How to remove ink stains from clothing

by

Ink stains on your clothes can be frustrating, but don’t worry – with some household products and a little bit of elbow grease, you can often remove them completely. This guide will walk you through the best methods for getting ink out of fabric, whether it’s pen marks on a shirt or stamp pad ink on pants.

What You’ll Need

  • White vinegar
  • Lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide
  • Dish soap
  • Salt
  • Cold water
  • Paper towels
  • Toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush
  • Cotton swabs

Test First

Before using any removal method, always check for colorfastness on an inside seam or hem. Apply a few drops of the substance to a small, hidden area and dab with a paper towel or cotton ball. If any dye transfers onto the paper or cotton, do not use that product directly on the stain, as it may cause the color to bleed.

Act Quickly

It’s best to treat ink stains right away. The longer ink sets into fabric, the harder it’ll be to get out. Immediately flush the backside of the stained fabric with cold running water to push the ink out rather than letting it seep deeper in.

Blot, Don’t Rub

Rubbing or scrubbing can grind ink into the fibers. Instead, use a dabbing or tapping motion to lift it out gently. Always place a paper towel or cloth underneath the back of the stain while working to absorb freed ink.

Use a Dish Soap and Vinegar Solution

For fresh stains, mix a solution of:

  • 1 tablespoon dish soap
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 cups cold water

Then:

  1. Lay the clothing ink-side down on top of a paper towel.
  2. Apply the solution mixture directly onto the stain.
  3. Gently dab from the backside to draw up the ink.
  4. As the paper towel absorbs it, move to a clean section and continue blotting.
  5. Check progress and apply more solution as needed.

The mild acidity of vinegar can help remove dye while the surfactants in dish soap help lift and wash it out. Avoid using hot water as it can set certain dyes.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide or Lemon

For more stubborn dried ink, try one of these treatments:

Hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, or use peroxide straight from the bottle and apply directly. It can lighten some fabric dyes so test first.

Lemon juice: Straight lemon juice may help bleach some stains. Mix lemon juice with salt and/or cream of tartar to make a paste and apply to the fabric, then rinse. The natural acidity works similarly to vinegar.

Sprinkle either with salt for more cleaning action. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing then check progress. Repeat applications can lift more over time.

Use a Soft Brush for Heavy Ink

If clothing has thick, globbed ink or set-in stains:

  1. Loosen residue by soaking in vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Dip an old toothbrush or other soft bristle cleaning brush in dish soap mix.
  3. Very gently brush the ink mark (don’t rub!) to help dissolve it.
  4. Flush the back with cold water until the soapiness is gone.
  5. Check if more applications are needed, then rinse and wash normally.

Take care not to scrub too hard or you may damage delicate fabrics!

Launder as Usual Once Removed

After stain is gone, wash the clothing as you normally would to eliminate any remaining tracing of ink or cleaning substances. Adding white vinegar to the wash can help boost removal.

Check garment tags first and wash in cold water if needed. Then air dry, as heat can set any residual discoloration or dye.

With the right methods and some perseverance, you can get frustrating ink stains out for good. Just remember to always tackled them ASAP for best results! The longer ink penetrates fabrics, the harder it’ll be to remove.

When Ink Won’t Budge

For really stubborn stains that resist removal after multiple attempts:

  • Try commercial stain removal products like OxiClean or Zout. Follow product instructions carefully.
  • Ink removal wipes also make the process easier.
  • Or, take the item to be professionally cleaned at a dry cleaner’s. Let them know the trouble spot and stain type.

With heavily saturated or set-in stains, traces might remain even if you get up most of the ink. But try not to fret – over time many stains will continue fading with repeat laundering.

The Takeaway

Treat fresh ink spills quickly by flushing underside with cold water first. Use a mix of dish soap, vinegar and cool water to lift stain away from top side with dabbing motions. For dried stains, use hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, or salted mixtures to dissolve residue before rinsing. With some elbow grease and the right products, you can get even difficult ink stains out of clothing and fabrics. Just act fast and gently for best results.

References

Leave a Comment