How to Remove Highlighter Stains From Clothes

Wash bright ink stains out of your favorite fabrics

Co-authored by Susan Stocker and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: May 14, 2024 Fact Checked

Stains are minor mishaps, but they can sure put a damper on your day! Whether you've stained your clothes with highlighter ink or highlighter makeup, never fear– you can likely get those stains out with a little work. Try rubbing alcohol or a commercial ink stain remover to get out highlighter ink. For makeup, try things like shaving cream or a makeup remover wipe to get the stain out.

Removing Highlighter Stains from Clothing

Dab the stain with a clean rag soaked in rubbing alcohol, working from the edges to the center.
Spray the stain remover of your choice directly onto the stain and dab it in with a clean sponge or rag.
After you've lifted as much of the stain as possible, launder the garment using warm water and your usual detergent.

1

Use rubbing alcohol to pre-treat the stain.

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Rubbing alcohol helps break down and lift the highlighter ink. First, place paper towels or a rag behind the stained part of the fabric, so that no ink bleeds onto other parts of the clothing. Next, dip a clean rag or sponge into regular rubbing alcohol , and dab it all over the area surrounding the stain, then on the stain itself. ^{[1]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert

Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
- Make sure to apply a generous amount of rubbing alcohol to the area. The goal is to flush the highlighter ink out of the fabric and onto the paper towels behind it. ^{[2]
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- Once the stain is mostly gone, spray the area with the stain remover of your choice, such as Shout or Oxiclean .
- Finally, wash the clothing item as you normally would. If possible, wash the item on its own to prevent any leftover ink from transferring to other clothes. ^{[3]
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- Check the item before putting it into the dryer. If the stain is still there, repeat the whole process one more time before drying.

2

Spray the stain with hairspray.

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Hairspray contains alcohol, which breaks down the highlighter ink. First, blot the stain with a clean cloth to soak up any excess liquid. Next, spray a generous amount of aerosol hairspray directly onto the stained area. While the stain is still wet from the hairspray, place the item in the washing machine and wash it with your regular laundry detergent. ^{[4]
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- Check to make sure the stain is fully removed before drying. If it’s still there, repeat the process one more time. ^{[5]
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3

Try a commercial stain remover.

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Stain removers like Shout or Oxiclean work well to remove most stains. Start by blotting at the stain with a clean cloth to pick up any excess ink. Don’t wipe or scrub the stain, as this can push the stain further into the fabric. Next, spray the stain remover of your choice onto the area. ^{[6]
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- Some stain removers need to sit on the stain for a period of time, while others can be washed out right away. Be sure to follow the specific instructions listed on the product you’re using.
- After soaking the stain according to the product’s instructions, place the item in the washing machine and wash as normal. ^{[7]
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4

Treat the stain with your laundry detergent.

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Just apply a small bit of the detergent directly to the stained area, and let it sit for a few minutes. This lifts the stain more effectively than washing alone would. ^{[8]
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Research source} Next, toss the clothing item in the washing machine and wash as usual.

5

Pre-treat the stain with dish soap.

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Regular dish soap is a great spot-treatment for stains. Apply a small dollop of dish soap directly to the stain, and gently rub it in with your fingers. Next, wash the clothing item in the washing machine as you normally would. ^{[9]
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- Before trying this method, spot-test the dish soap on a small, hard-to-see area of your clothing to make sure it won’t cause any damage or discoloration to the fabric. ^{[10]
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6

Treat the stain with white vinegar.

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Just mix equal parts water and white vinegar , then apply the solution directly to the stained area. Let the mixture sit on the stain for about ten minutes, then use a soft scrub brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the ink stain. Finally, rinse out the vinegar, then wash the item in the washing machine as usual. ^{[11]
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7

Make a stain remover with baking soda.

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A DIY baking soda paste can soak up stubborn highlighter ink stains. To start, mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar. ^{[12]
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Research source} If you don’t have vinegar, plain water will also work. Apply the paste to the stain, and let it sit for several minutes. Next, scrub the area with a soft scrub brush or toothbrush, then rinse out the paste with water. Finally, wash the item as you normally would. ^{[13]
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- If you notice that the stain hasn’t fully lifted, repeat the process one more time before placing the clothing item in the washing machine. ^{[14]
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- You can also allow the paste to sit on the clothing overnight if the stain is particularly severe.

8

Apply lemon juice to the area.

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The citric acid in lemon juice is great at breaking down stains. Just mix ¹ ⁄ ₃ cup (79 mL) lemon juice with ² ⁄ ₃ cup (160 mL) water, and apply the solution to the stain. Let it soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing out, then place the clothing item in the washing machine as usual. ^{[15]
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- Since lemon juice is a natural bleach alternative, it can cause damage to certain fabrics. ^{[16]
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- If you’re worried about how lemon juice will affect your clothing item, do a test on a small, unnoticeable patch of the garment before trying this method.

9

Try a detergent pen or wipe for an on-the-go solution.

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There are several options available, like Tide to Go pens or Shout stain removal wipes . ^{[17]
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Research source} For most of these products, you’ll simply need to apply the detergent directly to the stain, rub it in, then let it dry. ^{[18]
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10

Try hand sanitizer for another on-the-go fix.

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This is a great option if you’re out and about, and you don’t have time to go home to use another stain treatment. ^{[19]
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Research source} Just apply a small amount of hand sanitizer onto a paper towel and dab it on the stain. The highlighter ink should lift onto the paper towel, making the stain less noticeable.

11

Treat a highlighter makeup stain with shaving cream.

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Start by lifting as much product as possible from the clothing item. Dab a piece of tape over the area to pick up any loose powder, or gently press a makeup remover wipe onto the stain if you spilled liquid highlighter. ^{[20]
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Research source} Once you’ve removed the excess powder or liquid, apply color-free shaving cream to the area and let it sit for 10 minutes. ^{[21]
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- After 10 minutes, rinse the area with cool water, then wash the item as you normally would.
- Just avoid using this method on fabrics that are dry clean only. ^{[22]
 X
 Expert Source
 
 Susan Stocker
 Green Cleaning Expert
 
 Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can ink stains be removed after drying?

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

Rub over the dried stain with either rubbing alcohol or a mixture of baking soda and hot water, using your fingers or a small bristle brush to work the treatment into the fabric. If that doesn't work, use bleach mixed with hot water.

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Is highlighter ink toxic?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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According to the Illinois Poison Control Center, highlighter ink is unlikely to cause serious symptoms if you swallow a small amount of it. You might experience a mildly upset stomach and some temporary staining in and around the mouth. However, if you’re worried, call your doctor or your local poison control center and ask for advice.

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Does lemon juice get rid of highlighter?

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Staff Answer

Lemon juice is great for fading highlighter marks in books. Carefully rub a small amount onto the marks with a cotton swab. You might also be able to use it on clothing stains, but take care not to leave it on too long, or you could accidentally bleach your clothing.

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Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert

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How to Remove Highlighter Stains From Clothes

Removing Highlighter Stains from Clothing

Steps

Use rubbing alcohol to pre-treat the stain.

Spray the stain with hairspray.

Try a commercial stain remover.

Treat the stain with your laundry detergent.

Pre-treat the stain with dish soap.

Treat the stain with white vinegar.

Make a stain remover with baking soda.

Apply lemon juice to the area.

Try a detergent pen or wipe for an on-the-go solution.

Try hand sanitizer for another on-the-go fix.

Treat a highlighter makeup stain with shaving cream.

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