Learn How to Get Ink Out of Clothes with these simple and effective methods! From ballpoint to permanent marker, we’ve got you covered.

The Ultimate Guide: Removing Ink Stains from Your Clothing

Removing ink stains from clothes can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. Whether you’re dealing with a rogue pen explosion or a stray marker, there are several effective methods you can try to salvage your favourite garments. The key is to act quickly and avoid making the stain worse. This guide will walk you through various techniques, tailored to different types of ink and fabrics.

Assess the Damage

Before you start any stain removal process, it’s crucial to identify the type of ink you’re dealing with. Ballpoint pen ink, gel pen ink, and permanent marker ink all require different approaches. Also, consider the fabric type. Delicate fabrics like silk or wool require more gentle treatment than robust materials like cotton or denim. Check the garment’s care label for specific instructions.

The Initial Steps: Blot, Don’t Rub!

The most important rule when tackling any stain, including ink, is to blot, not rub. Rubbing will only spread the ink and push it deeper into the fibres, making it much harder to remove. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain from the outside in, working towards the centre. Continue blotting until no more ink transfers onto the cloth.

Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)

Rubbing alcohol is a highly effective solvent for many types of ink, especially ballpoint pen ink.

• Test the alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric or cause discolouration.
• Soak a cotton ball or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol.
• Gently blot the ink stain, working from the outside in.
• Replace the cotton ball or cloth as it becomes saturated with ink.
• Once the stain starts to fade, rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.
• Launder the garment as usual.

Hairspray

Believe it or not, hairspray can be an effective ink remover, especially for ballpoint pen ink. The alcohol content in many hairsprays helps to dissolve the ink.

• Spray hairspray directly onto the ink stain.
• Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Blot the stain with a clean cloth.
• Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
• Rinse the area with cold water and launder as usual.

Milk

Milk can be surprisingly effective at removing ink stains, especially from delicate fabrics.

• Soak the stained area in a bowl of milk for several hours, or even overnight.
• Gently rub the stain with your fingers occasionally.
• Rinse the area with cold water.
• Launder the garment as usual.

Lemon Juice and Salt

Lemon juice and salt can be used as a natural bleaching agent for removing ink stains from white or light-coloured fabrics.

• Apply lemon juice to the ink stain.
• Sprinkle salt over the lemon juice.
• Let the mixture sit for several hours in the sun.
• Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.
• Launder the garment as usual. Be careful with coloured fabrics as lemon juice can cause fading.

Glycerine

Glycerine can loosen the ink and make it easier to remove.

• Apply a small amount of glycerine directly to the ink stain.
• Gently rub the glycerine into the fabric.
• Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
• Rinse the area with cold water.
• Launder the garment as usual.

Dealing with Permanent Marker

Permanent marker ink is more challenging to remove than ballpoint pen ink, but it’s not impossible.

• Try using rubbing alcohol or acetone (nail polish remover). Remember to test on an inconspicuous area first!
• Apply the solvent to a clean cloth and blot the stain gently.
• You may need to repeat this process several times.
• Once the stain starts to fade, rinse the area with cold water.
• Launder the garment as usual.
• For stubborn stains, you may need to consult a professional dry cleaner.

Washing the Garment

After treating the stain, always launder the garment according to the care label instructions. Before putting the garment in the dryer, check to make sure the stain is completely gone. If the stain is still visible, repeat the stain removal process before drying, as heat can set the stain permanently.

FAQ:

Q: Will baking soda remove ink stains?

A: Baking soda can sometimes help absorb ink stains, especially when mixed with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stain, let it dry, and then brush it off before laundering.

Q: What should I do if the ink stain is on a delicate fabric like silk?

A: For delicate fabrics, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol or acetone. Try soaking the garment in milk or using a diluted solution of mild detergent and water. Always test on a hidden area first. Professional cleaning is often the safest option.

Q: Is it better to treat an ink stain while it’s fresh or after it has dried?

A: It’s always best to treat an ink stain as soon as possible. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than dried ones.

external_links:

• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24097/remove-ink-stains/ – A guide from Good Housekeeping on removing ink stains.
• https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-ink-stains-2146697 – The Spruce’s guide to getting rid of ink on clothing.