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Remove pen ink from denim with these simple stain removal tricks
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- Rubbing Alcohol |
- Hand Sanitizer |
- Hairspray |
- Commercial Stain Remover |
- Vinegar |
- Baking Soda |
- Ink Stain FAQs |
- Video |
- Q&A |
- Tips
So you put a ballpoint pen or felt-tip marker in your pocket and the cap unexpectedly came off, leaving a big ink stain on your favorite pair of jeans. Have no fear! You can easily remove ink stains from jeans in just a few simple steps, and we’ll take you through the entire process. We’ll also provide some alternative methods for removing ink stains and answer a few FAQs, so keep reading!
How to Remove an Ink Stain from Jeans
Dab the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess ink. Next, apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area, and allow it to soak for a few minutes to break up the ink. Blot the stain with a paper towel until the ink is completely removed, then machine wash your jeans as usual.
Steps
Section 1 of 7:
How to Remove Ink Stains from Jeans with Rubbing Alcohol
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Dab the stain with a paper towel to soak up excess ink. It’s important to do this right away, while the ink is still wet. Don’t rub or wipe the area—this pushes the ink deeper into the fabric and causes it to spread, which makes it harder to remove. Simply press the paper towel gently into the stain and continue to blot until you've removed as much of the ink as possible. [1] X Research source
- Check the care label on your jeans before moving onto the next step.
- If the label says “dry clean only,” pause here and take your jeans to the dry cleaners to remove the stain.
- If it says your jeans are machine washable, move on to the next step.
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Place a clean wash cloth inside the jeans under the stain. This prevents the ink from transferring to other parts of the fabric during the stain removal process. [2] X Research source If you don’t have a towel or a wash cloth, a few paper towels should do the trick.Advertisement -
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain. For a larger stain, slowly and carefully pour a few drops of 90% isopropyl alcohol directly to the area. For a smaller stain, wet a cotton ball or cotton swab with the alcohol and apply it to the stain. [3] X Expert Source Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.- Make sure you’re only getting the alcohol on the stained area, so the ink doesn’t bleed or spread.
- If you’re worried about how the alcohol will affect the fabric, do a patch test on a small, unnoticeable area first.
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Blot the stain with a clean cloth, paper towel, or cotton ball. As you dab, the ink should be drawn out of the fabric. [4] X Expert Source Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist Expert Interview. 8 November 2019. When your towel or cotton ball starts to get stained, discard it and use a fresh one to continue dabbing at the area. Continue this process until you’ve soaked up as much of the ink as possible.- For older, more severe stains, allow the alcohol to sit for about 15 minutes before blotting.
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Rinse the area with water to remove the alcohol. Be sure to use cold water, as hot water may set any remaining ink into the fabric, making it much harder to remove. [5] X Expert Source Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist Expert Interview. 8 November 2019. -
Wash the jeans in the washing machine as you normally would. Wash the jeans on their own if possible, so that no leftover ink transfers to other garments during the washing process. Make sure to follow any special instructions on the care label of your jeans regarding water temperature and wash cycles as well. [6] X Research source
- Make sure that the ink stain is fully removed before drying your jeans. Once the jeans are dry, leftover ink will be harder to remove.
- If the stain is still visible, repeat the entire one more time to remove the rest of the ink.
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Section 4 of 7:
How to Remove Ink Stains with Commercial Stain Remover
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Spray the area with stain remover and allow it to soak. Shout and Oxiclean are great options, and they’re available at most grocery stores. Some commercial stain removers can be washed out right away, but others need to soak on the fabric for several minutes. Follow the instructions listed on the product you’re using. [9] X Research source
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Wash your jeans as normal in the washing machine. After soaking the stain according to the product’s instructions, launder your jeans in the washing machine as you usually would. Be sure to follow the instructions on the care label when choosing the water temperature and washer cycle. [10] X Research source
- Check to make sure the stain is completely gone before drying. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process one more time.
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Section 5 of 7:
How to Remove Ink Stains with Vinegar
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Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a large bowl. This mixture will serve as your all-natural stain remover. [11] X Research source You can make as much of the stain remover as you need, but for a small ink stain, about 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) vinegar and 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) water should be a good amount.
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Soak the stained area in the bowl. Allow the ink stain to become fully saturated in the vinegar solution, and let it soak for about 30 minutes. You can also apply the solution directly to the stain instead of soaking it in the bowl, if you prefer. [12] X Research sourceEXPERT TIP
You can also try soaking lighter colored jeans in a milk bath overnight to help dissolve ink stains!
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.Susan Stocker
Stain Removal SpecialistSusan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist -
Scrub the stain remover solution into the stain. After soaking, use a sponge or soft toothbrush to gently rub the stain in circular motions, until the ink is completely gone. [13] X Research source
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Wash your jeans in the washing machine. Check the care label on your jeans to choose the water temperature and wash cycle, and make sure the ink stain is completely gone before placing them in the dryer. [14] X Research source
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Section 6 of 7:
How to Remove Ink Stains with Baking Soda
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Mix equal parts baking soda and water, and apply it to the stain. This creates an all-natural stain-removing paste that you can use for a wide variety of stains. Simply apply the mixture to the stained area, and let it sit for several minutes to break up the ink. [15] X Research source
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Scrub the area gently with a soft toothbrush, then rinse. Make sure to use cool water when you rinse off the paste, as warm water can set the stain. If there’s still ink left over, add more paste to the stain, scrub it in, then rinse one more time. Repeat this process until the stain lifts completely. [16] X Research source
- When the stain is gone, wash your jeans in the washing machine as normal.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionDo you have any more suggestions if the ones here did not help me remove the stain?Community AnswerApply eucalyptus oil directly to stain, leave it a few hours, then wash.
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QuestionHow do I get grease stains out of white shirts?Community AnswerI use Swarfega (original) on grease stains. It works on most fabrics, but test it on a hidden area first. Just rub on a small amount and either hand wash the item or put it in the machine.
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QuestionWhat if the stain has already spread? Is there still hope?Community AnswerPossibly. If the stain spread, use the ingredients above, but a little more of each - and carefully cover the area.
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Tips
- Don’t soak jeans in hot water, or dry your jeans before doing stain removal. Heat will set in the stain and make it much harder to removeThanks
- Test a hidden area of the jeans like inside the cuff to be sure you don’t bleach the jeans and cause further staining.Thanks
- If the rubbing alcohol method doesn’t work at first, try repeating the process with the jeans inside out to draw the stain out of the other side of the jeans.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/remove-ink-stain.html
- ↑ Susan Stocker. Stain Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ Susan Stocker. Stain Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ Susan Stocker. Stain Removal Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.art-is-fun.com/remove-ink-stains/
- ↑ https://www.art-is-fun.com/remove-ink-stains/
- ↑ https://www.art-is-fun.com/remove-ink-stains/
- ↑ https://www.art-is-fun.com/remove-ink-stains/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://cleanzen.com/blog/get-ink-out-of-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-get-ink-out-of-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.art-is-fun.com/remove-ink-stains/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Before removing an ink stain from jeans, place a clean towel under the stain so it doesn't transfer to the rest of the fabric. Then, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol or spray hairspray on the stain. Blot the stain with a cotton ball or paper towel, and keep blotting until the ink is removed. Rinse the jeans in cold water, then wash the jeans in a washing machine with cold water. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol or hairspray, and want to know how to clean your jeans with vinegar, water, and baking soda, read the article!
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 624,663 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I had a big blue pen break between my legs while driving, and didn't notice for hours. My new leather white seats and favorite jeans I thought were ruined, but I tried the alcohol then the hair spray, and it's almost all out . It's pretty much gone. Thanks for the secret tips, and yes, very helpful. You saved me from disaster. " ..." more
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"I had a big blue pen break between my legs while driving, and didn't notice for hours. My new leather white seats and favorite jeans I thought were ruined, but I tried the alcohol then the hair spray, and it's almost all out . It's pretty much gone. Thanks for the secret tips, and yes, very helpful. You saved me from disaster. "
..."
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"I just went shopping the other day and got new jeans. I couldn't wait to wear them to school tomorrow. I wear it to school and get loads of compliments, but then, when I reached home, I realized I had a pen stain on my pants (which I'm guilty of doing a lot). Anyway, I didn't know what to do, and from past experiences, I knew that I wouldn't be able to get it out for the life of me. However, I tried the baking soda hack on my jeans and it worked perfectly. Thank you."
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"As suggested, I try the baking soda, water and the vinegar and I scrubbed with a toothbrush. I did not see any results so I tried alcohol immediately and the stain was gone and I tossed the pants in the washing machine and that's the end of my story. I feel this article really helped me get the stain out of these jeans and they are my favorite jeans. I'm so happy right now!!"
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"I did not have isopropyl alcohol. I had hand sanitizer, which is 62% ethyl alcohol and thicker, which helped keep it on the stain. As soon as I applied it, the ink started to fade. Followed with baking soda paste. It worked, I'm happy! "
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"The stain was big and deep purple due to a marker bleeding all over the shorts. After using alcohol and then hairspray, then blotting, I've managed to almost get the stain out completely. Thank you!"
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