Ink stains on clothes are a remarkably common occurrence. They can happen in a variety of ways, from unwittingly carrying a leaky pen in your pocket, to letting kids run wild with felt tip pens.
If you do fall victim to an ink stain, don’t panic. Getting ink out of clothes is actually very simple. Read on to discover our step-by-step guide for how to get ink out of clothes with ease.
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How to remove ink from clothes: the basics
No matter what type of ink has stained your clothing, some basic rules will always apply. Here are our three top tips for how to get ink out of clothes.
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1
Treat the ink stains as soon as possible.
Whether you’re removing blood stains or getting oil off clothes, the fresher it is, the easier it will be to remove. If you allow stains to dry and become ground into the fabric, getting ink out of clothes becomes more of a challenge.
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2
Never rub or wipe an ink stain.
Rather than removing it, rubbing a stain will simply spread it around the garment, soiling more of the material. Blotting is the best way, as it removes the stain, while protecting the rest of the clothing.
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3
Slow down the process.
Apart from alcohol-based solutions that should be put through the wash while they’re still wet, other types of ink remover actually need time to work.
Always read the instructions on the packaging, and leave the solution on the stain for the correct amount of time.
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How to get pen out of clothes: a guide to water-based pen stain removal
Many everyday writing pens use water-based inks, and getting ink out of clothes where the stains are water-based is as easy as 1-2-3. In fact, a regular laundry detergent and warm water should be enough to remove ink stains from clothes in no time. Here's how:
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1
Blot the stain with a microfibre cloth.
When removing ink stains that have pooled on a garment, use a washable microfibre cloth to blot the mark.
Don’t be tempted to wipe or scrub as this could push the stain further out into the fabric fibres.
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Apply your stain remover.
This step is particularly important for pre-treating more stubborn stains. Once you've applied your stain remover, leave for 10 minutes, or follow the instructions on the product.
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Blot the stain a second time.
Pick up the microfibre cloth again to blot your stain. You should find that you are able to remove even more of the stain now that the pre-treatment has had time to work.
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4
Wash the garment.
Place your clothing into the washing machine, preferably by itself and wash as normal, using a good-quality detergent such as Persil. Always check the care label and use the recommended settings on your machine.
Quick Tip: Read our guide on washing machine symbols to ensure that you’re using the right settings for your clothes.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to boil your clothes, just use the same temperature you usually would for that garment.
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Check the stain has been removed before drying your clothes.
If remnants of the stain remain, follow the above steps until there is no sign of staining left on your clothing.
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How to get pen ink out of clothes: a guide to removing permanent marker stains
Whilst water-based stains are easy to treat, the steps for how to get ink stains out of clothes made by a permanent marker are a little trickier. However you don't need to panic, it’s not impossible. Here's how to get these ink stains out:
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1
Start by blotting the stain.
Use a microfibre cloth to any excess liquid.
Avoid using paper towels, as small bits of paper could become caught in the garment’s fabric. -
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Apply rubbing alcohol or hairspray to the stain.
Apply rubbing alcohol, or an aerosol hairspray, directly to the stain. The alcohol in these products is an excellent choice for getting ink out of clothes because it’s effective at breaking down the oils in permanent markers. If you don't have rubbing alcohol or hairspray to hand, try using antibacterial hand wash instead.
Always wear protective clothing when handling these substances and use them in a well-ventilated room.
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3
Wash your clothes using the recommendations on the care label.
While the rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or hand wash is still wet, place your garment in the washing machine. Wash it at the usual temperature with your regular laundry detergent.
Wash the item separately from other clothes if possible, to avoid colour transfer. -
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As with water-based ink stains, always check the stain is fully removed before drying.
For optimal results, we recommend you air-dry your clothing if possible.
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Tips on removing ink stains on different types of clothes
The methods we shared above generally work for most types of clothes. However, if you want a more comprehensive guide on removing ink from specific types of clothes, consider the following:
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Removing ink stains from a shirt: You can use solvents like hand sanitisers, rubbing alcohol and hairspray, but test on an inconspicuous area first. After that, you can use a mild laundry detergent like Persil to wash your shirt.
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Removing ink from jeans: Removing ink stains out of jeans can be challenging once the stain has set in. So make sure you get it out while the ink is still wet. Add a couple of drops of isopropyl alcohol onto the affected area, then use a clean cloth to gently blot the stain. If the ink is still there, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to lightly scrub it off. After that, rinse the jeans under cold, running water and wash them in your washing machine as usual.
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Removing ink from polyester clothes: The first step is to check the colourfastness of the fabric. After that, take a jar and stretch the stained area over it. Then, pour a few drops of isopropyl alcohol on the stain and let the liquid drip into the container. Once the stain has lightened, you can rinse it under cold, running water while scrubbing it with a soft-bristled brush.
How to get biro ink out of clothes
Have you ever had a pen explode in your pocket or accidentally scribbled on your clothes? If you're nodding in agreement, then you completely understand how frustrating it can be to deal with biro ink stains on your favourite garments. However, don't worry; there is light at the end of this stained tunnel.
Act fast
The sooner you deal with biro ink stains, the better your chances of removing the stain. That means don't wait to wash your clothes. Immediately blot any excess ink with a clean cloth or paper towel. Don't rub the stain as this can worsen the issue. Instead, use a clean white cloth and keep dabbing the stain until it's mostly dry. After that, it will be easier to treat the stain using various cleaning methods.
Use Hairspray
If there's one tried and tested way to tackle biro ink stains, it's using hairspray. Yes, you read that right. Spray a generous amount of hairspray on the ink spot, and let it sit for some time. Keep the stained area wet by applying more hairspray, then gently rub the stain with a fresh cloth. Once the ink starts to dissolve, rinse the clothing piece under cold water to remove the leftover ink residue.
Reach for the Vinegar
White vinegar is another trusted remedy to remove biro ink stains. Mix water and vinegar in equal parts and apply the solution to the stained area. Let it sit for about ten minutes, then gently scrub the stain using a soft brush or toothbrush. Then rinse it under running water to remove the vinegar solution. Finally, put it in the washing machine as usual.
Quick Tip: Vinegar also has antibacterial properties. So using it on your clothes to remove biro ink stains also means disinfecting the garment.
Try Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective weapon against biro ink stains. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water, and apply the mixture to the stained area. Let it sit for several minutes before brushing over the stained area with a soft brush or toothbrush. Rinse the clothing piece under cold water and repeat the process until the stain starts to fade. Once the stain has lifted, pop the garment in the washing machine as you would normally do.
Other alternative methods
In case the above methods don't work for you, try using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Put a small amount onto a clean cotton pad and gently rub the ink stain, repeating the process until the ink dissolves. It's crucial to read the care label on your clothing, as acetone-based liquids are harsh and can damage some delicate fabrics.
Now you know how to get ink stains out in just a few simple steps. Once you realise how easy getting ink out of clothes is, disaster can be swiftly averted, and you can breathe a sigh of relief. So relax! The next time a pen leaks or a felt tip smudges: with these quick tips for how to remove ink stains from clothes, you have it sorted.
Frequently asked questions on how to get ink stains out
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How do I get ink out of clothes after drying?
Did you know that heat can actually set a stain, making it far more difficult to remove? If you want to remove ink stains from clothes you’ve already washed and dried, use a good quality stain remover from the supermarket. You can apply it as a pre-treatment and add some to your wash too. It might take a few tries to get it all out, but it will happen if you persevere! -
How do I remove ink stains from other surfaces like my sofa?
It’s not just your clothes which can fall foul of pen ink stains, and the steps for how to get ink stains out of sofas and other upholstery are simple. Surprisingly enough, liquid soap should be your go to. Mix up a solution of warm water and liquid hand soap, then use the soapy liquid and a sponge to dab away the ink stain. For more helpful cleaning tips, read our article on how to remove permanent marker stains from any surface. -
How can I remove ink stains from my skin?
If a pen has leaked in your shirt or trouser pocket, it could lead to stains on your skin as well as your clothes. In most cases, ink stains on skin can be removed with soap and water. If the stain is proving stubborn, soap a cotton pad or ball in isopropyl alcohol and gently clean away the ink stain. -
Can I remove permanent ink from my clothes?
Removing permanent ink stains from clothes can be challenging but not impossible. Act quickly by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb any excess ink. Next, apply rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to the stain and gently blot with a cloth. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover or a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains. Blot the stain until the ink transfers to the cloth. Rinse the area with cold water and launder the garment as usual. Repeat the process if needed, and remember to check garment care labels for specific instructions. -
Does WD-40 remove ink stains?
Yes, WD-40 can remove ink stains as long as the ink hasn’t dried completely. All you need to do is spray the product on the back of the garment where the stain is. Then, let the WD-40 sit there for about five to ten minutes. After that, wash the clothing as you normally would. -
Does white vinegar remove ink?
Yes, the acetic acid in vinegar can break down the ink particles, making the stain easier to remove. However, you’d have to soak the item of clothing in vinegar for about 30 minutes to see the effect.
