Shaving foam can instantly remove makeup stains from white and light-colored clothing, according to cleaning expert and TikTok creator Chantel Mila, known as Mama Mila. In a recent video, she shared the hack as part of her "work smarter, not harder" cleaning tips.
How to Apply Shaving Foam for Stain Removal
Mila recommends applying a liberal amount of shaving foam to the affected area and working it into the stain with a bristled brush. The foam should be left to sit for a period depending on the stain's severity, then rinsed and washed as usual.
The key is to use a foam-based shaving product, not a gel or cream, as these lack the active surfactants needed to break down oils and pigments. Surfactants trap dirt and grime within the foam, lifting particles out of the fabric.
Expert Opinions and Testing
Kind Laundry experts confirmed that shaving cream is an effective and gentle way to remove foundation stains, noting it can break down oils without damaging delicate fabrics. They advise letting the foam sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes for tougher stains, then rinsing with cold water.
However, Better Homes & Gardens tested the hack on various stains including dark lipstick, red nail polish, black coffee, olive oil, dry potting soil, and blue ink. They reported: "Unfortunately, the results were unimpressive. While the coffee and olive oil stains had lightened, they were still present. The shaving cream did virtually nothing to lift the lipstick, nail polish, soil, and ink stains." They also noted that dabbing caused some stains, like lipstick and coffee, to spread.
Practical Tips for Best Results
For optimal results, use standard white shaving foam and avoid gels or creams. Always test on a small area first, and treat stains promptly. While the hack may not work on all stains, it remains a popular and accessible method for tackling fresh makeup marks on light clothing.
