There’s not much more frustrating on laundry day than when you notice an ink stain in your clothes. Whether you’ve had a pen leak, got a bit carried away while sketching a picture, or dropped your pen while journaling in bed — we can help. Show
We’ll teach you how to get ink out of clothes using seven different methods. Each method uses common household items. Just make sure to tackle the stain before washing and drying the garment, or the stain could set forever. How to Get Ink Out of Clothes With Vinegar and Cornstarch
Why Does Ink Stain Clothes?Ink is typically made with pigments, dyes and oils (1). These can discolor clothing and seep into the fibers, making it pretty difficult to remove — especially, after it’s dried. Often, even if you’ve removed the dye, you still need to deal with the oil stain. But with our tips, there’s no need to worry. What to Know About Removing Ink Stains From ClothingBefore we get started, here are some basics for removing ink stains. These apply, no matter what method you choose: Ink Stain Removal Basics
Water-Based Ink vs Oil-Based InkWater-based ink is typically found in washable markers and roller ball pens. It’s the easiest ink stain to remove and can usually be done with a bit of water and detergent. However, all our tips should work for water-based ink stains. Oil-based ink, on the other hand, dries fast and is difficult to remove. It’s commonly found in ballpoint pens. The best way to remove oil-based ink stains is with an alcohol or glycerin-based product. Take Note Always note the type of ink stain you have before working to remove it. This will help with the effectiveness. Removing Ink Stains From Different FabricsIt matters whether you’re dealing with cotton, linen, wool or synthetic materials. For each fabric, you might have to adjust your method slightly. First, always read the care label to see the recommended water temperature and if it can be washed at home. If it says dry clean only, it’s best to take it to the dry cleaners. Next, you should always use a method that is safe for that garment. For example, don’t use a normal detergent on a wool item. You should use a special wool-safe detergent, or switch to a more gentle method. Lastly, always test your chosen solution in an inconspicuous area of the garment before removing the ink stain. This allows you to ensure there is no damage to the fabric or the colors. How to Get Ink Out of ClothingThe time is here! If you have an urgent ink stain, we have a few different options to choose from. Some work better than others; while some are best for certain fabrics. We’ll let you know if the tip is best for oil- or water-based stains, and if it’s safe on all fabrics. Let’s get rid of that ink stain! Take Note We always recommend putting the garment on top of a clean white towel before working. The reason is, if there is any color transfer from the towel, it won’t stain your clothes. Using Rubbing AlcoholThis is an amazing tip for oil-based ink stains as alcohol-based products are the most effective. But it works for water-based stains, too. Rubbing alcohol is quite harsh, so it can be damaging to synthetic or delicate materials, such as rayon, wool and silk. Always check in an inconspicuous area, especially on colored garments.
Using Stain RemoversIf you have a stain remover in the cupboard, put it to use on oil- or water-based stains. If it’s alcohol-based, it should work well with oil-based stains but read the ingredients to be sure. Also, check the packaging to check which garments it’s safe with. You may need to adjust the instructions according to the manufacturer’s advice, but in general, you can follow these steps:
Always Test First Even if your stain remover says it works well on a certain type of fabric, always test in an inconspicuous area. It’s frustrating when you happen to ruin a garment further. Using GlycerinGlycerin is a great choice for oil-based ink stains. We recommend glycerin for cotton and polyester items, but spot test for all fabrics. It does work on washable wool and silk items, too. Just make sure to dab instead of rub. Don’t rinse away the suds; instead, keep dabbing until the area is clean.
Using Dish Soap / Laundry DetergentIf your dish soap or laundry detergent is alcohol-based, this works on both oil- and water-based stains. If not, use this for water-based ink stains. Dish soap is safe on all fabrics, but check the manufacturer advice for your specific laundry detergent brand. As always, test in an inconspicuous area first.
Using HairsprayWe love this tip in our house! If using an alcohol-based hairspray, we find that this works every single time. It’s great for oil-based and water-based ink stains. Always test in an inconspicuous area first as alcohol can be too harsh on delicate fabrics.
Using Vinegar and CornstarchVinegar and cornstarch are gentle, natural ingredients, so they work on all fabrics. This is most effective on water-based stains, but you can try it on oil-based stains, too. However, oil-based stains generally need something a bit more powerful.
Using MilkOur last tip is milk! If that’s the only thing you have to hand, it can work to remove water-based ink stains. It is gentle on most fabrics, but always test in an inconspicuous area and be ready to wash the garment with an odor-fighting detergent afterwards.
Pro Tip This works best with whole milk. As an extra measure, add some distilled white vinegar to the mix so your solution is two parts vinegar, three parts milk. This can help ensure the stain gets removed. How to Get Pen Ink Out of Clothes After DryingDo you have an ink stain that is already set into your clothes? Perhaps you didn’t notice the stain until after laundry day. What should you do? Of course, if the garment is white, you could bleach it. But not every fabric can handle bleach, and some households don’t even use bleach. Instead, follow these tips:
Printer ink is super concentrated and oil-based. So it’s best to use our rubbing alcohol or hairspray tip. If that doesn’t work, try the dish soap and detergent soap in combination with an alcohol-based product. Then wash in cold water with detergent once the stain is mostly removed. Never dry until the stain is completely removed. Seven Great MethodsIn conclusion, we have seven amazing methods to remove water or oil-based ink stains from your clothing. Remember to always test in an inconspicuous spot, choose the right method for your ink type and never dry the garment unless the stain is completely gone. Overall, acting fast is the best way to tackle these ink spills. Feedback: Was This Article Helpful? Thank You For Your Feedback! Thank You For Your Feedback! How do you remove ballpoint pen ink from clothing?Apply rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or hand sanitizer to dilute the stain, making it easier to remove during the wash. These solvents help tackle most types of ink stains, but remember to test the stained garment for colorfastness first, as they can also attack fabric dyes and cause further damage.
What gets dried ink out of clothes?Soak a cotton ball or cloth in rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, hairspray or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Dab the stained area until the stain is completely removed. Rinse the spot with cold water.
What home remedy gets ink out of clothes?Place a paper towel under the stain and flush it with rubbing alcohol. Use an eyedropper to apply alcohol directly onto the stain or, for a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes. The ink should begin to dissolve almost immediately.
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