Ink stains have to be the worst stain to remove from clothing. Depending on the type of ink, all ink stains can be treated with various household products. I used to soak the affected area in a bowl of milk when I was younger and we did not have all the other ingredients around the house. Here are some of the solutions to how to remove ink stains from clothing. Always try the remedies on an inconspicuous spot on the clothing before proceeding.
How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothing – For different types of ink
How to remove ink stains from clothing?
Water-based Ink:
• Put the affected ink stain on top of a towel or other cloth
• Apply lots of water to the stained area and blot up with a clean cloth
• The ink stain should start to bleed onto the cloth and then you can launder in hot water as per normal
• If the stain does not transfer to the cloth then mix up some liquid soap detergent with water and dab away at the stain
• Do not put the stained item into the dryer if it has not disappeared as the ink will set and be impossible to remove at a later date
Permanent Ink Stains:
• If the clothing can be bleached as per the tag at the back of the clothing then try that in the laundry machine
• If not then try rubbing alcohol on the affected ink stain
• Blot the stain on a cloth and then check the cloth on the bottom. The ink may have started to bleed onto the bottom cloth or towel
• Keep on doing this until the entire ink stain has disappeared and move to another clean spot on the towel or cloth underneath
• If the rubbing alcohol does not seem to work properly then try nail polish remover
• This is a harsh remedy but it might work on the stubborn ink stain
• Rinse the area thoroughly and then wash with detergent as usual
Ball Point Pen Stains:
• Ball point pen ink is not as hard to remove as the permanent ink
• As you did in the examples above put the stained area on a clean towel or cloth
• Use rubbing alcohol onto the affected area and continue until all the ink stain is removed
• Rinse the fabric very carefully and then launder as usual
• Try using non gel toothpaste and rub the affected area until the ink stain is removed
• Also try using full strength white vinegar on the area and rinse before washing the garment
• Use a milk bath for the ink stain removal overnight. Place the affected area in a bowl of milk and let sit overnight. Then wash out the stain in the laundry machine
• Try hair spray and then rinse until the ink stain is removed
• Try a spot remover spray if all else fails before putting into the washer
All ink stains are a nuisance and they are hard to remove from your special piece of clothing but keep trying. If the ink stain remains then send it to the dry cleaner.
