7 Easy Ways to Get Dried Ink Stains Out of Clothes

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Cleaning pros share which methods work best to remove dry ink
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The only thing worse than finding an ink stain on clothes? Discovering it after you’ve done the laundry, which means that the spot has been dried, making it even tougher to remove. But worry not, as there are plenty of methods you can use to remove ink from your clothes after it has dried. We chatted with professional cleaning specialists to provide you with instructions on getting dried ink out of your clothes using simple household cleaners and supplies. Read on to get those stained garments fresh and clean!

Removing Dry Pen Ink From Clothes

Cleaning expert Francesca Ortega says to use a toothbrush to scrub the stain with a mixture of equal parts laundry detergent, toothpaste, and baking soda, plus the juice of 2 limes, to loosen the ink. Then, use a rag to absorb the ink. Repeat the process until the stain disappears. Then, launder as normal.

Section 1 of 8:

Removing Dried Ink with Rubbing Alcohol

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dried Ink Out of Clothes
    Apply the liquid to the front and back of the stain, using your fingers to gently rub it into the fabric. Make sure the entire spot is completely saturated, but don’t rub the fabric together in an attempt to saturate the stain. This can actually cause the ink to spread. [1]
    • Best Fabrics for This Method: Cotton, linen, polyester, nylon, and microfiber.
    • For ink and other oil-based stains, look at the ingredients of the stain remover to make sure it has surfactants, like sulfonates or alkyl sulfates. These break up oil. [2]
    • If the label on your clothes says “wash separately” or “wash with like colors,” pick a stain remover without oxidizing agents , like bleach. That’s because your clothes are not colorfast, meaning the dye could be removed by oxidizers. [3]
    • If you want an on-the-go option, house cleaning service NW Maids recommends a stain removal pen that you can slip into your purse or even your pocket. [4]
    • If you have clothing that is dry-clean only, stop! Do not use a stain remover yourself. Instead, take it to the dry cleaners.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    NW Maids is a House Cleaning Service that has strived to improve the house cleaning experience for over 10 years.

    Susan Stocker is a Professional Cleaner and owner of Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle.

    Rani Gorgis is a Laundry & Cleaning Specialist who owns Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, CA.

    Francesa Ortega is a Cleaning & Organization Expert with over six years of experience. She is the Co-Founder of Excellence Cleaning Pros and specializes in organizing and thorough cleaning.

  2. Look for the tag inside your clothing to find out how to properly wash it. Use laundry detergent as you regularly would to remove the stain treatment.
    • For instance, the directions for more delicate clothing may require you to hand-wash the item.
    • Do not dry the clothing if the stain is still there. This will only cause it to set more, making it even tougher to remove.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dried Ink Out of Clothes
    NW Maids says to dip the cloth in a bowl filled with alcohol, or simply pour the liquid over the cloth. [5] Wring out any excess alcohol so that the cloth is damp but not dripping wet. [6]
    • Choose a cloth that you don’t mind getting stained. The ink from the stain will transfer onto the cloth as you dab it.
    • Instead of using a soaked cloth, you can also spray or pour the alcohol directly onto the stain, then use a dry cloth to blot it.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dried Ink Out of Clothes
    According to NW Maids, the alcohol should dissolve the ink stain as you do so. [7] Continue blotting it until you can’t see any more visible color on your clothes from the ink. [8]
    • Never scrub the stain. This can make the ink spread further on your clothes.
    • Do not use rubbing alcohol on delicate fabrics like silk or wool.
    • If you want to protect the surface underneath your clothes from getting ink on it, lay your clothes on top of an old towel before treating the stain.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dried Ink Out of Clothes
    Once all of the visible ink is gone, run the affected area under cold water in the sink. This will remove the alcohol and any lingering ink particles before you put the clothing in the wash. [9]
    • Cold water is more effective at removing ink stains than warm water.
  6. Launder your item as normal, paying attention to any special care instructions so you don’t damage it. This time, you can dry it as well, either by tossing it in the dryer or letting it air dry.
    • Before you dry the clothing, check again to make sure the stain has been completely removed. If it hasn’t, repeat the alcohol process.
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Section 2 of 8:

Removing Dried Ink with Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover

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  1. 1
    Check if the fabric is suitable for acetone, then pre-treat with dish soap and water. Acetate and modacrylic fibers can be melted away by acetone, so avoid this method if you’re trying to clean them. If your garments are suitable for acetone, pre-treat the stain by applying dish soap and water and letting it work for 15 minutes. [10]
    • Best Fabrics for This Method: Polyester, sturdy, white cotton
  2. 2
    Cleanse the garment with hot water, then apply acetone to the stain. Rinse the dish soap and water away with hot water to remove any loosened ink. Then, squirt enough nail polish remover to cover the stain and allow it to sit for another 15 minutes. [11]
  3. 3
    Rinse the stain, repeat the acetone if necessary, then wash as normal. Use cold water to rinse away the broken-down stain. As you rinse, check to see how much ink has been washed away. If the stain isn’t removed, apply more nail polish remover and let it break down more of the ink until it’s removed. Then, toss it in the washer and wash, following the care instructions on the label. [12]
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Section 3 of 8:

Removing Dried Ink with Glycerin and Detergent

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  1. Glycerin is a moisturizer that will loosen the ink stain. Dip your swab into the bottle of glycerin, then gently but firmly blot the affected area until it’s completely saturated. [13]
    • Best Fabrics for This Method: Silk, rayon, and wool.
    • You can buy glycerin from most drugstores or online.
    • Replace the swab with a fresh one if it becomes covered in ink.
    • To protect other layers of clothing, like the back of a shirt, from any ink or glycerin that seeps through, place an old towel directly underneath the stain.

    For clothes that are labeled as "dry clean only," stop after this step. Once you apply the glycerin, dab on some cold water to rinse it out. Then take the clothing to the dry cleaners.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dried Ink Out of Clothes
    This dilutes the detergent and thins it out so the stain can soak it up more easily. Stir the detergent and water together with a spoon until they’re thoroughly combined.
    • You can also do this in a spray bottle. Shake it vigorously to blend the 2 liquids.
    • Choose a gentle detergent, particularly if you have delicate fabric. Look for a detergent that’s marked “for delicates” or “for sensitive skin,” for example.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Dried Ink Out of Clothes
    Just like you did with the glycerin, dab the area with the swab dipped in the liquid. Continue blotting until you’ve completely covered the stain.
  4. This allows the glycerin and detergent mixture to work on the stain. Set the clothing somewhere where it won’t be disturbed, like on top of the washing machine or draped over a drying rack. [14] After 10 minutes, wash the clothes as normal, following the care instructions on the label and checking to see if there are any special directions for how to launder them.
    • If you’re dealing with delicates, like a silk blouse or a rayon skirt, you may need to wash them by hand or let them air dry.
    • After washing your clothing, examine it to be sure that there is no trace of the stain left before you dry it.
    • If there is still some ink, repeat the process as many times as necessary to remove it.
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Section 4 of 8:

Removing Dried Ink with Baking Soda and Hot Water

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  1. 1
    Mix baking soda and hot water, then apply the mixture to the stain. Laundry and cleaning specialist Rani Gorgis suggests trying a mix of baking soda and hot water. Mix the baking soda with the hot water and rub the mixture over the stain in a circular motion using your fingers or a small bristle brush. If that doesn’t work, Gorgis says to mix bleach and hot water (just make sure the bleach doesn’t damage your clothing). [15]
    • Best Fabrics for This Method: Strong fabrics like cotton and linen, as long as they’re light colored.
  2. 2
    After the stain lifts, wash the garment as normal. Check the tag on the clothes for proper cleaning instructions, then wash the garment(s) as you usually would. After washing, check the stained area to see if the stain has been removed. If it has, move on to drying. If not, apply more of the mixture and repeat the previous step until it goes away.
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Section 5 of 8:

Removing Dried Ink with a Baking Soda Solution

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  1. 1
    Mix laundry detergent, lime juice, toothpaste, and baking soda. Start by squeezing two limes into a bowl for lime juice. Then, put a spoonful of baking soda, a spoonful of toothpaste, and a spoonful of laundry detergent into the bowl. Mix all of the ingredients with the spoon until they are thoroughly combined. [16]
    • Best Fabrics for This Method: Strong, durable fabrics like cotton and linen.
  2. 2
    Scrub the mix onto the stain with a toothbrush, then absorb it with a rag. Cleaning and organization expert Francesca Ortega says to scrub the stain with the detergent, lime, toothpaste, and baking soda with a toothbrush to loosen the ink. Then, use a rag to absorb the ink that comes out, applying more of the mixture until you see the stain disappearing. [17]
  3. 3
    Wash the clothing as normal. After the stain has mostly lifted, check the care instructions on the tag, then follow them as you wash. For example, if you have a garment that says to wash in warm water, then wash it in warm water. After your clothing has made it through the wash, check for any signs of the stain. If it remains, run the garment(s) back through the wash until it’s gone.
    • Do not dry your clothes until the stain is gone because the heat can set the stain into the fabric, making it harder (or impossible) to remove.
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Section 6 of 8:

Removing Dried Ink with Hair Spray

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  1. 1
    Stretch the fabric, then spray enough hairspray to cover the stain. Stretching the fabric will keep the ink from unnecessarily spreading to other parts of the garment. Use heavy objects, like a bowl or mug, to hold the fabric in place, then spray enough hairspray to cover the stain. Make sure the hairspray is alcohol-based. According to professional cleaner Susan Stocker, “The old hairspray trick only works if it has a high alcohol content.” [18]
    • Best Fabrics for This Method: Cotton, leather, polyester, and blended fabrics.
  2. 2
    Let the hairspray sit for 15 minutes, then rinse, air-dry, and wash it. The hairspray needs time to break down the stain, so give it about 15 minutes to work before rinsing it away. If the stain remains, apply more hairspray and let it work for another 15 minutes. Then, rinse it away with water, hang it up to air-dry, then check to see if the stain is fully removed. If so, follow the care instructions on the tag and wash as normal. [19]
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Section 7 of 8:

Removing Dried Ink with White Vinegar

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  1. 1
    Blot out the ink with a damp microfiber cloth. Dampen the cloth with cold water and dab it onto the stain to help remove as much ink as possible. While this likely won’t remove the dried ink entirely, it can help loosen things up and prime the area for the white vinegar. [20]
    • Best Fabrics for This Method: Wool and silk. Cotton, chenille, and corduroy can also be cleaned if you pre-treat the stain with hairspray and mix natural laundry detergent into the diluted white vinegar.
  2. 2
    Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then apply to the stain. Thoroughly mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl or sturdy container. Then, apply the mixture to a toothbrush and use it to scrub at the stain. The toothbrush will help get into the fibers of the fabric. Just make sure to gently scrub so you don’t risk damaging it. [21]
    • If you’re cleaning cotton, chenille, or corduroy, mix equal parts vinegar and water, then mix natural laundry detergent into the diluted vinegar.
  3. 3
    Soak the stain for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry. Let the applied mixture soak into the fabric for 30 minutes so it can thoroughly break down the ink. Then, rinse the stain with water to remove any lifted ink. Check to see how much ink is left, apply rubbing alcohol if it hasn’t lifted, then rinse the garment again and let it air dry. [22]
  4. 4
    Wash the garment as normal. Once the stain has been removed, wash your garment following the tag’s care instructions to remove any remnants of ink. After it’s made it through a washing cycle, check the stained area to see if it’s clean, and repeat the above instructions if ink remains. Once it’s fully removed, dry the garment as per the instructions.
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Section 8 of 8:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Does hand sanitizer work for removing dried ink from clothes? Yes, hand sanitizer is great for removing dried ink from clothes! The alcohol in the hand sanitizer helps break down the ink in the fabric. All you have to do is apply a clear, alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the stain, blot it with a clean, white microfiber cloth or paper towel, then rinse and wash as normal.
  2. 2
    Does Dawn dish soap remove ink from clothes? Yes, Dawn dish soap is useful for removing ink from clothes, specifically oil-based ink. Dawn dish soap is made to break down oil and grease, making it a well-suited option for removing oil-based ink (or grease stains) . [23]
  3. 3
    What removes permanent marker from clothes? Alcohol-based removal products are best for removing permanent marker and ink, as they dissolve the oils and alcohols in the permanent ink. Consider following the rubbing alcohol or hair spray methods, as they both use alcohol-based products.
  4. 4
    Does the ink type determine the method of removal? Yes, the type of ink that stained your shirt plays a role in determining the method of removal you choose. For example, if the ink is water-based, dish soap and warm water or a detergent-based method will work fine. But, if the ink is oil-based, methods that use alcohol-based products, like rubbing alcohol , are ideal.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there anything else I can try to get the ink out?
    Rani Gorgis
    Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
    Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification.
    Rani Gorgis
    Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can try using a mix of baking soda and hot water. Scrub the paste into the stain in a circular motion using your fingers or a small bristle brush. If that does not work, try using bleach with a mix of hot water.
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  • Question
    How do you remove an ink stain that has been washed and dried?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Unfortunately, the heat from the dryer can make it much harder to remove ink stains from fabric. If you can safely bleach the item, try pre-treating the stain with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Then, run it through the wash with hot water and about ¼ a cup of bleach. If bleach is out of the question, treat the stain directly with both alcohol-based hand sanitizer and a laundry stain remover, then wash it with hot water. Either way, let the item air dry after so you don’t set any remaining ink any further.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can baking soda remove pen ink?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You may be able to lift a dried ink stain out of your clothes by rubbing the spot with a paste of baking soda and water. Use a cotton ball to dab the spot until you don’t see any more ink coming off on the cotton ball. Wipe the paste away with a clean, colorless cloth or a paper towel. When you’re done, wash the item as you normally would, then let it air dry to prevent setting any remaining ink.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/how-to-pre-treat-a-stain-on-clothing/
      2. ↑ https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/tidedetergent.html
      3. ↑ https://www.chandye.com/what-color-to-expect-when-bleaching/
      4. ↑ NW Maids. House Cleaning Service. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ NW Maids. House Cleaning Service. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      7. ↑ NW Maids. House Cleaning Service. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      9. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      1. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/get-ink-out-of-clothes/
      2. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/get-ink-out-of-clothes/
      3. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/get-ink-out-of-clothes/
      4. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      5. ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/do-laundry/how-to-get-ink-stains-out-of-clothes/
      6. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/GUNgaqHI96k?si=ALCJDRPKdXUdfN27&t=15
      8. ↑ Francesca Ortega. Cleaning & Organization Expert. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Susan Stocker. Professional Cleaner. Expert Interview
      10. ↑ https://www.grove.co/blog/how-to-remove-ink-stains
      11. ↑ https://www.grove.co/blog/how-to-remove-ink-stains
      12. ↑ https://www.grove.co/blog/how-to-remove-ink-stains
      13. ↑ https://www.grove.co/blog/how-to-remove-ink-stains
      14. ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/get-ink-out-of-clothes/

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