Ever had a pen explode all over your white shirt? Or maybe you are so fixated on your drawing you don’t realize the ink has smeared all over your clothes. Even worse, your pen leaked in your pocket throughout the day and you don’t notice its messy appearance until the end of the day. Don’t fret. There are several helpful tips on how to get ink stains out of your clothes.
Pre-Ink Removal Guidelines
Before you start figuring out how to get ink stains out of your clothes, know these three guidelines.
1. The earlier you notice the stain, the better. Ink stains are easier to remove if you detect them earlier. Old stains are not impossible to remove but can be more difficult.
2. Never rub the stain. Always blot. Rubbing can cause the ink to spread more on your clothes.
3. Avoid the dryer until you are positive the ink stain is gone. Heat can make the stain set in more.
Removing Ballpoint Pen Ink
Place a paper towel under the stain. Use an eyedropper to put rubbing alcohol on the stain. Sponge the stain gently.
For larger stains, pour the rubbing alcohol into a small dish and soak the stained area in the dish for about 10 to 15 minutes. The stain should immediately dissolve.
Continue sponging or soaking until the ink stain is gone. Rinse the clothing under cool water. Apply a pre-wash stain remover and wash the garment in hot water. Put the clothing in the dryer.
Removing Felt-Tip Pen Ink
Rinse the stain under cold water to flush out as much ink as possible. Fill the sink with hot water. Pour in bleach-free liquid laundry detergent and a small amount of ammonia. Stir the solution and immerse the garment in the solution.
Gently blot the stain with your fingers to release the stain. Let the clothing soak for 30 minutes to one hour in the solution. If the stain is still there, let it soak overnight. Blot the stain every few hours, and refresh the solution with new water and ammonia.
Once the stain is gone, rinse the garment and wash it as normal. Air-dry the clothing.
Removing Water-Based Ink Stain
Dab some water on the stain and blot it with a clean towel. Add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent and let it sit for a few minutes.
Wash the clothing and check if the stain is gone. If it is still there, repeat the above steps. Once the stain is gone, put the garment in the dryer.
Removing Ink Out of Leather
Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Lightly blot the stain. The stain should go away.
If in doubt, take your item to your trustworthy cleaners at Pico Cleaners.
