How To Get Ink Stains Out Of Clothes

Ever wondered how to get ink stains out of clothes once you’ve found them? The methods below help get rid of even old stains. I also use this method to treat ink stains on the lining of my purse when I forget to put the cap back on my pen.

How To Get Ink Stains Out Of Clothes

It’s happened to all of us. Just the other day I tucked a ballpoint pen in the pocket of my favorite pink hoodie without putting on the cap. Sure enough, I found an ink stain on it when I was doing the wash.

My family is prone to ink stains, so I keep the ingredients below on hand. Now you’ll know what to keep in stock, too.

Why Does Ink Stain Clothes?

Ink isn’t just coloring — it’s an oil-based dye delivery system. That means you’re not removing the dye — you’ve also got to tackle the oil-base, too.

The type of chemical bond between the ink and your clothing depends on whether you’ve laundered the item.

A Laundry Tip to Stop Stains from Setting

As with most laundry stains, it’s easier to get ink stains out of clothes when the spot is fresh. That’s why your grandma inspected every item of clothing as she dropped them into the machine.

Life is a lot busier these days, though. One way to make dealing with stains easier is by keeping a stain-treatment stick or spray next to your dirty clothes hamper. Swipe or spray spots on your clothes as you get undressed then chuck them in the basket. On laundry day, your stains will come right out because they’ve been pre-treated.

Why Hairspray Does Not Get Ink Stains Out

It used to be that you could use hairspray to remove ink, but modern hairsprays tend to be low-alcohol.

Know what does have a lot of rubbing alcohol in it still? Hand sanitizer! So, in a pinch, give it a try. Just remember that added fragrances, moisturizers, and colorings may make the problem worse. (Here are more great uses for hand sanitizer.)

How to Get Fresh Ink Stains Out of Clothes

When dealing with new ink spots, the dye’s oil hasn’t had a chance to bond with your clothing yet. That makes it much easier to get ink stains out of clothes when the spot hasn’t chemically bonded to the fabric.

1. Blot up as much ink as possible. To do this, use a paper towel or old white rag and press against the ink stain. Lift the cloth, rotate it, then use a clean area to blot the stain again. Repeat this process until you can’t get any more ink out.

It’s important not to rub or wipe while you’re doing this or you may cause the stain to spread.

2. Place the stained area flat on an old towel or brown paper bag. Dip a clean cloth into rubbing alcohol (methylated or surgical spirits in the U.K.) until it’s wet and dab the stain. As before, rotate the rag, so you’re always using a clean section.

Again, don’t rub or wipe or you’ll risk spreading the ink — the goal is to transfer the ink from your clothing to the rag.

3. Once you’ve done your best dabbing the stain, launder it on the hottest setting the fabric can handle. After washing, make sure there’s no stain left before you transfer the item to the dryer.

If the stain remains, try the method below to get ink stains out of clothes.

How to Remove Old Ink Stains from Clothes

Getting an old ink stain out of clothes is more difficult because the oil-based part of the dye has chemically bonded to your clothing. It’s still possible, though. Here’s how.

1. Try the method above first — it often removes even older ink stains.

2. If the stain persists, head to the pharmacy (or the healthcare section in your grocery store) for a bottle of plain glycerin. Glycerin is made from animal fat and vegetable oil. It helps dissolve the oil-based bond because, chemically, like dissolves like. While you’re there, pick up some non-chlorinated, oxygenated bleach (e.g., OxyClean) for the next step.

3. Make an ink-dissolving paste. Combine one tablespoon of glycerin, one tablespoon of oxygenated bleach, and one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent in a small bowl. I use Dawn Original for the liquid dish detergent because it’s fantastic at cutting through the oil-based grime.

4. Dip a cloth into the mixture and dab both sides of the stain. Let the paste sit for 5 minutes then launder in the hottest setting permitted by the manufacturer label. Inspect the item before drying and repeat if necessary.

No laundry facilities at home? If you live in an apartment or don’t have a washer and dryer available for immediate use, you can hand-wash the item after step #4. Or pop it into a clear plastic bag (not an old shopping bag, which has dyes that might transfer) and stash it in your freezer until laundry day.

An Ounce of Prevention

Since it’s much easier and more efficient to get ink stains out of clothing when they’re fresh, you might want to consider keeping a bottle of colorless hand sanitizer in your purse, desk, or car. It’s alcohol-based, so you can treat ink stains with a dab of hand sanitizer and tissue the instant they happen.

Or go ahead and get that pocket protector. They’re inexpensive and work great!

More How-Tos:

• Natural Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
• How To Clean Grimy Pillowcases
• How To Wash Electric Blankets
• How to Clean Messes in the Dryer