Removing Ink Stains

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Ink Stains Ink stains fall into a few different categories. Water based ink stains are easier to remove and include markers that are available in different colors. Permanent ink stains can present a much tougher challenge and include permanent highliters and markers. Water Based Ink Stains Lay the stained area on top of a clean dry white towel. Apply water to the ink stain and blot with another clean white cloth, removing the stain as you blot. Apply your normal liquid laundry detergent onto the ink stain and allow the garment to sit for 3-5 minutes. Wash in the warmest water that the fabric can tolerate. Before drying, double check to make sure the ink stain was removed, if not, repeat the previous steps until it is. Permanent Ink Stains It’s important to remember that permanent inks and markers represent some of the most difficult stains to remove. If a permanent ink stain happens on a fabric or pattern that cannot be bleached, it will be difficult to impossible to remove. You can try and you might get lucky, but don’t hold you’re breath for too long. The first solution to try is rubbing alcohol. Place the clothing on top of a clean white towel. Be sure to test in a hidden spot before applying rubbing alcohol to the permanent ink stain. Blot rubbing alcohol onto the stain. The towel underneath will become wet and discolored from the ink. Be sure to move the garment to a clean dry section fo the towel as this happens. Continue until no more ink stain can be removed. Make sure you rinse the stained area completely free of the rubbing alcohol. Next try fingernail polish remover. Blot in the same way as you did with the rubbing alcohol, moving the stained area to a clean dry section of a towel as the ink stain is removed. Rinse thoroughly. As a last resort, you can try acetone, although this doesn’t do well with a lot of fabric types and cannot be used on acetate and rayon fabrics. Test first in a hidden spot. Apply the acetone in the same way as the rubbing alcohol and fingernail polish remover. Remember to rinse thoroughly. Next, try rubbing baking soda mixed with water into the ink stain. Rinse thoroughly. Apply a stain stick, gel, or spray to the ink stain and wash according to the fabric directions. If the ink stain still remains after washing, try repeating the baking soda step again before rewashing and drying. Ballpoint Ink Stains Lay the stained area on top of a clean dry white towel. Apply rubbing alcohol to the ink stain and blot with another clean white cloth, removing the stain as you blot. Rinse thoroughly. Lay the stained area on top of a clean dry white towel. Apply nail polish remover to the ink stain and blot with another clean white cloth, removing the stain as you blot. Rinse thoroughly. Apply your normal liquid laundry detergent onto the ink stain and allow the garment to sit for 3-5 minutes. Wash in the warmest water that the fabric can tolerate. Before drying, double check to make sure the stain was removed. If not, repeat the previous steps until it is.