How to Remove Ink Stains From Clothes
Different Methods for Water-Based and Permanent Ink
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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.
Watch Now: 3 Ways to Remove Ink From Clothes
Stain type | Water-based, dye-based, oil-based |
Detergent type | Liquid laundry detergent |
Water temperature | Hot |
Cycle type | Varies by fabric type |
Before You Begin
First, determine the type of ink that caused your stain. Water-based ink stains, such as from washable markers, are some of the easiest to remove. A permanent ink stain (including those from most permanent highlighters and markers) can be a bigger challenge, and ballpoint ink responds well to most methods.
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
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How to Remove Water-Based Ink Stains From Clothes
Here are methods and steps to help you remove ink from clothes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
How to Remove Permanent Ink Stains From Clothes
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Place Stained Area on a Towel
Place a clean, dry towel underneath the fabric where the stain is.
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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.
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Wash the Garment
Launder the clothing as recommended.
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How to Remove Ink Stains with Milk
Another gentle way to remove ink stains is with milk. This method requires overnight soaking.
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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.
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Soak the Fabric
Let the garment soak in the milk overnight.
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Wash the Garment
Remove the garment from the milk the next day and launder the clothing as recommended.
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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.
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Wet with Vinegar
Wet the ink stain with the vinegar.
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Make a Vinegar-Cornstarch Paste
Create a paste with two parts vinegar and three parts cornstarch and work into the fabric.
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Let It Dry
Let the paste dry completely.
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Wash the Garment
Without removing the paste from the garment first, wash the garment.
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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 sweater over a collared shirt with an ink stain on the sleeve.