It’s inevitable. At some point, you’re going to get an ink stain on your jeans. Whether it’s from a leaky pen or your child’s latest artwork, here’s how to get those pesky stains out.
To get ink stains out of jeans, first blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove any excess ink. Next, mix a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol, and apply it to the stain using a sponge or cotton ball. Gently rub the solution into the stain, being careful not to spread it to surrounding areas.
Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then blot it again with a clean cloth to remove the ink. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process until it is gone. Finally, wash the jeans in the washing machine on the hottest setting that is safe for the fabric, and dry them according to the care instructions on the label.

What you’ll need
To remove an ink stain from jeans, you will need the following items:
- A clean cloth or sponge
- Rubbing alcohol or hairspray (optional)
- A mixture of equal parts water and vinegar
- Stain remover or laundry detergent that is safe for use on jeans
You may also need a laundry sink or basin, depending on the size of the stain and the item you are using to apply the cleaning solution.
Steps to remove the stain
To remove an ink stain from jeans, follow these steps:
- Place the jeans on a flat surface and blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove as much of the excess ink as possible.
- If the stain is still wet, try using rubbing alcohol or hairspray to break up the ink. Apply the rubbing alcohol or hairspray directly to the stain and blot with a clean cloth.
- If the stain is dry, mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the stain, then blot with a clean cloth.
- If the stain is still visible, you can try using a stain remover or laundry detergent that is safe for use on jeans. Apply the stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing the jeans according to the care instructions on the label.
- If the stain persists, you may need to repeat these steps or take the jeans to a professional cleaner for further treatment.
Tips to prevent ink stains
To prevent ink stains on jeans, follow these tips:
- Keep pens and other writing instruments away from your jeans, especially in pockets or other areas where they can easily come into contact with the fabric.
- If you are carrying a pen or other writing instrument, make sure it is securely capped or covered to prevent it from leaking or spilling.
- If you are wearing jeans while working with ink or other potentially staining materials, consider wearing an apron or other protective clothing to keep your jeans clean.
- If you do get an ink stain on your jeans, treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from setting in and becoming harder to remove.
- Regularly wash and care for your jeans according to the instructions on the care label to remove any lingering stains and prevent them from setting in.
- If you are not sure how to treat a stain on your jeans, take them to a professional cleaner for assistance.
FAQS
Here are some common questions and answers about removing ink stains from jeans:
Q: How do you remove an ink stain from a light-colored pair of jeans?
A: The steps for removing an ink stain from light-colored jeans are the same as for removing a stain from dark-colored jeans. However, it is important to be extra careful when using cleaning solutions or stain removers, as these can sometimes cause discoloration on light-colored fabrics. It is also a good idea to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the jeans first to make sure it does not cause any damage.
Q: Can you use bleach to remove an ink stain from jeans?
A: Using bleach to remove an ink stain from jeans is not recommended, as bleach can damage the fabric and cause the stain to spread or become more difficult to remove. Instead, try using rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or a mixture of water and vinegar to remove the stain. If these methods do not work, you can try using a stain remover or laundry detergent that is safe for use on jeans.
Q: What if the stain does not come out after trying these steps?
A: If the stain does not come out after trying the steps described above, you may need to repeat the process or take the jeans to a professional cleaner for further treatment. It is important to be patient and persistent when trying to remove an ink stain, as it may take several attempts to completely remove the stain. If the stain persists despite your best efforts, a professional cleaner may be able to provide additional treatment options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ink stains on jeans can be difficult to remove, but with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to get rid of them. To remove an ink stain from jeans, you can try using rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or a mixture of water and vinegar to break up the stain. You can also use a stain remover or laundry detergent that is safe for use on jeans. If the stain persists, you may need to repeat these steps or take the jeans to a professional cleaner for further treatment. To prevent ink stains on jeans, keep pens and other writing instruments away from the fabric, wear protective clothing when working with staining materials, and regularly wash and care for your jeans according to the care instructions on the label.