How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes

Ink stains can be tricky to remove, but don't worry—it's not impossible! There are many household products you can use to blot the stain, depending on what you have on hand. The key is to treat the stain as soon as possible, and before you know it, you’ll be able to wear your favorite shirt again!

Place a piece of cloth underneath the stain. If you want to clean up a fresh ink stain, you should blot as much ink as possible. Before you start blotting, place a piece of white cloth or rag underneath the stained area. This will prevent the ink from spreading to the fabric underneath while you're cleaning it up.

• Use a white cloth to make sure the color of the fabric doesn't bleed onto and stain the item you're cleaning.

Blot the ink stain with a white cloth. Find another clean white cloth to blot the ink stain. Gently blot the stain rather than rubbing it, as rubbing could push the ink deeper into the fabric fibers. Continue blotting until no more ink is visible on the cloth.

Blot the backside of the fabric. Flip the stained fabric over and place a clean cloth beneath the stained area. Repeat the blotting process on the opposite side of the fabric until no more ink is coming out of the stain.

Find a hairspray with an alcohol base. It may sound unusual, but hairspray can be an effective stain remover, especially for ink. Look for a hairspray that contains alcohol, as alcohol is the key ingredient that breaks down the ink stain.

• Lay the stained item flat and place a clean cloth underneath the stain before applying the hairspray.

Test it on an inconspicuous area first. Before using hairspray or any other cleaning method, always test it first to ensure it won't damage the fabric. Spray a small amount of hairspray on a hidden part of the fabric, wait about 30 seconds, and then blot it dry. If the fabric doesn't change or show signs of damage, you're good to use it on the stain.

• If the hairspray causes discoloration or leaves a mark, don't use it on the stain.
• Hairspray works best on polyester fabrics. Do not use hairspray on leather items, as alcohol-based products may damage the leather.

Spray hair product on the ink stain. After laying out the item, hold the hair spray bottle about 30 cm above the fabric and evenly spray a generous amount directly on the ink stain.

Wait for the hair spray to soak into the stain. After spraying the hair product on the ink stain, let it sit for about a minute. This allows the alcohol in the spray to break down the ink. Don't wait too long, or the product will dry and adhere to the fabric.

Blot the stain with a clean cloth. After letting the hair spray sit for about a minute, begin blotting the stain with a clean white cloth or cotton ball. You'll notice the ink being lifted out. Continue blotting until the stain is gone or no more ink transfers onto the cloth.

• Once the ink is completely removed, wash the item as usual.

Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain. Dampen a clean white cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the ink stain. Once the stain is gone, wash the item as you normally would.

• Avoid using rubbing alcohol on silk, wool, acetate, or rayon fabrics.
• Rubbing alcohol works effectively on all types of ink, whether from a marker or ballpoint pen, making it a great alternative if hair spray isn't strong enough.

Use glycerin and dish soap. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of glycerin with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dish soap. Dip a white cloth into the glycerin mixture and blot the stain on one side of the fabric. When the stain stops releasing ink, flip the fabric over and blot the other side.

• After applying the glycerin mixture, wait for about 5 minutes to allow it to soak in. Then, gently rub more glycerin onto the stain using your fingers before rinsing with water to remove the glycerin and soap.
• Glycerin is effective at removing old stains because it soaks into the ink, loosening the stain and making it easier to clean with soap. It works on all fabric types.

Use baking soda and water. To remove ink stains with baking soda, mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water in a small bowl to create a thick paste. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and blot it on the stain. Once the stain is gone or the cotton ball no longer picks up ink, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off the baking soda paste.

• Baking soda is a safe material for all fabrics.

Remove ink stains with white vinegar. If the previous methods didn’t work, soak the entire item in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. While soaking, periodically blot the stain with a sponge or cloth every 10 minutes. Afterward, wash the item as usual.

• Do not use hot water, as it may cause the ink to set deeper into the fabric.
• White vinegar is safe to use on all fabrics.

Use a non-water-based stain remover. There are various types of stain removers available that are specifically designed to tackle stubborn stains. Follow the instructions on the product label, and use a clean cloth to apply it to the stained area.

• Always read the product label and avoid using any cleaners that could damage the fabric.