Ink stains can be a nightmare for anyone who loves their clothes. Whether it’s a ballpoint pen, a fountain pen, or a printer cartridge, ink can leave stubborn marks on your favorite garments. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to remove ink from clothes using common household items or specialized products. In this article, we will show you how to remove ink from clothes using different methods, depending on the type of ink, the fabric, and the age of the stain.
How to remove ink from clothes home remedies
Sometimes, you don’t need to buy expensive stain removers to get rid of ink stains. You can use some simple home remedies that you may already have in your kitchen or bathroom. Here are some of the most popular home remedies for removing ink from clothes:
- Rubbing alcohol: This is one of the most versatile and effective solvents for dissolving ink. To use it, dab some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or a clean cloth and blot the stain gently. Repeat until the stain fades, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
- Hairspray: Hairspray contains alcohol and other ingredients that can help break down ink molecules. To use it, spray some hairspray on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, blot the stain with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
- Milk: Milk contains enzymes and fats that can help loosen ink stains. To use it, soak the stained garment in a bowl of milk overnight. Then, wash it as usual in the morning.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural acid that can help dissolve ink stains. To use it, mix one part vinegar with two parts water and soak the stained garment in the solution for 30 minutes. Then, wash it as usual.
How to remove ballpoint ink from clothes
Ballpoint ink is one of the most common types of ink stains that you may encounter. Ballpoint ink is usually oil-based, which means that it can be removed with oil-based solvents. Here are some of the best ways to remove ballpoint ink from clothes:
- Nail polish remover: Nail polish remover contains acetone, which is a powerful solvent that can dissolve ballpoint ink. To use it, dab some nail polish remover on a cotton ball or a clean cloth and blot the stain gently. Repeat until the stain fades, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
- Dish soap: Dish soap can help cut through the grease and oil in ballpoint ink. To use it, apply some dish soap directly on the stain and rub it gently with your fingers. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
- Baking soda and water: Baking soda and water can form a paste that can help lift ink stains from the fabric. To use it, mix some baking soda and water in a small bowl and apply the paste on the stain. Let it dry, then scrape off the paste with a knife or a spoon. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
How to remove pen ink from clothes after washing
Sometimes, you may not notice an ink stain on your clothes until after you have washed and dried them. This can make the stain more difficult to remove, as the heat and detergent may have set the ink deeper into the fabric. However, there are still some ways to remove pen ink from clothes after washing. Here are some of them:
- Bleach: Bleach can help remove ink stains from white or light-colored clothes. To use it, dilute some bleach with water according to the instructions on the label and soak the stained garment in the solution for 15 minutes. Then, rinse with cold water and wash as usual. Be careful not to use bleach on colored clothes, as it may damage or fade the fabric.
- Oxygen bleach: Oxygen bleach is a safer alternative to chlorine bleach, as it can remove ink stains from both white and colored clothes. To use it, dissolve some oxygen bleach in warm water according to the instructions on the label and soak the stained garment in the solution for an hour. Then, wash as usual.
- Lemon juice and salt: Lemon juice and salt can form a natural bleaching agent that can help remove ink stains from clothes. To use it, squeeze some lemon juice on the stain and sprinkle some salt on top. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
How to remove old ink stains from colored clothes
Old ink stains can be more challenging to remove from colored clothes, as they may have penetrated deeper into the fabric fibers. However, there are still some ways to remove old ink stains from colored clothes without damaging or fading the fabric. Here are some of them:
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a clear liquid that can help soften and loosen old ink stains from colored clothes. To use it, apply some glycerin on the stain and rub it gently with your fingers. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
- Ammonia: Ammonia is a strong alkaline that can help break down old ink stains from colored clothes. To use it, mix one part ammonia with two parts water and dab some of the solution on the stain with a cotton ball or a clean cloth. Blot the stain gently, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual. Be careful not to use ammonia on silk or wool, as it may damage the fabric.
- Denture cleaner: Denture cleaner is a product that can help remove stains from dentures, but it can also help remove old ink stains from colored clothes. To use it, dissolve some denture cleaner in warm water according to the instructions on the label and soak the stained garment in the solution for 30 minutes. Then, wash as usual.
How to remove pen ink from white clothes
White clothes are more prone to show ink stains, but they are also easier to treat, as you can use more powerful bleaching agents without worrying about fading the fabric. Here are some of the best ways to remove pen ink from white clothes:
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent that can help remove pen ink from white clothes. To use it, dab some hydrogen peroxide on the stain with a cotton ball or a clean cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
- Cornstarch and milk: Cornstarch and milk can form a paste that can help absorb and remove pen ink from white clothes. To use it, mix some cornstarch and milk in a small bowl and apply the paste on the stain. Let it dry, then brush off the paste with a soft brush. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.
- Salt and vinegar: Salt and vinegar can form a natural bleaching agent that can help remove pen ink from white clothes. To use it, mix some salt and vinegar in a small bowl and apply the solution on the stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.