How to get ink out of clothes is something I had to learn quickly when my coworker’s pen exploded on his shirt during a client meeting.
We tried everything in the break room, like paper towels, cold water, and even Googling under the table.
Ink stains can be stubborn, but not impossible.
Whether you’re dealing with fresh or old stains or water- or oil-based ink, there’s a right method for each situation.
I’m going to walk you through what actually worked for us and why using the wrong method can make it worse.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Ink Stains from clothes
Here’s a complete step-by-step guide that works as a base method for most ink stains:
1. Act quickly: As soon as you spot the stain, blot with a tissue or paper towel to remove excess ink.
2. Lay the garment flat: Place a towel below to prevent spreading to other layers.
3. Apply the stain solution: Choose a suitable method based on fabric and ink type. Gently apply it over the stain.
4. Let it sit: Give the solution time to break down the ink, usually 10 to 30 minutes.
5. Blot again: Use a clean cloth to lift the ink as it dissolves.
6. Rinse with cold water: This flushes out loosened ink particles without setting them.
7. Wash with care: Launder with regular detergent in cold water. Never use warm or hot water.
8. Air dry only: Avoid the dryer until you’re 100% sure the stain is gone.
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How to Get Ink Out of Clothes After Drying
How to get ink out of clothes after drying was a nightmare! But with patience and the right method, we managed to reduce it.
1. Use nail polish remover and cotton pads
This method works well for set-in ink on sturdy fabrics like denim or cotton blends. Avoid synthetics or delicate garments.
- Soak a cotton pad with acetone-based nail polish remover.
- Place a clean cloth behind the stained area to catch bleeding ink.
- Dab gently. Never rub, as rubbing spreads the stain.
- Work from the outside toward the centre.
- Rinse thoroughly in cold water and allow it to air dry.
How to Remove Pen Ink from Clothes After Washing
Here is the simple trick to remove pen ink from clothes after washing:
2. Use lemon juice and sun drying
The citric acid in lemon juice helps lift light ink marks, and the sun helps naturally bleach white or light-coloured fabrics.
- Saturate the ink stain with fresh lemon juice.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Blot gently with a clean microfibre towel.
- Lay the garment out in direct sunlight for 1–2 hours.
- Rinse in cold water and wash with regular detergent.
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How to Get Ink Out of Clothes With Vinegar
How to get ink out of clothes came to the rescue when my friend spilled pen ink on her favourite linen skirt.
Because it was a light, natural fabric, we needed a gentle, fabric-safe option.
3. Use white vinegar and cornstarch paste
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently scrub.
- Rinse with cold water, then wash normally.
How to Get Ink Out of Clothes That Have Been Washed and Dried
Here is how I dealt with my son’s school uniform having blue pen streaks, which was already tossed in a full dryer cycle:
4. Use oxygen bleach soak (non-chlorine)
Oxygen bleach breaks down organic stains like ink without bleaching coloured fabrics.
It’s safe for whites and colours and works best with longer soak times.
- Fill a basin with warm water and mix in a scoop of oxygen bleach.
- Submerge the stained part and soak for 6 hours or overnight.
- Gently agitate the water every hour.
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
How to Get Ink Out of Clothes With Hairspray
Not all hairsprays are the same; only alcohol-based ones help.
5. Use the alcohol-based hairspray
- Spray the stain until it’s visibly wet.
- Place a clean cloth under the fabric to absorb the ink.
- Blot using another clean towel or tissue.
- Flip and repeat from the other side if needed.
- Wash in cold water and air dry.
- Avoid scented moisturising hairspray; they leave residue and don’t lift ink effectively.
- Always test a small area first.
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How to Remove Pen Ink from White Clothes
This is how I tackled a friend’s white lab coat:
6. Use diluted hydrogen peroxide
It brightens whites and breaks down many ink compounds. But always dilute it to avoid weakening fabric fibres.
- Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts cold water.
- Dip a cotton ball into the solution and dab it on the ink stain.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed before laundering.
How to Get Ink Out of Clothes With Hand Sanitizer
This trick helped me on a train ride when I accidentally clicked a pen in my pocket.
The stain was fresh, and luckily, I had sanitiser in my bag.
7. Use hand sanitizer
- Apply a dab of hand sanitiser directly to the stain.
- Use the back of a spoon to press it gently into the fabric.
- Wait 5–10 minutes to let the alcohol dissolve the ink.
- Blot with a tissue and rinse when you get access to water.
- This method is great in emergencies, especially for fresh stains on casual wear.
How to Remove Old Ink Stains from Colored Clothes
This needs more care than fresh stains. I once helped a friend save her favourite maroon dress with this method.
8. Use glycerin and mild laundry soap
Glycerin softens dried ink particles and works without fading bright or dark colours.
- Warm the stained area slightly using a hairdryer on low heat.
- Mix equal parts glycerin and gentle laundry soap.
- Apply with a cotton swab and massage.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and wash on cold.
How to Get Ink Out of Jeans
This was my challenge after leaving a pen in the back pocket.
Denim is thick, so I needed something that could break into the fabric layers.
9. Use a salt and club soda combo
The carbonation helps lift ink from the fibres while the salt scrubs without scratching denim.
- Sprinkle table salt over the stain generously.
- Pour club soda over the salt until damp.
- Let it bubble and fizz for 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse and wash as normal.
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How to Get Ink Out of a Dryer
This became urgent when I discovered ink streaks after drying a load. Here is what I’ve done:
10. Use baking soda paste
This safe, chemical-free method prevents future clothes from being stained.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
- Apply to the stained drum areas with a cloth.
- Scrub using circular motions.
- Wipe with a microfibre cloth until no residue remains.
- Leave the dryer door open to air out.
Home Remedies to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes
Here are some simple home remedies to remove ink from clothes:
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Apply pure aloe vera gel to the ink stain. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Scrub gently with your fingers and rinse in cool water. Works best on fresh ink stains on delicate clothes.
2. Baby Oil
Massage a small amount of baby oil into the stain. Let it soak for 15 minutes. Blot and rinse.
Great for lifting oil-based inks from synthetics.
3. Raw Potato Juice
Cut a potato in half and rub the juicy side over the stain. Wait 30 minutes, blot with a paper towel, then rinse.
Ideal for water-based ink on cotton.
4. Eucalyptus Oil
Dab eucalyptus oil onto the stain using a cotton ball. Let it work for 10 minutes, then rinse.
It breaks down tough inks while adding a fresh scent.
5. Milk
Soak the stained part in a bowl of milk with a few drops of vinegar overnight. Rinse well.
This gentle solution works well on baby clothes or delicates.
6. Chalk Dust
Crush white chalk and press it into the stain. Let it absorb the ink for an hour, then brush off and rinse.
Excellent for dark ink on white cotton.
7. Shaving Foam
Spray shaving foam on the stained area, work it in with your hands, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Rinse well and wash. It foams the ink out.
8. Toothpaste
Mix toothpaste with lemon juice to form a paste. Apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
Perfect for whites or light-coloured fabrics.
9. Tomato Juice
Pour tomato juice over the stain and let it soak for 20 minutes.
The natural acids break down ink stains, especially on synthetics.
10. Beer Soak
Soak the fabric in beer for 30 minutes before washing.
This old pub trick works surprisingly well for faded or dried ballpoint ink.
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Final Thoughts: how to get ink out of clothes
Now you can easily get ink from clothes without damaging your favourite pieces.
Every ink type and fabric needs its solution, but with these unique methods and careful steps, you can tackle any stain confidently.
Just remember: never rush to dry-stained clothes and always blot, never rub.
Act fast, use the right technique, and you’ll save more garments than you ever thought possible.
