Few things ruin a day quite like an ink stain. But luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab has tried basically every stain-removal method out there, so we know how to get ink out of clothes.
As a left-handed person, I'm constantly getting ink smudges on my hands and sleeves as I write. Whether you're dealing with a little smudge or a whole pen that leaked in your pocket, these three methods will help you get ink stains out of your favorite clothes. While it's generally easier to get fresh stains out, these DIY methods work even on dried and set-in stains.
Want more cleaning tips? Sign up for Good Housekeeping's FREE pop-up spring cleaning newsletter!
Keep reading for the most effective ways to get ink stains out of clothes.
How to Remove Ink With Rubbing Alcohol
This simple method works best on fresh ink stains — especially the oil-based pigments in ballpoint pen ink, but you may see success using rubbing alcohol to remove permanent marker ink. As with any stain, the quicker you get to it, the easier it will be to remove. Keep in mind: Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so keep it away from open flames and launder all garments throughly after treating.
What You'll Need:
- Paper towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Eyedropper
- Pre-wash stain remover
- Flush the stain with rubbing alcohol. If it's a small stain, place a paper towel under the stain and use an eyedropper to apply rubbing alcohol onto the stain. For a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes.
- Blot the stain with a clean paper towel. Continue sponging and blotting the stain until no further ink is released from the fabric.
- Rinse and apply a pre-wash stain remover. Rinse under cool water, apply a pre-wash stain remover and wash the garment on the hottest setting with a bleach that's safe for the fabric — opt for a color-safe formula for colored clothes.
- Check that the ink stain is completely removed. If the stain is still there, repeat the steps above one more time or until the ink is gone. Toss the item into the dryer only after the ink is completely gone.
How to Remove Ink With Ammonia
Ammonia helps break down the dye molecules in ink, making them easier to rinse out with water. Try this method on ballpoint or felt-tip ink for the best results.
What You'll Need:
- Hot water
- Ammonia
- Stain-removing laundry detergent
- Rinse the stain under cold water. Flush out as much of the ink as you can.
- Soak garment in a mixture of hot water, bleach-free laundry detergent and ammonia. Fill a basin with hot water and pour in a bleach-free, liquid laundry detergent (like one of our top-tested detergents) and a few splashes of ammonia. Stir the solution and immerse the garment. Give the stain a rub with your fingers, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Allow stubborn stains to soak overnight, giving it a rub every so often.
- Rinse and wash the garment as usual. When the stain is gone or lightened as much as possible, rinse the garment. Wash as usual, either by hand or in the washing machine. As with any stain, don't put the garment in the dryer until you are certain the stain is completely removed.
How to Remove Ink With Nail Polish Remover
If you're in a pinch, reach for nail polish remover to remove fresh ink stains. Similar to rubbing alcohol, acetone-based nail polish removers help break down pigment. Keep in mind: Acetone is a powerful solvent, so don't submerge clothing in the product.
What You'll Need
- Blot the stain. Apply a few drops of acetone-based nail polish remover to a clean cloth or cotton ball, then gently blot the stain. Take your time blotting the stain until it begins to lift — don't rub or the stain may spread.
- Rinse the garment, then wash it on a regular cycle. Run the garment under cool water to remove the acetone. If the stain is still visible, apply a pre-wash stain remover. Wash the garment as usual in the hottest setting that's safe for the fabric.
Can you get ink out of clothes after drying?
If you've realized a garment fresh out of the dryer has an ink stain or you've let a fresh stain sit a bit too long, you may not be completely out of luck. If the methods above don't completely remove the set-in stain, turn to stronger commercial stain removers.
Pro tip: Before trying a stain remover for the first time or using one on a new garment, test it in a hidden spot before applying it to the stain. If you don't see any color change or damage, it's safe to proceed. Try one of the best laundry stain removers, according to Good Housekeeping Institute testing.
Can you use other DIY methods to get ink out of clothes?
Over the years, hairspray has earned a reputation for removing ink stains because of the alcohol in its formula. However, many of today's sprays contain less alcohol, so they aren't as effective on ink stains as older formulas may have been. Plus, you still have to deal with removing the sticky hairspray residue.
Other DIY methods you may have seen touted as effective ink removers include vinegar, toothpaste and even hand sanitizer. Though the alcohol in hand sanitizer may budge it a bit (as will most other DIY methods containing alcohol), we've never found any of these alternatives to be effective.
Does rubbing alcohol damage clothes?
Rubbing alcohol in small amounts should not cause damage to most fabrics. As with any store-bought or other DIY stain remover, you should test it on a small hidden spot before using it on the visible part of any garment.
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
