Do you have a pesky ink stain on your shirt from your pen bursting in your pocket? Check out this blog post for some tips on how to get that ink stain out of your clothes!
To get ink stains out of clothes, first, use a paper towel or cloth to blot the stain and absorb as much ink as possible. Next, mix a solution of one part dish soap and one part hydrogen peroxide. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.

Then, use a toothbrush or scrub brush to gently agitate the stain, working the solution into the fabric. Rinse the stain thoroughly with warm water and repeat the process if necessary. Finally, wash the garment according to the care instructions and air dry. If the stain persists, try using a stain remover specifically designed for removing ink stains.
What you’ll need
To remove an ink stain from clothing, you will need the following items:
- A clean, white cloth
- Rubbing alcohol (if the stain is still wet)
- A stain remover specifically designed for ink stains
- Water
You may also need a washing machine and laundry detergent if you plan to wash the garment after treating the stain.
Step to remove an ink stain from clothing
Here is a step-by-step guide to removing an ink stain from clothing:
- Blot the stain with a clean, white cloth to remove as much excess ink as possible. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this can spread the ink and make it harder to remove.
- If the stain is still wet, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to blot the stain. Rubbing alcohol can help to break down the ink and make it easier to remove.
- If the stain is dry, apply a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains to the stain. Follow the instructions on the product to apply it properly, and be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
- Let the stain remover sit for a few minutes to allow it to work. Then, blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible.
- Rinse the garment thoroughly with water, and then launder it as you normally would.
If the stain persists after following these steps, you may need to repeat the process or take the garment to a professional dry cleaner for further treatment. It’s also a good idea to treat the stain as soon as possible, as dried ink stains can be much harder to remove.

Tips and tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when removing an ink stain from clothing:
- Be sure to blot the stain, rather than rubbing it, to avoid spreading the ink.
- If the stain is still wet, use rubbing alcohol to help break down the ink and make it easier to remove.
- Use a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains to help lift the stain from the fabric.
- Be sure to test the stain remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
- Let the stain remover sit for a few minutes to allow it to work before blotting the stain to remove as much of it as possible.
- Rinse the garment thoroughly with water after treating the stain, and then launder it as you normally would.
- If the stain persists after following these steps, you may need to repeat the process or take the garment to a professional dry cleaner for further treatment.
- To prevent ink stains from happening in the first place, be sure to store pens and other writing instruments away from clothing, and avoid carrying them in your pockets or other areas where they could leak or come into contact with your clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about removing ink stains from clothing:
Can I use regular laundry detergent to remove an ink stain?
Laundry detergent is not typically effective at removing ink stains from clothing. Instead, you should use a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains, or try using rubbing alcohol if the stain is still wet.
Will an ink stain come out if it has been washed and dried?
An ink stain that has been washed and dried is much harder to remove than a fresh stain. In this case, you will likely need to use a stronger stain remover or take the garment to a professional dry cleaner for treatment.
Can I use bleach to remove an ink stain?
You should not use bleach to remove an ink stain, as it can damage the fabric and make the stain worse. Instead, use a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains, or try using rubbing alcohol if the stain is still wet.
Is it possible to remove an ink stain from a delicate fabric?
It is possible to remove an ink stain from a delicate fabric, but you will need to be careful to avoid damaging the fabric. Use a gentle stain remover and be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric. If you are unsure about how to remove the stain, it’s best to take the garment to a professional dry cleaner for treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing an ink stain from clothing can be challenging, but it is possible with the right approach. To remove the stain, blot the excess ink with a clean, white cloth, and then use rubbing alcohol or a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains to lift the stain from the fabric. Be sure to test the stain remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to work before blotting the stain. Rinse the garment thoroughly with water after treating the stain, and then launder it as you normally would. If the stain persists, you may need to repeat the process or take the garment to a professional dry cleaner for further treatment.