How to Remove Ink From Clothing

Most of us who use ball point pens get ink marks on our clothing without even trying. But the ink does not come out easily with standard laundry detergents. There is something that is inexpensive that will remove most ink spots with only one or two applications, and it may already be in your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to the nearest discount department store or drug store chain and buy a bottle of cheap hair spray in a pump bottle. White Rain works well, and it most places it costs only about $1. You're not going to use it on your hair, so don't worry if it's not something you would normally use.

2. Make sure you don't dry the item with the ink spot in the dryer before you treat it because the heat from the dryer will set the stain, and then you won't be able to remove it. Spray the hair spray on the ink spot. You can do this before washing it when the fabric is still dry, or you can do this after you have washed it in cold water and the fabric is still damp. Saturate the ink spot with the hair spray.

3. Rub the fabric together to scour the spot away.

4. Repeat steps two and three if the ink is still there.

5. Wash the item again in cold water in the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent. This will remove the hair spray from the fabric, and most likely the remaining ink, too.

6. When the wash cycle is done, check the spot again to make sure it is gone. Most of the time, this treatment removes the ink successfully. If it is still there, repeat the treatment again before you dry the item. Drying the item will set the stain.

Tips & Warnings

• If the ink is still in the cloth after the above steps, take it to a dry cleaner and see if they can remove the stain.

[mcccmu]

on 4/30/2009 Hair spray is great for removing ink spots. Very good, clear instructions! 5*

[leaper]

on 4/24/2009 Great article on getting ink out of clothing.