How to Remove Set In Ink Stains

Learning how to remove set in ink stains means the worst has happened.

Not only did a pen explode or leak on your clothing, table cloth or other material, but it was forgotten about or even not noticed. The clothing may have even made it through the washer and dryer, really setting it in.

Of course, you must have missed checking that pocket. It may be randomly in the washer…even causing the ink to spread to the inside of the washing machine. What a mess!

Removing Set In Stains:

Unfortunately, one of the most important rules for learning how to remove set in ink stains is that you should remove the stain as soon as possible and don’t use heat on a stain.

If clothing that is stained is run through the dryer, the heat from the hot water or the clothes dryer sets the stain even harder and home remedies may not help. In that case a commercial product will be your only option before giving up on the stain.

Try these methods for how to remove set in ink stains.

1. Most products made for removing ink stains work really well, even on stains that have gone through the dryer. I like Lift Off the best out of all that I’ve used. It’s water based and biodegradable which is good for those of us trying to avoid harmful chemicals, not to mention not polluting the earth. It removes all kinds of ink stains including indelible ballpoint, permanent marker, highlighter and stamp pad ink.

2. Hairspray can help. This is a great way of removing any ink stain because you may just have a bottle of hairspray with you. Spray the stained area with hairspray. Then, allow it to sit for about a minute, but do not let it dry completely.

Use a paper towel to blot the spot. The ink should lift off in this manner. You can try again as well.

3. Nail polish remover is another option but should be your last resort since it can damage some fabrics. When you dab a bit of this on the spot, it will loosen up the pigment in the ink. This helps to make the ink soluble.

Once you have applied the nail polish remover, add a drop of liquid dish detergent next. Rub between your fingers. Then, rinse off the product well. You can then launder it as you normally would.

Finding the right method to remove ink stains can be tricky. If the material is a silk or other delicate type, have the garment professionally dry-cleaned.

You can also use these methods of how to remove set in ink stains from other fabrics, such as your drapery, upholstery and carpeting.

However, you do want to test out the cleaning agent on a hidden spot before using it on a larger area. Some fabrics will bleed and others should not be treated with these products at all. The good news is that these methods do work for most set in ink stains.