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Home » How To Get Ink Stains Out Of Clothes

This post was updated on December 6, 2019

How To Get Ink Stains Out Of Clothes

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How to Get Ink Stains out of Clothes - Works on old or new stains on clothing, purse liners, bedspreads, and other fabrics, too. #inkstains #laundry #laundrystains #staincontrol #stainremoval #treatstains #laundrystains #clothingcare #fabricstains #housewifehowtos #householdtips #laundrytips #laundryhacks

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.

Contents hide
How To Get Ink Stains Out Of Clothes
Why Does Ink Stain Clothes?
A Laundry Tip to Stop Stains from Setting
Why Hairspray Does Not Get Ink Stains Out
How to Get Fresh Ink Stains Out of Clothes
How to Remove Old Ink Stains from Clothes
An Ounce of Prevention

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.)

Putting a pen into a shirt pocket

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

Filed Under: Do Laundry Tagged With: laundry, stain removal, stains

Comments

  1. Sarah says

    May 31, 2019 at 3:22 PM

    Neither method worked for me. I hate spending money on solutions that don’t work…

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      June 5, 2019 at 12:22 PM

      Hi Sarah,
      I’m sorry you didn’t have any luck with this.

  2. Kim says

    May 17, 2019 at 3:07 PM

    My husband leaves pens in his clothes ALL . THE . TIME !!! I tell him it’s not my job to check his pockets … I do a million other jobs besides laundry – I refuse to check pockets too.

    The ball points don’t hurt, but the Uniballs? UGH. THAT just wiped out a whole load of lights. I’ll be trying at least one, if not all of your suggestions.

    Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      May 27, 2019 at 1:18 AM

      Hi Kim,
      How’d it work with the Uniball ink?

  3. Kathleen Porter says

    January 27, 2019 at 2:15 AM

    I am trying to get ink out of a wool coat. So can’t wash. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      January 27, 2019 at 11:26 AM

      I’d recommend taking it to a dry-cleaner.

  4. Sue says

    January 7, 2019 at 9:39 AM

    My stain is FROM the blue dawn liquid – any tips on how to get THAT out? 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      January 8, 2019 at 2:52 PM

      Oh dear. I think I’d soak it in a 50-50 solution of warm water and white vinegar overnight, then rinse and launder it.

  5. Kim r says

    August 13, 2018 at 3:45 PM

    My daughter was washing her clothes and the person who used water and dryer before her left a pen in it and it exploded on her clothes when she washed them. She didn’t see it when she put in drier. Found after they were dry. Will the steps work for her

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      August 14, 2018 at 11:07 AM

      They might, but it sounds like she’s got a lot of clothes that were affected. In that case, I’d pick up a bottle of Shout and spray the stains, let them sit for 15 minutes, and wash them. Check to make sure the stains are gone before drying again. Any little stains left can be treated with rubbing alcohol then the item washed again.

  6. Robin says

    July 30, 2018 at 11:26 PM

    I tried this and it did not work for the ink stains I wanted to remove from white pants

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      August 1, 2018 at 1:11 PM

      If the pants are white, use bleach.

  7. Lashawn Forris says

    July 11, 2018 at 1:49 PM

    I’m having a crisis ???? does anyone know what I can use to get an ink stain out of my shirt I was filling out my dental forms in dental office an the pen they gave me to use it busted an got on my shirt I just bought yesterday PLEASE HELP ME!!!!????

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      July 11, 2018 at 2:19 PM

      That’s kind of the ENTIRE point of this article. Have you tried the steps yet?

  8. Rhonda Monroe says

    March 10, 2018 at 9:48 PM

    Oh gosh thanks. I have a very detailed embroidery piece that I have invested at least 12-15 hours worth of work into already and came back only to find that my toddler had taken a pen and marked right across the fabric. It was so disheartening! I’m going to try your tips (though laundering will be quite tricky as it’s a delicate piece of work). Thank you!

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      March 12, 2018 at 12:25 PM

      Oh my goodness, that must have been heartbreaking!

  9. Hannah says

    March 6, 2018 at 11:20 AM

    Found a shirt with multiple neon pink ink stains on it, my favorite shirt ever but it got lost in a box. Its probably been like that for three weeks but hasnt been washed since it was clean when i put it in the box, would this still help? Like i have pictures and i cant get this shirt again the company doesnt make em anymore

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      March 12, 2018 at 12:32 PM

      Yes, it should help.

  10. Alison says

    December 5, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    Great tips – gave me an idea to use nail polish remover as a solvent – similar ingredient to rubbing alcohol – acetone rather than ethanol – worked brilliantly ????

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      December 7, 2017 at 11:33 AM

      Glad to know you found a solution that works!

  11. Tori says

    August 27, 2017 at 2:55 AM

    I am a cook and i have to have a pen with me at all times. Today I left my pen in my arm pocket and washed my WHITE chefs coat. Thank you for this tip you might have just saved my job or me a lot of money!!!!! ????????????

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      August 27, 2017 at 7:03 PM

      It’s hard enough keeping a chef’s coat white! Glad to have helped with the ink stain.

  12. Nikki says

    August 26, 2017 at 8:46 AM

    Life saving! My boyfriend has a huge habit of leaving pens in his pocket and washing them. I’ve been able to save every article of clothing that was affected!!!

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      August 27, 2017 at 7:03 PM

      Glad to hear it!

  13. Kristen says

    August 22, 2017 at 9:34 PM

    I tried the method for old ink stains and it didn’t even take even a little of the ink out. I followed the instructions to a T. Any other ideas?

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      August 27, 2017 at 7:02 PM

      Sorry, I’m out of ideas. This has worked for most people who’ve tried it. What kind of ink was it?

  14. Beverly says

    March 17, 2017 at 10:36 PM

    Thank you.

    Reply
  15. CJ Huang | Morsels of Life says

    February 11, 2016 at 1:16 PM

    I’ve got a few ink stains I need to get out! I usually use the rubbing alcohol or acetone method, but I’m thinking I want to try the glycerin method since it’s not so drying on the hands. 🙂

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      February 13, 2016 at 9:47 AM

      It’s easier on clothing, too!

  16. Beverly says

    February 8, 2016 at 9:22 AM

    I need to try this. My husband is great for getting ink stains on his shirts. I can’t tell you how many shirts I have thrown away.
    Bev

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      February 8, 2016 at 9:46 AM

      I used to throw out too many, too, Bev. Hope you find this useful!

  17. Savy says

    February 6, 2016 at 9:05 AM

    I have this ridiculous habit of crossing my arms while holding a pen at work. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve come home with ink on my clothes. Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      February 6, 2016 at 9:49 AM

      You’re welcome!

  18. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says

    February 4, 2016 at 10:25 PM

    So interesting and useful! I have a few things that could use that!

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      February 5, 2016 at 10:42 AM

      Ink stains do seem to be common, don’t they?

  19. Kimberlee says

    February 4, 2016 at 4:51 PM

    Thanks for this info and the tips on removing ink stains. I have a son that is a waiter and sometimes leaves a pen in his pants pocket – what a mess. I read in my stain book about the alcohol and that did work some but didn’t know about using hairspray or the other stain mix you mentioned. Pinned the info so I can refer back if I need it again.

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      February 5, 2016 at 10:42 AM

      Thanks for Pinning it, Kimberlee. I hope it helps!

  20. Regina L. L. Wells says

    February 3, 2016 at 9:14 PM

    Absolutely love these tips! Thank you! I just got black pen ink on a pair of cream/gold threaded pants in court yesterday and almost cursed out loud. I will be trying these…your post is right on time.

    Reply
    • Katie Berry says

      February 5, 2016 at 10:40 AM

      Hope they helped, Regina!

    • Twana says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:40 AM

      I can do all of the steps above except for hottest water due to I have colored shirts & they will shrink in hot water, so will this work with cold water?

    • Katie Berry says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:39 PM

      The idea is to use the hottest setting the fabric can handle, so if yours needs to be washed in cold water then use that. 🙂

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