Don’t let an ink stain ruin your favorite outfit.
Learn how to get ink out of clothes fast with these quick ink stain removal tips.
Ink stain removal is a common housekeeping annoyance, and no catch-all trick works for all fabrics.
Credit:BHG / Alicia Long
Here, we’ll show you how to get ink out of clothes and other fabric items.
Oil-based ink is also hydrophobic, which means it repels water.
The following methods for inkstain removalwork on both types of ink.
Credit:BHG / Alicia Long
Always check the garment tag to determine the material and read the care instructions provided on the tag.
Read on for even more specific cleaning instructions based on the fabric bang out.
Do not rub the stain, as that would only spread it further.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Be careful not to wipe or scrub the stain.
Then, launder the garment in your machine using a cold or room-temperature cycle.
If the ink stain remains, repeat the process until it’s gone.
Credit: Cathy Kramer
Then, air-dry your item.
Step 3: Rinse before washing in laundry machine.
Rinse the ink stain in cold water before washing your jeans on a cold cycle.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Step 5: Air-dry.Let thejeans air-dryonce they are lean and the ink stain is removed.
dishwashing detergent and 1 Tbsp.
white vinegar diluted in 1 quart of warm water.
Step 3: Rinse.Rinse with cool water and allow to dry.
Change the cloth as the stain lifts.
Always test homemade cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous spot of your garment first to ensure colorfastness.
Drip rubbing alcohol through the stain.
The alcohol will pull the ink along as it drops into the jar.
Step 3: Rinse well and line-dry.Check that the stain has been removed before laundering per fabric-care instructions.
Try blotting the wool with cold water first to see if the stain lifts.
Step 3: Blot with warm water.This should remove any remaining ink and hairspray.
Dab with cold water and blot dry.
Wash wool clothingby handwith a gentle detergent and air-dry it by laying the garment flat on a clean towel.
Apply the leather cleaner with a clean cloth ASAP, preferably within the first six hours after staining.
mild, clear dish soap and 1 Tbsp.
white vinegar diluted in 1 quart of warm water.
Step 2: Rinse.Rinse with water and air-dry.
Step 4: Rinse.Rinse a second time with water, and wash as directed on the garment’s label.
mild, clear dish soap and 1 Tbsp.
white vinegar diluted in 1 quart of warm water.
Step 2: Rinse garment.Rinse the clothing with water and air-dry.
Step 4: Rinse and wash.Rinse the garment with water and wash as directed on the garment’s label.
Step 5: Air-dry corduroy clothing.Inspect to verify the stain has been removed before drying as directed again.
Step 2: Apply rubbing alcohol.Stretch the stained area over the mouth of a jar or glass.
Slowly drip rubbing alcohol through the stain, catching the ink residue in the jar.
Step 3: Rinse and dry.Hang the item up to air-dry rather than using your dryer.
Step 5: Air-dry.Let the garment air-dry, making sure the ink is gonebefore you dry as directed.
you might simply blot it with cold water as long as the stain lifts.
Step 2: Apply hairspray.If the stain remains, spray with hairspray and continue blotting until the stain lifts.
Step 3: Blot with water.Finish by blotting with warm water.
Dab with cold water and blot dry.
Step 2: Apply rubbing alcohol.Stretch the stained area over the mouth of a jar or glass.
Slowly drip rubbing alcohol through the stain, using the jar to catch the ink residue.
Step 3: Rinse and dry.Rinse and line-dry the garment.
Step 2: Apply solvent.Use the removal solvent sparingly on the stain, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
mild, clear dish soap and 1 Tbsp.
white vinegar diluted in 1 quart of warm water.
Step 2: Rinse and dry.Rinse thoroughly before air-drying velvet clothing.
Step 4: Rinse.Rinse the garment with water and wash as directed on the garment.
Frequently Asked Questions
you might use baking soda mixed with water to remove ink stains from clothing.
Rinse and repeat until the stain is gone and then launder the item as usual.
Repeat the steps until the stain is gone.
The cleaning methods outlined above work to remove ballpoint pen stains.
Choose the method that works best for the material of your clothing item.
It’s important to treat ink stains as soon as they occur rather than waiting for them to dry.
However, you’re free to remove dried pen ink from clothing.
