size when it comes to scrubbing to masks. Just take note to use a soft-bristled one and to be gentle during scrubbing to make sure you’re not damaging or tearing your mask.
Reusable makeup remover pads
These cloth pads are much better than cotton ones at helping to get rid of makeup stains on masks. It isn’t just because they’re more environmentally friendly, it’s also because they don’t leave balls of wool, which can be a headache to remove, on your mask.
