How to Remove Ink Stains From Clothes

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 and it will begin to transfer onto the cleaning cloth.

2. Add Detergent to the Spot

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

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 and if any trace of the stain remains, repeat the cleaning steps.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

How to Remove Permanent Ink and Ballpoint Ink Stains From Clothes

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

Rubbing alcohol is often effective on permanent ink stains. The liquid may not remove the stain completely, 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.

2. Blot the Stain With Rubbing Alcohol

   • Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot rubbing alcohol on the stain in order to dilute the stain and make it easier to remove. If the towel underneath becomes wet or discolored, 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 and rinse the stained area multiple times.
   • 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.

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.

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.

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 and be sure to move the stained area to a clean, dry section of a towel as the ink is removed.

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.

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.

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.

3. Wash the Garment

   Launder the clothing as recommended.

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.

2. Soak the Fabric

   Let the garment soak in the milk overnight.

3. Wash the Garment

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

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.

2. Make a Vinegar-Cornstarch Paste

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

3. Let It Dry

   Let the paste dry completely.

4. Wash the Garment

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

Additional Tips for Handling Ink Stains

• If the stain is pesky and won't come out, consider dyeing the garment a dark color.
• Disguise it with a decorative patch, ribbon, or button.
• Stains in a less prominent location can 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.