How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothing

The majority of people who get ink stains on their clothes, carpets, furniture or anywhere else believe that there is nothing to do except replace the stained item.

In some cases, this might be true, but usually, there is a cleaning solution for most ink stains.

The solution is not the same for every item because it depends on the material that has the ink stain.

Because the severity and timeliness of the cleaning can be different from one application to another, it’s hard to say which methods will work best for your situation.

Here are some general cleaning methods to remove ink stains- based on washable and non-washable materials.

Removing Ink Stains From Washable Clothing:

Items that are made of cotton, linen, acrylic fabric, nylon, olefin, and polyester can be cleaned in this manner.

Check tags or manufacturer’s recommendations to be sure if an item is washable. First, spray the stain with hair spray and set it aside. Next mix the following ingredients together:

1 Tablespoon Vinegar
1/4 Teaspoon Liquid Dish Detergent
1 Quart Warm Water

Now that the hair spray has been allowed to sit on the stain for a few minutes, soak the stained area in the mixture above.

After 30 minutes of soaking, rinse with clean water and allow the item to air dry.

If this does not completely remove the stain try the following removal process.

Rubbing Alcohol:

Place a clean cloth under the ink stain. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain.

Blot with a clean cotton cloth. If necessary, wet with the rubbing alcohol again to keep it moist until the stain is gone. Flush with alcohol and allow the item to air dry.

Removing Ink Stains From Non Washable Items:

Burlap, carpet, wool, fiberglass, acetate, rayon, triacetate, and silk are materials that cannot be washed. Follow these steps for ink stains on these materials.

1 Tablespoon Vinegar
One part Glycerin
One part Dishwashing Liquid
Eight parts Water

Use a damp sponge to wet the stained area.

Spray a fine mist of hairspray to loosen the ink and follow by blotting with the mixture above.

Continue to wet the sponge or clean cloth and blot to remove the ink stain. Use plain water to remove any residue.

Do not use rubbing alcohol with triacetate, rayon or acetate.