If You Have an Ink Stain, This Is the Best Way to Remove It (2024)

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.

   

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.

   

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.

   

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 liquidmay 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 alcoholon a hidden seam of the fabric. If the item doesn't seem damaged, move on to the next step.

   

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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.

   

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.

   

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. 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 dyeingthe 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.