Sooner or later, we all need to know how to get ink out of clothes. Whether a pen explodes in your pocket or you drop a permanent marker on your favorite linen trousers, ink stains happen even if you're being careful. Unlike most stains from food, wine, and deodorant, which are easy to prevent and get out, an ink stain can be really stubborn. Unless you act immediately, the ink will dry and become even harder to remove.
But wait! Before you throw out your favorite T-shirt, we have some good news: You can remove ink from clothes completely if you know the right strategy. Read on to learn how to get ink out of clothes and fabric from the experts at Tide detergen., whether the stain is fresh or a few days (or even weeks) old, plus get pro tips, tricks, and guidance.
What You'll Need:
The Process
The crucial thing is not to toss ink-stained clothing into the dirty laundry pile so it gets washed and dried with other stuff. Treat the stain before you launder your clothing.
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Step One: Test the Fabric
Using rubbing alcohol or hairspray (even 100 percent acetone nail polish remover will work), pour a few drops onto your fabric in an easily hidden place to test it. Wait a few minutes and wipe it off. If you don't see any color bleeding, continue on to Step Two. If you do, try using a color-safe laundry detergent and a stain stick.
Step Two: Pretreat the Stain
Blot away any excess ink with a paper towel, then saturate your stain with your solvent of choice. Rub it into the stain using a clean toothbrush, laundry scrub brush, or paper towel. Allow the solvent to sit for five minutes, and rinse it away with cold water. Afterward, cover the stain with a laundry-specific stain remover, solvent, or bleach—do not rinse.
Step Three: Wash and Dry
Wash your article of clothing separately in the hottest water its care label allows. If the stain persists after one wash cycle, repeat the previous steps until it fades. Do not dry! The dryer's heat will further set the stain. Once you are happy with the state of the stain, you can toss it in the dryer or allow it to air-dry.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful’s SEO Editor. She has covered everything from curated decor round-ups and shopping guides, to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, for publications such as ELLE Decor, Domino, and Architectural Digest’s Clever.
