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Ink stains are common, but they don't have to last forever. Find out how to effectively remove ink stains from any fabric or surface. Lew Robertson / Getty ImagesHave you encountered an ink stain disaster? Don't lose your cool! Instead, discover how to remove pen ink from clothes and various surfaces with these simple cleaning tips.
To tackle an ink stain, the first thing you need to do is identify the material or surface affected. Then, follow the advice below for the best results in stain removal.
Non-Washable Fabrics
Follow these guidelines to remove tough ink stains from fabrics like acetate, burlap, carpet, wool, fiberglass, rayon, silk, triacetate, or wool. Fresh stains are much easier to handle than those that have set in.
- Start by gently blotting the stain with water, using a dampened pad and working from the center outward.
- A light mist of hairspray can help break up the stain, followed by a wet spotter and a few drops of white vinegar.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes with a clean, absorbent pad. Add more wet spotter and vinegar as needed to keep the area moist.
- Rinse with water to help remove stain particles and residues from the cleaning products.
- If the stain is still there — especially for stubborn permanent ink stains — use rubbing alcohol and an absorbent pad soaked in alcohol. Let the stain sit until it lifts, changing the pad as it absorbs the stain. Flush with more alcohol. Note: Do not apply alcohol to acetate, rayon, or triacetate fabrics.
- If traces of the stain remain, sponge the area with water and apply a wet spotter mixed with a few drops of ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on silk or wool.) Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, blotting every 5 minutes. Add enough wet spotter and ammonia to keep the area moist, then rinse with water and let it dry.
Washable Fabrics
Use these techniques to eliminate ink stains from fabrics such as acrylic, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, or spandex.
- Lightly spray some hairspray on the stain to help loosen it.
- Soak the fabric in a mixture of 1 quart (1 liter) warm water, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) dishwashing detergent, and 1 tablespoon (14.8 mL) white vinegar for 30 minutes. Be cautious when using vinegar on cotton and linen.
- Rinse with water and let it dry.
- If the stain remains, apply rubbing alcohol and cover with a pad soaked in alcohol. (Be careful with alcohol on acrylic and modacrylic fabrics.) Let it sit as long as the stain is being removed, changing the pad as needed. Keep both the stain and pad moist with alcohol, then flush with alcohol and let it dry.
- If the stain is still visible, repeat Step 2, rinse thoroughly with water, and let it dry.
Porous Materials
Follow these instructions to remove ink stains from surfaces such as acrylic plastic, glass, ceramics, cork, plexiglass, polyurethane, porcelain dishes, fixtures, vinyl clothing, or vinyl wallpaper.
- Spray an all-purpose cleaner, following the product's instructions.
- If the stain is still visible, cover the area with a cloth dampened with ammonia.
- Wipe the surface with a cloth or paper towel soaked in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse again and let the surface dry.
Alabaster or Marble
Follow these instructions to eliminate stubborn stains from alabaster or marble.
- Gently wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
- If any stain remains, apply an absorbent pad dampened with rubbing alcohol.
- After a few minutes, replace the pad with one soaked in ammonia.
- Continue alternating between alcohol and ammonia treatments until the stain is gone.
- Rinse well and wipe the surface dry.
Stone Surfaces
Use the following steps to remove ink stains from asphalt, bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, sandstone, slate, or terrazzo surfaces.
- Clean the surface with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
- Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain.
- Rinse the area well with clear water and allow it to dry.
Bamboo, Cane or Painted Surfaces
- Clean the surface with a cloth dampened in a solution of mild soap and water, adding a few drops of ammonia.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Grout
- Gently wipe the stain using a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water.
- If the ink stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush in some baking soda or powdered cleaner and scrub gently.
- Rinse well and wipe the area dry.
Leather or Suede
Ink stains on leather or suede can be tough to remove, but it's worth trying the following methods before discarding the item! Caution: No method guarantees complete removal of the stain from these materials.
- For leather, apply a cleaner specifically designed for leather. For suede, carefully use a dry-cleaning solvent. Test on an inconspicuous seam first, then dab with a clean cloth.
- Allow to air dry.
- For leather, apply a leather conditioner to maintain its softness and prevent cracking.
Linoleum and Vinyl Tile
- Start by applying an all-purpose spray cleaner as directed on the label.
- If the ink stain remains, apply a compress of rubbing alcohol to the stained area.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
- If the stain persists, rub the area gently with superfine (No. 0000) steel wool dipped in liquid floor wax.
- Wash the area with soapy water, dry it, and then wax as usual.
Wallpaper
- Start by gently erasing the ink stain using a soft eraser like Magic Rub. Move in small, careful motions to prevent damaging the paper.
- If the stain remains, dampen a cloth or sponge with cool, clean water and gently wipe the affected area. Make sure to overlap the strokes to prevent streaking.
- Pat the area dry using a clean, dry cloth.
Wood
- Mix dishwashing detergent into hot water, agitating it to create a thick foam.
- Dip a cloth into just the foam and gently wipe over the stain.
- Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water.
- If the stain persists, gently rub the area with superfine (No. 0000) steel wool dipped in liquid wax. Be careful, as steel wool can remove a thin layer of the surface.
- Finish by polishing or waxing the surface as soon as possible.
