How to Get Ink Out of Clothes: Cleaning Expert Tips

Even permanent ink stains may be removable with these methods.

If you’ve ever accidentally brushed your sleeve against wet ink or discovered a stain only after laundering your clothes, you know the challenge of dealing with ink stains. Fortunately, in the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve extensively tested both commercial stain removers and do-it-yourself methods for various common household stains. This experience equips us with the know-how to restore garments to their original condition.

Different types of ink stains call for different approaches. Ensure you follow the appropriate guide based on whether you’re dealing with ballpoint pen, felt-tip pen, or permanent marker ink. Keep in mind that these methods are suitable only for washable fabrics, and it’s crucial to test them on a small, inconspicuous area of your garment first to avoid any potential damage.

Two of our recommended methods involve using rubbing alcohol as the primary ingredient. Since alcohol is flammable, always use it away from open flames and wash your garments thoroughly after treating an ink stain. Never attempt to remove ink stains from dry-clean-only garments at home

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Ink Stains

When tackling ink stains on clothing, it’s essential to distinguish between two types of ink: water-based and oil-based. Water-based ink, commonly found in gel pens, fountain pens, and washable markers, is generally easier to remove.

On the other hand, oil-based ink, typical in ballpoint pens, tends to be thicker and greasier, making it more challenging to eliminate from fabrics. Additionally, oil-based ink repels water, adding to its stubborn nature.

The following methods for ink stain removal are effective for both ink types. Acting promptly upon spotting the stain and choosing a cleaning method suitable for your fabric type is crucial.

How to Remove Pen Ink from Clothes

Removing ink stains from various clothing items, such as T-shirts, jeans, or blouses, requires different cleaning methods based on the fabric. Always refer to the garment tag for material information and follow the care instructions provided.

However, here are some general steps that guide you on how to remove ink stains from clothes, regardless of the item.

What You’ll Need:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Clean cloth or paper towel

Step 1: Blot Excess Ink

If the ink stain is fresh, immediately blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much excess ink as possible.

Step 2: Treat the Ink Stain

For dried ink stains, begin by diluting and saturating the stain with rubbing alcohol. Always test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the garment or affect the fabric dye.

Gently blot the ink stain with a clean cloth, paper towel, or cotton ball and rubbing alcohol, avoiding wiping or scrubbing at the stain.

Step 3: Wash Clothing

Rinse the clothing using cool water to remove the residuel. Launder the garment in your machine, using a cold or room-temperature cycle.

Step 4: Dry Clothing

Before drying your garment, check for any remaining stain. If the ink stain persists, repeat the process until it’s completely gone. Then, air-dry your item.

How to Remove Permanent Marker Stains

Eliminating permanent marker ink can be challenging due to its long-lasting formula. Success depends on factors such as the material, ink color, and the time the stain has had to set in.

While the steps below may work for some fresh permanent ink stains, if they prove unsuccessful, consider using a specialized stain remover for permanent ink, such as Shout Stain Remover or OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover . As a last resort, for bleach-safe garments, you can attempt to remove the stain using bleach.

What You’ll Need:

• Paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Eyedropper
• Pre-wash stain remover

Steps:

1. Sponge rubbing alcohol into the stain: Place an old towel or paper towel under the permanent ink stain. Pour rubbing alcohol directly on the stain. If the towel underneath becomes too stained, replace it with a clean one and continue sponging until no more ink is being removed.
2. Rinse the garment: Thoroughly rinse the garment in cool water. If the stain persists, repeat the above step or try an ink stain remover.
3. Wash the garment: If the stain is gone, wash the garment as usual and air-dry until you’re certain the stain is completely gone.

How to Get Ink Out of Leather

If your pen accidentally marks your leather purse, don’t panic. Rub the stain with a cotton swab dipped into rubbing alcohol.

For purses with a shiny patina or glossy surface, likely coated in a leather protectant, you can try a commercial leather cleaner like Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner if rubbing alcohol doesn’t work.

If these methods fail, or if your purse is made of unfinished leather, consider taking it to a dry cleaner specializing in leather treatment.

To make future stain removal easier, apply a leather protectant like Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream to finished leather items like purses and sofas.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Jeans

Maintain the pristine look of your denim jacket or favorite jeans with this straightforward method for tackling ink stains.

1. Blot Excess Ink: Immediately blot excess ink with a paper towel or cloth, being careful not to rub the stain deeper into your jeans. If dealing with a dried ink stain while away from home, add a few drops of water before blotting.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Place paper towels or a clean cloth beneath your jeans, then apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol (a few drops are sufficient) to the stain. Gently scrub using a toothbrush or cotton swab.
3. Rinse Before Washing: Rinse the ink stain in cold water before tossing your jeans into the laundry machine for a cold cycle.
4. Commercial Stain Treatment, If Needed: Consider using commercial stain sticks or sprays if the ink stain persists as an alternative for removing ink stains from jeans. Such as Shout Advanced Laundry Stain Remover Gel
5. Air-Dry Once Clean: Once the ink stain is successfully removed, air-dry your jeans.

How to Remove Ink from a Cotton Shirt or Pants

Keep your cotton clothing looking sharp with these steps for ink stain removal.

1. Apply Hairspray: Lightly spritz the cotton fabric with hairspray to loosen the ink stain.
2. Soak in Cleaning Solution: Soak the garment for 30 minutes in a solution of 1/2 tsp. dishwashing detergent and 1 Tbsp. Dilute vinegar in 1 quart of warm water.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with cool water and allow the garment to dry.
4. Use Rubbing Alcohol, if Necessary: If the ink stain persists, press with an absorbent cloth moistened with alcohol.
5. Dab with Water and Dry: After removing the ink stain, dab with cool water, then use a dry cloth.

Always test homemade cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous spot to ensure colorfastness.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Canvas or Linen Clothing

Follow these steps to eliminate ink stains from washable linen or canvas clothing.

1. Test with Rubbing Alcohol: Test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Drip rubbing alcohol through the stain, letting it pull the ink along as it drops into the jar.
3. Rinse and Line-Dry: Rinse well and check that the stain is gone before laundering according to fabric-care instructions.

How to Get Ink Stains Out Wool Clothing

Address ink stains on wool items with these steps:

1. Blot Ink: Blot the ballpoint pen stain with paper towels immediately. Try blotting with cold water initially to see if the stain lifts.
2. Apply Hairspray: If the stain persists, spray with hairspray and blot, repeating until the stain lifts.
3. Blot with Warm Water: Blot with warm water to remove any remaining ink and hairspray.
4. Use Distilled White Vinegar, if Needed: If required, dip a soft-bristle toothbrush in a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar. Gently scrub the stain, dab with cold water, and blot dry.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Chenille Clothing

1. Soak the item: For washable chenille, soak the item for 30 minutes in an ink stain remover solution. Mix 1/2 tsp. mild, clear dish soap and 1 Tbsp. white vinegar in 1 quart of warm water.
2. Rinse and air-dry: After soaking, rinse the item with water and let it air-dry.
3. Apply rubbing alcohol: If the stain persists, dab with rubbing alcohol after testing on an inconspicuous spot.
4. Rinse and wash: Rinse with water and wash as directed on the garment’s label.
5. Air-dry and inspect: Ensure the stain is removed before drying as directed.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Corduroy Clothing

1. Soak in a homemade solution: Soak washable corduroy for 30 minutes in a solution of 1/2 tsp. mild dish soap and 1 Tbsp. white vinegar diluted in 1 quart of warm water.
2. Rinse and air-dry: After soaking, rinse and air-dry the corduroy clothing.
3. Treat with rubbing alcohol: Dab with rubbing alcohol after testing on an inconspicuous spot.
4. Rinse and wash: Rinse with water and wash as directed on the garment’s label.
5. Air-dry and inspect: Ensure the stain is removed before drying as directed.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Polyester or Nylon Clothing

1. Test in an inconspicuous spot: Before attempting ink stain removal, test the treatment on a hidden corner or seam for color damage.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol: Stretch the stained area over a jar and drip rubbing alcohol through the stain, catching residue in the jar.
3. Rinse and air-dry: Hang the item to air-dry instead of using a dryer.
4. Launder as needed: Wash the garment and use color-safe bleach if the label allows.
5. Air-dry and inspect: Make sure the ink is gone before drying as directed.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Silk

1. Blot ink stain: Blot the stain with paper towels as soon as possible. Blotting with cold water may lift the stain.
2. Apply hairspray: If the stain persists, spray with hairspray and continue blotting until the stain lifts.
3. Blot: Use warm water to blot and finish.
4. Use diluted vinegar: Dip a soft toothbrush in a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar, gently scrubbing on the stain. Dab and blot dry.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Spandex and Lycra

1. Test first: Test the treatment on a hidden corner or seam for color damage.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol: Stretch the stained area over a jar and drip rubbing alcohol through the stain, using the jar to catch the ink residue.
3. Rinse and line-dry: Air-dry the garment.
4. Wash in the machine: Use color-safe bleach if needed and allowed by the label.
5. Air-dry and inspect: Ensure the ink stain is gone before drying as directed.

Ink Stain Removal for Suede Fabric

• Use dry-cleaning solvent: Test a dab of consumer dry-cleaning solvent on a clean cloth in an inconspicuous area.
• Apply sparingly: Apply sparingly on the stain, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Velvet

1. Soak velvet clothing: Soak washable velvet for 30 minutes in a solution of 1/2 tsp. mild dish soap and 1 Tbsp. diluted white vinegar.
2. Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly before air-drying velvet clothing.
3. Apply rubbing alcohol: If the stain persists, dab with rubbing alcohol after testing on an inconspicuous spot.
4. Rinse and wash: Rinse with water and wash as directed on the garment’s label.
5. Air-dry and inspect: Ensure the stain is removed before drying as directed.