Have you ever gotten ink on your shirt and struggled to get it out? Wearing a shirt with ink can be frustrating, especially if you’re meeting someone important or trying to look perfect. Here are some tips on how to get ink out of your shirt without having to go to the laundromat.
Ink is one of the most difficult stains to remove from clothing. Generally, ammonia will work best to get the ink off the fabric. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, but be warned: it may bleach the fabric. Lastly, you can use a special type of dye remover that is specifically designed for clothing. Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to follow the instructions carefully in order to avoid damage to the clothes.

Getting ink on your shirt is a common mishap that can happen to anyone. However, it doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to your beloved garment. With the following methods, you can effectively remove ink stains and restore your shirt to its former glory.
Rubbing Alcohol Method
When it comes to ink stain removal, rubbing alcohol is often considered a go-to solution due to its effectiveness. Here’s how to use the rubbing alcohol method:
- Apply rubbing alcohol, hair spray, or hand sanitizer to an inconspicuous area of the garment with a cotton swab and let it sit for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Blot with a paper towel, and if no color comes off on the towel, continue to pretreat.
- Blot excess ink with a paper towel to remove ink from clothes.
- Lay the shirt on a flat surface and use an old towel as backing to prevent the ink stain from spreading.
- Saturate the stained area with rubbing alcohol and let it sit for five minutes.
- Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth and begin blotting up the ink.
- Move to clean parts of your cloth as needed and keep the ink stain wet with rubbing alcohol.
- Rub a little clothes detergent into the wet stain and wash the shirt like you normally would.
Milk Method
Milk, surprisingly, can be an effective ink stain remover. Follow these steps to use the milk method:
- Pour milk into a large casserole dish.
- Place the stained area of the shirt face-down into the milk and use a saucer to keep it submerged.
- Let the ink stain soak for about an hour.
- Grab an old toothbrush and lightly scrub the stain to further loosen the ink from the fibers.
- Rinse the shirt in your sink using warm water.
- Rub a few drops of dish detergent into the stain and wash your shirt as usual.
Hairspray Method
If you find yourself without rubbing alcohol, hairspray can come to the rescue. Here’s how to use the hairspray method:
- Spray an alcohol-based hairspray or hand sanitizer on the stained area, and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Ink Stain Remover
If the above methods don’t yield satisfactory results, you can try using an ink stain remover. Follow these steps:
- 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.
- Rinse the garment thoroughly in cool water.
- If the stain is not completely removed yet, you can try the above step once more or try an ink stain remover.
- Wash the garment as you normally would and air-dry until you’re sure all of the stain is gone.
It’s important to note that before trying any of these methods, it’s recommended to test them on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure that they won’t cause any damage to the fabric.
Conclusion
Ink stains on your shirt don’t have to be a cause for despair. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can effectively remove ink stains and restore your garment to its original condition. Whether you opt for the rubbing alcohol method, the milk method, the hairspray method, or an ink stain remover, remember to exercise patience and caution throughout the process. With a little effort, your shirt will be ink-free once again.
FAQs
- Can I use any type of rubbing alcohol?
- Yes, any type of rubbing alcohol will work effectively in removing ink stains from your shirt.
- Will these methods work on all fabric types?
- While these methods are generally safe for most fabrics, it’s recommended to test them on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.
- How long should I let the ink stain soak in milk?
- Allowing the stain to soak for approximately an hour should provide satisfactory results.
- What should I do if the ink stain persists after trying these methods?
- If the stain persists, you can repeat the process or consider seeking professional help for more stubborn ink stains.
- Can I use the ink stain removal methods on colored shirts?
- Yes, these methods can be used on colored shirts, but always test them on an inconspicuous area first to prevent any color fading or damage.