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Plus, how to get rid of pen marks on leather & fabric bags
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If you keep pens in your purse, ink might end up staining the inside of your bag. Whether you’re dealing with ballpoint pen or permanent marker stains, we’ll show you how to quickly remove them with common household items like hairspray and rubbing alcohol. If you have ink stains on the outside of your leather or fabric bag, we’ll tell you how to get rid of those too. Keep reading to learn more!
The Best Ways to Remove Ink from Purse Lining
Pull the purse lining out of the bag and spray the ink stains with an alcohol-based hairspray. Blot the stains with a cotton swab or cloth. Alternatively, wet a cotton ball or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Rub the pen marks with the cotton ball to remove them.
Steps
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Pull the lining out of the purse as much as possible. Open up your purse and pull out the lining where you see ink stains. This helps prevent you from spraying the outside of the bag with hairspray.
- If you can’t pull out the lining, flip your bag inside out instead.
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Place paper towels or a clean cloth under the lining. To protect the outside of your purse and the surface you’re working on, layer several paper towels under the purse lining.Advertisement -
Spray alcohol-based hair spray directly on the ink spots. Spray on enough hairspray so the stain is wet. If you can’t pull the lining out of your purse, spray hairspray onto a cotton swab, cotton ball, or paper towel. [1] X Research source
- The alcohol in hairspray is what helps lift off the ink stains.
- Note : Spot test the hairspray on a hidden part of the lining to make sure it doesn’t discolor or damage your bag.
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Dab at the ink stains with a cloth, paper towel, or cotton swab. To lift off the ink marks, blot the hairspray into the stain with a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel. Keep pressing on the stain until the ink starts to disappear. [2] X Research source
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Spray on and blot the hairspray until the ink stain is gone. Depending on the size and intensity of the pen mark, it might take a few applications to get the stain out. Just keep applying the hairspray and dabbing it with a clean cloth until the ink disappears. [3] X Research source
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Let the purse lining air dry. Keep the lining pulled out of the bag until the stained spot is fully dry. Then, insert the lining back into the bag.
- If the spot feels sticky after drying, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove the excess hair spray.
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Take the lining out of the purse as much as you can. Gently pull the purse’s lining out of the bag. This helps you tackle the ink stains more directly and prevents any rubbing alcohol from getting on the outside of your bag. [4] X Research source
- Flip your bag inside out if you can’t pull out the lining.
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Dip a cotton ball or swab in rubbing alcohol . Rubbing alcohol is a common household product that dissolves and lifts off ink stains. [5] X Research source Simply wet a cotton ball or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. [6] X Research source
- If you don’t have rubbing or isopropyl alcohol on hand, use hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers also contain alcohol.
- Alcohol wipes also help remove ink stains.
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Rub the cotton ball or swab over the ink stain. Brush the cotton ball back and forth over the pen marks. Or, rub the stains in a circular motion. Just keep dabbing at the ink spots until they disappear. [7] X Research source
- If the ink stain is stubborn, saturate it in alcohol for about 30 minutes. Then, dab at it with a cotton ball or swab.
- Note : Apply a small drop of rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous part of the lining to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage your bag.
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Apply more rubbing alcohol on the ink stain until it is gone. Get a new cotton ball or swab and wet it with rubbing alcohol. Then, rub the stain with the cotton ball. Just keep dabbing the stains with a new cotton ball until the ink disappears. [8] X Research source
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Allow the purse lining to air dry. Leave the lining pulled out of the bag until the rubbing alcohol completely dries. Then, stuff the lining back into your purse.
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Pull the purse lining out of the bag as much as possible. This gives you better access to the ink stains and helps protect the outside of your bag from the nail polish.
- Alternatively, flip your bag inside out if the lining is sewn to the bottom of the purse.
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Wet a cotton ball or microfiber cloth with nail polish remover. Nail polish remover is made with acetone, which helps dissolve and remove ink stains. Simply dampen a cotton ball or microfiber cloth in the remover. [9] X Research source
- Acetone can be harsher on fabric and leather than rubbing alcohol and hairspray. For a milder solution, mix 1 part nail polish remover with 2 parts water.
- Note : Spot test the nail polish remover on a small part of the lining to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage your bag.
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Rub the ink stains with the cotton ball or microfiber cloth. Work the nail polish remover into the spots of ink using back and forth or circular motions. Keep dipping the cotton ball or cloth into the remover and rubbing the stains until they’re gone. [10] X Research source
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Wipe the stains with a damp cloth and let the lining air dry. Nail polish remover can leave behind harsh smells, so simply dampen a cloth with water and rub the ink spots to get rid of the remover. Then, allow the purse lining to dry completely before putting it back in the bag. [11] X Research source
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Take the lining out of the purse. If your purse has an unattached lining, pull it out of the purse. This helps you access the stains more easily.
- If you can’t lift out the purse lining, flip your bag inside out.
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Mix laundry detergent or dish soap with 1 cup (237 ml) of water. Pour 1 cup (237 ml) of water into a bowl or glass. Then, add a splash of laundry detergent or dish soap. Mix the ingredients together. [12] X Research source
- If your purse’s lining is white, add a small splash of bleach to help lift off the ink stains.
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Wet a cotton swab or cloth in the soapy water and dab the stains. Dip a cotton swab or microfiber cloth into the soapy water. Then, repeatedly blot the pen marks with the swab or cloth until the stains disappear.
- Rewet the swab or cloth in the soapy water if it starts to dry out.
- Note : Spot test the soap on a hidden part of the lining to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage your bag.
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Blot the ink spots with a cloth dipped in clean water. To remove any soapy residue on the purse lining, dampen a cloth with plain water. Then, dab and press the cloth into the spots you just cleaned. [13] X Research source
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Leave the purse lining out to air dry. Keep the purse lining pulled out of the bag until it is fully dry. Then, place the lining back inside.
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Wipe the ink stain with rubbing alcohol . Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. Then, rub the swab over the ink marks using back and forth or circular motions. Wipe up any excess alcohol with a cotton ball or microfiber cloth. [14] X Research source
- This method works great for leather, suede, and fabric purses.
- Alternatively, use hand sanitizer or nail polish remover in place of rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
- Note : Always spot test cleaners on a hidden part of your bag to make sure the cleaner doesn’t discolor or damage it.
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Spray the pen marks with alcohol-based hairspray. Hairspray is great at getting rid of ink stains on leather and fabric bags. Simply spray the spots with an alcohol-based hairspray. Then, rub the hairspray into the stain with a cotton swab or ball. [15] X Research source
- Spray on more hairspray if the stain doesn’t come off with the first application.
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Rub the ink stains with a white eraser . Soft, white erasers help remove ink stains from leather and fabric purses. Just rub an eraser back and forth over the pen marks until they’re gone. [16] X Research source
- For stubborn stains , rub the ink marks with a Magic Eraser . Magic erasers are safe to use on leather and fabric bags.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I use nail polish remover instead of rubbing alcohol when removing ink stains?Community AnswerNail polish remover is not the same thing as rubbing alcohol. If it has acetone, it can very well eat through the material. Do not use nail polish remover.
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QuestionHow do I clear the ink stains from a school bag?Community AnswerI used the alcohol method on mine and it worked well, so I recommend you try that.
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QuestionCan vinegar remove ink stains?Drew Hawkins1Community AnswerVinegar won't be as effective as rubbing alcohol on removing ink stains from a purse. It's also really easy to use. Turn the lining inside out as much as you can. Dip a cotton ball into rubbing alcohol and rub it gently over the stain. If the stain is super stubborn, let it soak for 30 minutes. Then, blot the spot with a sponge, paper towel, or a cloth that's damp with clean water to soak up the rubbing alcohol. Keep adding rubbing alcohol and dabbing it up until the stain is fully lifted from the purse. Then, let the purse air dry before you use it again. That's it!
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Tips
- If you are concerned about damaging your purse, especially if it's a luxury bag, contact your purse retailer to ask about possible stain removal solutions. They might also offer a stain removal service.Thanks
- Hairspray only works well if it has alcohol in it.Thanks
- Soapy water works best at getting rid of stains if the ink is dissolvable in water.Thanks
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Warnings
- Always test out the cleaning solution on a small spot of your purse that’s easily hidden. This helps you ensure the cleaner doesn’t ruin the inside or outside of your bag.Thanks
- Acetone, which is in most nail polish removers, can dissolve ink but is a stronger chemical than rubbing alcohol. Use it with caution, as it can dissolve dyes and soften some kinds of fabrics.Thanks
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Things You’ll Need
Using Hairspray to Remove Ink Stains
- Alcohol-based hairspray
- Microfiber cloth , paper towel, or cotton swab
Using Rubbing Alcohol to Remove Ink Stains
- Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol
- Hand sanitizer, optional
- Alcohol wipes , optional
- Cotton ball or cotton swab
Using Nail Polish Remover to Remove Ink Stains
- Acetone-based nail polish remover
- Microfiber cloth or cotton ball
Using Soap to Remove Ink Stains
- Laundry detergent or dish soap
- Bleach, optional
- Cotton swab or microfiber cloth
Ways to Remove Ink Stains on the Outside of a Purse
- Rubbing alcohol
- Alcohol-based hairspray
- White eraser
- Magic Eraser , optional
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/lyLCsSa-5gs?si=mJkboEVVCG6U9M1e&t=39
- ↑ https://youtu.be/lyLCsSa-5gs?si=mRszJJhcDBv5YaMD&t=50
- ↑ https://youtu.be/lyLCsSa-5gs?si=4DKxP8djH21DHaae&t=78
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TPWjGbQxMVY?si=GZBMz47FCX7SJ2qk&t=176
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24006/removing-ink-stains/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TPWjGbQxMVY?si=kKFdex7Xn59TmHN1&t=205
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TPWjGbQxMVY?si=vWJmqG4sD-LBfikS&t=215
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TPWjGbQxMVY?si=B5KH_mV-WfNvljhA&t=358
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TADYeyDVpZU?si=gS9T8WbaCS15RPAH&t=6
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TADYeyDVpZU?si=AY_QShpYHrHrgK_-&t=24
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TADYeyDVpZU?si=EoMZTOftbxar_z9D&t=97
- ↑ https://youtu.be/HJVZvQK3C3M?si=Q3_1pgiPHj7K8oe1&t=143
- ↑ https://youtu.be/HJVZvQK3C3M?si=XTavTRrg4s2WbLRl&t=319
- ↑ https://youtu.be/21QSjbjOtMI?si=fFLXuGRuyZnIqcZH&t=76
- ↑ https://youtu.be/f31yeU3RqjQ?si=t34mkR_Wz5JmXP7X&t=43
- ↑ https://youtu.be/EaHMMLKJwNs?si=lC9cQhHM1z8Ck3R4&t=68
About This Article
Article Summary
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To remove mild ink stains from a purse lining, start by pulling as much of the lining out of the purse as you can. Then, dip a clean cloth into a small amount of soap, like laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid, and dab at the stain with the cloth. Next, use another clean cloth dipped in water to dab the ink stain again. Repeat the process until the stain goes away before allowing the lining to dry and placing it back inside the purse. For more ink stain removal tips, like how to remove ink using hairspray or rubbing alcohol, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I was surprised the hairspray method worked to get the ink out of my turquoise blue purse!!"
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"I was surprised the hairspray method worked to get the ink out of my turquoise blue purse!!"
"Clear directions. Ink throughout lining of my leather computer bag. Thank you!"
"Tips given at the end of the article I found to be more useful."
