How to Get an Ink Stain Out of Material

A broken pen doesn't have to ruin a shirt.

Ink stains are tough because ink is designed to be permanent, and fabric is a porous material. However, a broken pen or spilled ink doesn't mean the end of a favorite shirt. Several methods of ink removal are available and work with varying success depending on the material and ink. Always check the fabric after washing it to make sure the ink is completely removed. Do not put the item in the dryer if you still see a stain. Drying will set the ink into the fabric, and it will be nearly impossible to remove. If you still see a stain after washing but before the fabric has been dried, try another cleaning method.

Things You'll Need

• Dry-cleaning solvent
• Sponge
• Rubbing alcohol
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• Milk
• Cornstarch
• White vinegar

Instructions

Tough Stains

1. Pour dry-cleaning solvent onto a clean sponge. Dab the ink stain until no more color comes out. Rinse the fabric.

2. Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol if the stain persists.

3. Rub laundry detergent into persistent stains and let it sit for eight hours.

4. Rinse the fabric, apply your usual stain remover, and wash the fabric in the washing machine on the appropriate settings for the fabric.

Milk and Cornstarch

1. Add 3 tbsp. cornstarch to a bowl of whole milk, and stir until it thickens.

2. Spread the mixture onto the stain, and let it sit for four hours.

3. Brush off the dried mixture, and launder the item as usual.

Vinegar

1. Wet the stain with white distilled vinegar.

2. Make a paste of 2 parts vinegar to 3 parts cornstarch. Rub it into the stain, and leave it to dry.

3. Wash the fabric as usual.

References

• "Good Housekeeping"; Stain Buster -- Ink, Ballpoint
• "Reader's Digest"; 10 Ink Stain Solutions
• "Reader's Digest"; Super Saves for Stained Clothing

Resources

• Good Housekeeping; Does Hairspray Remove Ink?; Christina Peterson; July 2010