6 Quick and Easy Hacks on How to Get Ink Out of Clothes

Ink stains can be stubborn and tricky to remove. Whether it’s from a pen that has exploded in your pocket, an unfortunate mishap at the office, or simply kids painting their favorite cartoon, an ink stain on a piece of clothing (especially white ones) can feel like a disaster.

But no worries! In this blog post, we’ll explore six tried-and-true methods to remove ink from clothes, from common household items to specialized stain removers. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn how to get ink out of clothes in no time!

Table of Contents
Top methods to remove ink from clothes
Time is crucial when removing ink from clothes

Top methods to remove ink from clothes

1. Stain removers

Stain removers are often the easiest and most effective option when tackling tough stains like ink spills and blotches. These products are specifically formulated to break down the compounds in ink, such as pigments and dyes.

Stain removers contain special enzymes and chemicals designed to target and dissolve the molecular structure of ink. These compounds break down the pigment and dye particles so they can be lifted out of the fabric. Here is how to use a stain remover correctly:

1. Blot, don’t rub: Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth to lift as much ink as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the ink deeper into the fabric.
2. Apply the stain remover: Follow the instructions on the product label. Generally, you’ll apply the stain remover directly to the stained area and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Gently scrub: After giving the remover time to work, gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth.
4. Rinse and wash: Rinse the treated area with cold water and then wash the garment.

For white clothes, bleach can be an effective alternative to stain removers. Bleach is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down the ink molecules. This sodium hypochlorite solution breaks down the chemical bonds of the ink particles, causing them to dissolve and be washed away. However, bleach is also potent and can damage fabrics. It’s important to follow the following guidelines:

1. Pre-treat with care: Before applying bleach, always test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it won’t discolor or damage the material.
2. Dilute the bleach: Mix a solution of one part bleach to five parts water.
3. Apply to the stain: Use a dropper or a cotton swab to apply the diluted bleach solution directly to the ink stain.
4. Monitor and rinse: Allow the solution to sit for about five minutes, but keep an eye on it. If you notice any damage, rinse the area immediately with cold water.
5. Wash thoroughly: Wash the garment in cold water after treating the stain. Ensure all bleach is removed from the fabric to prevent further damage or discoloration.

2. Nail polish removers

Nail polish remover typically contains acetone, a solvent that breaks down various substances, including ink. To remove ink stains, choose an acetone-based nail polish remover. Avoid those with added fragrances or dyes, as these additives can sometimes alter the fabric’s color or leave additional stains. Here is how to get ink out of clothes with nail polish removers:

1. Test a small area first: Before you begin, test the nail polish remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
2. Blot the stain: Use a clean, dry cloth to gently blot the ink stain and remove any excess ink, being careful not to spread it further.
3. Apply nail polish remover: Dampen a cotton ball or clean cloth with the acetone-based nail polish remover. Gently dab it onto the ink stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the ink deeper into the fabric.
4. Blot the area: Use another clean cloth to blot the area. You should notice the ink transferring from the fabric to the cloth.
5. Repeat if necessary: If the stain persists, continue to apply the nail polish remover and blot until the ink is fully removed.
6. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove any remaining nail polish remover and ink residue.

3. Salt and alcohol

Salt acts as an abrasive, which helps to break down and lift the ink from the fabric fibers. Alcohol, on the other hand, serves as a solvent, working to dissolve the ink and make it easier to remove. When used together, salt provides the initial scrubbing action, while alcohol breaks down the stain at a chemical level.

There are a few options when it comes to choosing the type of alcohol for this task:

1. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol): This is the most readily available and effective option. Customers probably already have it in their medicine cabinet.
2. Denatured alcohol: Found in hardware stores, this is a stronger option and requires careful handling.
3. Clear spirits: If rubbing alcohol isn’t available, one can even use vodka or other clear spirits, though they may be less effective.

Here is how to use salt and alcohol to get clothes back to looking their best:

1. Sprinkle with salt: Cover the stained area with a generous amount of salt while the ink is still wet. The salt will absorb the ink and provide a bit of abrasion to help lift the stain.
2. Dampen with alcohol: Soak a cotton ball, cloth, or paper towel with your chosen type of alcohol and gently dab the salted stain. The alcohol will work to dissolve the ink and make it easier to remove from the fabric.
3. Blot the stain: Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb the ink and alcohol mixture. Repeat this process as necessary until you see the stain lifting from the fabric.
4. Rinse and wash: Once the ink has been sufficiently removed, rinse the treated area with cold water to remove any remaining salt and alcohol.

4. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that breaks down various stains, including ink. It safely lifts the pigment without damaging most fabrics. On the other hand, baking soda is both an abrasive and a cleaning agent. It helps to scrub away the stain while also neutralizing odors.

When mixed into a paste, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda lift and break down fabric ink stains. Follow these easy steps to get ink out of clothes effectively:

1. Create the paste: Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a small bowl to form a thick paste. The ratio should be roughly 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts baking soda.
2. Apply the paste: Generously apply the paste directly onto the ink stain. Make sure to cover the entire stained area.
3. Rub: Gently rub the paste into the fabric using a soft cloth or a toothbrush. This helps to work the solution into the fibers, breaking down the ink.
4. Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit on the stain for about 30 minutes. This gives the hydrogen peroxide time to break down the ink particles while the baking soda scrubs and lifts the stain.
5. Rinse and inspect: Rinse the treated area thoroughly with cold water. Check to see if the stain has lifted. If any ink remains, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.

5. Hairsprays

Believe it or not, a bottle of hairspray can do more than just keep our hair in place. Hairspray can also be a surprisingly effective method for removing ink stains from clothes. Most hairsprays contain alcohol, which acts as a solvent to break down the ink and lift it from the fabric.

Check the label to ensure that alcohol is one of the main ingredients. Avoid hairsprays labeled as “alcohol-free” or those that contain oils and conditioners, as these components can make the stain removal process less effective. Here’s how you can use hairspray to get rid of ink stains from clothes:

1. Blot the stain: Start by gently blotting the ink stain with a clean, dry cloth. This helps to absorb any excess ink and prevent it from spreading further.
2. Apply the hairspray: Hold the bottle a few inches away from the stain and generously spray the area. Make sure the entire stain is well covered with the hairspray.
3. Let it sit: Allow the hairspray to sit on the stain for a minute or two. This gives the alcohol time to break down the ink.
4. Blot again: Using a clean cloth or paper towel, blot the treated area. You should see the ink transferring from the fabric to the cloth. Continue blotting until no more ink comes off.
5. Rinse the garment: Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove any residual ink and hairspray.
6. Check the stain: Inspect the stain. Repeat steps 2 through 5 if any ink remains until the stain is fully removed.

6. Hand sanitizer or dish soap

Hand sanitizers, especially those with high alcohol content, can effectively break down and remove ink stains. For best results, it’s recommended to choose a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. Avoid those with added moisturizers, scents, or dyes, as these additional ingredients can sometimes worsen the ink stain. Here is how to use hand sanitizers to remove ink:

1. Apply the hand sanitizer: Squirt a generous amount of hand sanitizer directly onto the ink stain. Make sure the entire stain is covered.
2. Let it sit: Allow the hand sanitizer to sit on the stain for about 5–10 minutes. This gives the alcohol enough time to break down the ink.
3. Blot: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the treated area. You should notice the ink starting to transfer to the cloth.
4. Rinse the garment: Rinse the spot with cold water to remove any remaining ink and hand sanitizer.

Another effective option is to mix dish soap and lemon juice to form a powerful cleaning solution. Dish soap contains surfactants that dissolve ink, allowing it to be washed away more easily. Lemon juice’s natural acidity helps to break down the ink further and lighten the stain. Together, they form a solution that’s both gentle on fabrics and tough on stains. Here is how to prepare this ink-removing solution in a few simple steps:

1. Prepare the mixture: In a small bowl, mix equal parts of dish soap and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
2. Apply the mixture: Using a clean cloth or a sponge, apply the dish soap and lemon juice mixture directly onto the ink stain.
3. Scrub: Gently scrub the stained area with a soft brush or cloth, working the mixture into the fabric.
4. Let it sit: Allow the solution to sit on the stain for about 5–10 minutes to give it time to break down the ink.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove the mixture and lift the ink.
6. Final wash: Once the ink is removed, wash the garment as usual to remove any remaining soap and lemon juice.

Time is crucial when removing ink from clothes

Whether one opts for commercial stain removers or turns to household items like alcohol and dish soap as a quick fix, the key to getting ink out of clothes is to act quickly. Once the ink has dried and penetrated deeply, removing it without damaging the garment becomes significantly more difficult.

For more insights and quick apparel hacks, check Alibaba.com Reads!