How to Remove Ink Stains From Clothes

Different Methods for Water-Based and Permanent Ink

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 20 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

Regardless of how they got there, ink stains from pens and markers are never a welcome sight on your clothes. But it is possible to remove ink from clothing using common household products. Never wash and dry clothing before removing the stain—the dryer will set the stain and make it more difficult to remove.

Methods to Remove Ink Stains

The Spruce

Stain type Water-based, dye-based, oil-based 
Detergent type Liquid laundry detergent
Water temperature Hot
Cycle type Varies by fabric type

Tip

Fresh ink stains are easier to remove than dried ones. If you are lucky enough to spot an ink stain before it dries, cover the stain with table salt, dab gently with a wet paper towel, then brush off the salt. Repeat until the stain is gone.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

For Water-Based Ink

  • Clean, dry towels or cloths
  • Shallow bowl or tub

For Permanent Ink

  • Clean white towel

Materials

For Water-Based Ink

  • Liquid laundry detergent

For Permanent Ink

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Liquid laundry detergent
  • Oxygen-based bleach (optional)
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Nail polish remover
  • Hairspray
  • Milk
  • Vinegar
  • Cornstarch

Instructions

Overhead view of items needed to remove ink stains

The Spruce / Almar Creative

How to Remove Water-Based Ink Stains From Clothes

Water-based ink stains, such as from washable markers, are some of the easiest to remove. Here are methods and steps to help you remove ink from clothes.

  1. Blot the Stain

    Lay the stained clothing on top of a clean, dry towel or cloth. Apply water to the stained area and blot with another clean cloth. While you blot, the stain will begin to transfer onto the cleaning cloth.

    person blotting an ink stain
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
  2. Add Detergent to the Spot

    Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent onto the ink stain and allow the fabric to sit for three to five minutes.

    person pouring detergent onto an ink stain
    ​The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 
  3. Wash the Garment in Hot Water

    Wash normally, using the hottest water recommended for the fabric type. Before drying, check to make sure the entire stain was removed. If any trace of the stained area remains, repeat the cleaning steps.

    person rinsing garment in the sink
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

How to Remove Permanent Ink Stains From Clothes

A permanent ink stain (including those from most permanent markers and highlighters) can be a bigger challenge, and ballpoint ink responds well to most methods.

How to Remove Permanent Ink Stains with Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is often effective on permanent ink stains. The liquid may not remove the stain completely (it is called "permanent ink" for a reason), but it will help to at least fade the mark. If the fabric can be bleached, you may have a better chance of removing the stain altogether.

  1. Test the Fabric

    Grab a clean white towel and put the stained item on top. Test the rubbing alcohol on a hidden seam of the fabric. If the item doesn't seem damaged, move on to the next step.

    placing the stained item on a white towel

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

  2. Blot the Stain with Rubbing Alcohol

    Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot rubbing alcohol on the stain. This will dilute the stain and make it easier to remove it in the wash. The towel underneath may become wet and discolored from the ink leaching out—if this happens, move the garment to a clean, dry section of the towel to prevent the area from reabsorbing any of the removed ink. Continue this process until there is no more ink to remove. Rinse the stained area completely free of the rubbing alcohol; multiple rinses may be necessary.

    If you are trying to remove ballpoint pen ink, after using the rubbing alcohol apply regular liquid laundry detergent onto the area and let it sit for three to five minutes.

    person blotting rubbing alcohol onto an ink stain
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 
  3. Check the Fabric and Wash the Garment

    If the stain is gone, wash your garment in a regular cycle using the hottest water that is safe for the fabric. If the stain remains, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water. Follow package directions for how much product to use per gallon of water. Completely submerge the garment and allow it to soak for at least eight hours. If the stain persists, mix a fresh solution and repeat. Remember to check that the stain is completely removed before drying the clothes.

    stained garment submerged in a bowl
    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

How to Remove Ink Stains with Nail Polish Remover

Although it can work on permanent ink stains, nail polish remover should be used with caution because it can damage fabrics.

  1. Test the Fabric

    Test it on an inner seam or a hidden area of the clothing first. If all goes well, proceed to the next step.

    Testing nail polish remover on an inner area of the garment

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Blot the Stain with Nail Polish Remover

    Blot the fabric with nail polish remover in the same way as instructed with the rubbing alcohol. Be sure to move the stained area to a clean, dry section of a towel as the ink is removed.

    Blotting the stain with nail polish remover

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Rinse and Wash the Garment

    When finished, rinse the nail polish remover completely from the fabric and launder the clothing as recommended on the care label.

    Soaking the garment

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

How to Remove Ink Stains with Hairspray

Most hairsprays contain alcohol, which helps dissolve the ink and remove the stain. Try to find a hairspray with a high alcohol content, often the least expensive brands are best.

  1. Place Stained Area on a Towel

    Place a clean, dry towel underneath the fabric where the stain is.

    Laying the stained garment onto a clean towel

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Spray and Blot the Stain with Hairspray

    Spray the stain thoroughly with the hairspray and blot with another clean towel until the stain is gone.

    Using hairspray to remove an ink stain on a garment

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Wash the Garment

    Launder the clothing as recommended.

    Soaking the garment in a tub with detergent

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

How to Remove Ink Stains with Milk

Another gentle way to remove ink stains is with milk. This method requires overnight soaking.

  1. Submerge the Fabric in Milk

    Fill a shallow bowl or another container with enough milk to cover the ink stain when the fabric is submerged.

    Submerging the stained garment in milk

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Soak the Fabric

    Let the garment soak in the milk overnight.

    Soaking the garment in milk overnight

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Wash the Garment

    Remove the garment from the milk the next day and launder the clothing as recommended.

    Removing the garment from the milk soak

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

How to Remove Ink Stains with Vinegar and Cornstarch

Vinegar and cornstarch are two other common household products that can be used to remove ink stains.

  1. Wet with Vinegar

    Wet the ink stain with the vinegar.

    Pouring vinegar on the ink stain

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Make a Vinegar-Cornstarch Paste

    Create a paste with two parts vinegar and three parts cornstarch and work into the fabric.

    Pouring corn starch paste onto the fabric

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Let It Dry

    Let the paste dry completely.

    Letting the paste dry on the garment

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  4. Wash the Garment

    Without removing the paste from the garment first, wash the garment.

    Laundering the item after stain removal

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

Tip

If the garment is dry clean only, point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the stain with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag. See our guide for more stain-removal tips.

Additional Tips for Handling Ink Stains

If the stain is pesky and won't come out, consider dyeing the garment a dark color. Another option is to disguise it with a decorative patch, ribbon, or button. Stains in a less prominent location can also be hidden by wearing another garment on top of it, such as a sweater over a collared shirt with an ink stain on the sleeve.