How To Get Pen Ink Stains Out Of Clothing
Ink stains can be notoriously difficult to remove from clothing. Compounding the fact that they are stubborn stains, we often do not notice the ink until it has had time to set. Your best bet is to remove the ink stain as soon you notice it. You do not need any complicated cleaning supplies; common household ingredients can help you remove the ink.
Ballpoint Pen Ink
- Lay the clothing item flat on a towel.
- Spray hairspray directly onto the ink stain.
- Dab at the ink stain with a clean cloth, pushing the stain through to the towel below. Continue until the stain fades. Move the towel underneath as needed to make sure the clothing does not pick up ink from the towel after it's removed.
- Rinse the clothing item with fresh water and let stain treater or a small amount of laundry detergent sit on the stained area for several minutes.
- Wash the garment as usual according to the instructions on the tag. Check for remnants of the stain before placing the clothing in the dryer. Drying the garment in the dryer before the stain is completely removed can set the stain permanently.
Permanent Ink
- Lay the clothing item flat on a towel.
- Dab rubbing alcohol directly onto the permanent ink stain with a clean cloth. Continue until the stain fades. Move the towel underneath as needed to make sure the clothing does not pick up ink from the towel after it's removed from the clothing.
- Rinse the clothing with fresh water and check to see if the stain is completely removed.
- Use dry cleaning solution on the stain if it is not completely removed. Check the fabric label before using dry cleaning solution to make sure the fabric will not be harmed.
- Wash the clothing according to the label instructions, but do not dry it in the dryer if any ink stain remains.