How to Get Dried Ink Out of Clothes

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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. For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, combine glycerin and detergent to lift set ink stains. For any other type of material, you can apply rubbing alcohol or even hand sanitizer. Stains begone!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Glycerin and Detergent for Delicate Fabrics

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    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. [1]
    • You can buy glycerin from a drugstore or an online retailer.
    • 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.

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    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. [2]
    • 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.
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    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. [3]
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    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. [4]
    • Monitor the time with the clock app on your phone or a kitchen timer.
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    Check the label on the item of clothing to see if there are any special directions for how to launder it. For example, if you’re dealing with delicates, like a silk blouse or rayon skirt, you may need to wash them by hand or let them air dry. [5]
    • 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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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Removing the Stain with Alcohol

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    Apply the liquid to the front and back of the stain, using your finger to gently rub it into the fabric. Make sure the entire spot is completely saturated. [6]
    • Set a kitchen timer or use the clock app on your phone to keep track of the time.
    • Don’t rub the fabric together in an attempt to saturate the stain. This can actually cause the ink to spread.

    How to Choose a Stain Remover

    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.

    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.

    If you want an on-the-go option, go for a stain removal pen that you can slip into your purse or even your pocket. [7]

    If you have clothing that is dry clean only, stop! Do not use a stain remover yourself. Instead, take it to the dry cleaners.

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    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 handwash 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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    Dip the cloth in a bowl filled with alcohol, or simply pour the liquid over the cloth. [8] Wring out any excess alcohol so that the cloth is damp but not dripping wet. [9]
    • You can use nail polish remover, hair spray, or even an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead of rubbing alcohol.
    • 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.
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    The alcohol should dissolve the ink stain as you do so. [10] Continue blotting it until you can’t see anymore visible color on your clothes from the ink. [11] [12]
    • 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.
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    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. [13]
    • Cold water is more effective at removing ink stains than warm water.
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    [14] 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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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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      Things You’ll Need

      Using Glycerin and Detergent for Delicate Fabrics

      • Glycerin
      • Laundry detergent
      • Cotton swabs
      • Bowl
      • Spoon
      • Towel (optional)

      Applying Alcohol

      • Stain remover
      • Rubbing alcohol
      • Cloth
      • Water
      • Towel (optional)
      • Bowl (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-stain-removal/remove-ink-stains
      3. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-stain-removal/remove-ink-stains
      4. ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/do-laundry/how-to-get-ink-stains-out-of-clothes/
      5. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/cleaning-stain-removal/remove-ink-stains
      6. ↑ https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/how-to-pre-treat-a-stain-on-clothing/
      7. ↑ NW Maids. House Cleaning Service. Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.
      8. ↑ NW Maids. House Cleaning Service. Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.
      9. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      1. ↑ NW Maids. House Cleaning Service. Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.
      2. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      3. ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 April 2021.
      4. ↑ https://living.thebump.com/tricks-pen-stains-out-light-clothes-11173.html
      5. ↑ NW Maids. House Cleaning Service. Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.

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