How to Remove Ink From Inside the Clothes Dryer

Remove ink stains from your dryer with these tricks.

Ink stains often can occur when clothes containing a pen accidentally are thrown into the dryer. Ink stain removal can be difficult, but it's not impossible. Remove most of these stains successfully with a light solvent such as isopropyl alcohol. It works by dissolving the ink without leaving a flammable residue. It's important to take the proper precautions when using a solvent. Make sure your dryer is cool, and do not start it until all the alcohol vapors have dried, to avoid creating a fire hazard.

Things You'll Need

• Hair spray
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Paper towels
• Knee padding
• Damp cloth
• Towel
• Acetone nail polish remover
• Ink removal product

Instructions

1. Unplug your dryer to prevent an electrical shock, and remove any clothes that are inside. If ink gets on your clothes, spray the ink stains with hair spray. Allow it to sit for about three minutes, then place them in the washing machine. The ink should come out after the wash cycle is complete.

2. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a paper towel and rub the stains inside the dryer. Change the paper towels as needed. Continue until you have removed all the ink. This process could take a while, so you may want to place some padding under your knees.

3. Rinse the dryer thoroughly with a clean wash cloth dampened with water. Dry the interior with a clean towel, and plug in the dryer. Make sure your dryer is completely dry before turning it back on.

4. For more difficult ink stains, use acetone. This heavier solvent can be found in many nail polish removers. Apply it the same way as the isopropyl alcohol.

5. Apply an ink removal product if you don't have success with the alcohol or acetone. Many of these products, found in the home improvement aisle of grocery stores, are formulated to remove ink. They contain more than one light solvent and are very effective at removing ink stains. Make sure to read and follow the directions carefully.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check pockets of clothing for pens before throwing them into the washing machine or dryer. It is important to act fast with ink stain removal. The longer the stain sits, the more difficult it will be to remove.

• Always use caution when using chemicals. Make sure there is proper ventilation, so you don't inhale harmful fumes. Open as many doors and windows as possible.

References

• MrscleanUSA: Remove Ink Stains
• Reader's Digest: Removing Ink Stains

Resources

• Maytag: Troubleshooting Dryers - Advice