How to Get Ink Stains Out Of Clothes

Ink stains can be some of the toughest stains to remove from clothes, especially if they’ve had time to set. Whether it’s from a leaky pen, a printer mishap, or an accidental scribble, ink can quickly seep into fabric fibers and leave a mark that’s difficult to shift. Luckily, with the right methods and a bit of patience, you can remove most ink stains from clothes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle ink stains effectively.

Types of Ink Stains

Before jumping into stain removal, it’s helpful to identify the type of ink stain you’re dealing with, as different inks may respond better to certain cleaning methods:

1. Water-Based Ink: Common in washable markers and fountain pens, water-based ink is generally the easiest to remove.

2. Ballpoint Pen Ink: Typically oil-based, ballpoint pen ink is harder to remove because it adheres more strongly to fabric.

3. Permanent Ink: Found in permanent markers, this type of ink is the toughest to remove and may require specialised cleaning products or multiple treatments.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Act Quickly

The faster you act, the better your chances of removing the stain completely. Ink is easier to lift when it’s fresh, so start treatment as soon as possible.

Step 2: Blot the Stain

Place a paper towel or clean cloth under the stained area to prevent the ink from spreading to other parts of the fabric. Using a clean, dry cloth or another paper towel, gently blot the stain to remove excess ink. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the ink further into the fabric fibers.

Step 3: Apply Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)

Rubbing alcohol is highly effective at dissolving ink and works well on most types of ink stains, especially ballpoint pen ink.

• Dab a cotton ball or cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain.

• Gently blot the stain, working from the outside edges toward the centre to avoid spreading it.

• As the ink transfers to the cotton ball or cloth, switch to a clean part of the cloth or use a fresh cotton ball.

• Once the stain has lifted, rinse the fabric with cold water.

Step 4: Use Dish Soap and Cold Water

After treating the stain with rubbing alcohol, apply a few drops of liquid dish soap to the area.

• Rub the soap gently into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush.

• Let it sit for a few minutes to break down any remaining ink.

• Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove the soap and remaining ink particles.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

Ink stains can be stubborn, so you may need to repeat the alcohol and dish soap steps a few times until the stain fades.

Step 6: Launder as Usual

Once the stain has been removed, wash the garment as you normally would, following the care label instructions. Avoid using hot water, as heat can set any remaining traces of the ink stain. Air dry the garment to ensure the stain is fully gone before using heat from a dryer.

Alternative Methods for Ink Stains

If rubbing alcohol isn’t effective or if you don’t have it on hand, try one of these alternative methods:

Method 1: White Vinegar and Baking Soda

White vinegar is a gentle yet effective cleaner that can lift ink stains.

1. Soak the stain in a small amount of white vinegar for a few minutes.

2. Sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar-soaked stain, which will create a mild fizzing reaction.

3. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the area.

4. Rinse with cold water, then wash as usual.

Method 2: Hairspray

Hairspray contains alcohol and can work well on ink stains, particularly for ballpoint ink. Make sure to use a hairspray with a high alcohol content, as some newer formulas contain less alcohol.

1. Spray a generous amount of hairspray onto the ink stain.

2. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to lift the ink.

3. Once the stain starts to fade, rinse the area with cold water.

4. Apply dish soap to the stain, then rinse and wash as usual.

Method 3: Milk

It may sound unusual, but milk is a mild yet effective ink remover for delicate fabrics like silk.

1. Soak the stained area in a bowl of milk for several hours or overnight.

2. Gently blot the stain, then rinse with cold water.

3. Wash as usual, and repeat the process if necessary.

Tips for Successful Ink Removal

1. Test First: Before applying any treatment to the stain, test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the garment.

2. Avoid Heat Until the Stain is Gone: Do not use hot water or put the garment in the dryer until the ink stain is completely removed. Heat can set the stain, making it much harder to remove.

3. Blot, Don’t Rub: Always blot the stain rather than rubbing it, as rubbing can spread the ink and make the stain larger.

4. Use a Cloth Underneath: Placing a cloth or paper towel underneath the stained area will help prevent the ink from transferring to other parts of the fabric while you treat it.

When to Seek Professional Help

For valuable garments or items made from delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or cashmere, it’s best to take the item to a professional cleaner. They have specialised products and methods for dealing with difficult ink stains without risking damage to the fabric.

Final Thoughts

Ink stains can be challenging, but they’re not impossible to remove. By acting quickly, using household items like rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or baking soda, and following the right techniques, you can successfully lift ink stains from most types of fabric. With a little patience, you’ll have your clothes looking clean and stain-free once again.