How to Remove Ink Spots From Fabric

Ink stains are difficult to remove.

Ink stains on fabric can be the result of a leaky ink pen, accidentally washing the pen with your clothing or the artistic creation of a child. No matter what the cause of an ink stain, it can be difficult to remove from fabric. Fortunately, some relatively simple tricks can remove the ink stain and restore the look of the fabric. Before beginning the stain removal process, test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric. If colorfastness or damage occurs, discontinue use.

Things You'll Need

• Dry-cleaning solvent
• Sponge
• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cloth
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Prewash stain remover
• Towel
• Cotton swabs
• Glycerin
• Hairspray
• Bowl

Instructions

Dry-Cleaning Solvent and Rubbing Alcohol Method

1. Apply a dry-cleaning solvent to a sponge.

2. Dab the ink stain with the saturated sponge until the ink stops bleeding.

3. Rinse the fabric with cool water.

4. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth.

5. Sponge the ink stain with the saturated cloth. Allow the fabric to air-dry.

6. Rub liquid laundry detergent on the stain if the ink is still present. Allow the detergent to sit on the fabric overnight.

7. Rinse the fabric in cool water to remove the laundry detergent.

8. Rub a prewash stain remover to the ink stain. Launder the fabric as you normally would.

Glycerin Method

1. Lay a clean towel directly underneath the ink stain. This will keep the stain from bleeding through.

2. Saturate a cotton swab in glycerin. Glycerin is available in pharmacies and department stores nationwide. Alternatively, spray the cotton swab with hairspray.

3. Rub the ink stain gently with the saturated cotton swab.

4. Pour clean water into a bowl and add a few drops of liquid laundry detergent.

5. Dip a clean cotton swab into the mixture. Rub the ink stain with the cotton swab.

6. Launder the fabric in cool water as you normally would.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not place the fabric in a dryer until the ink stain has been completely removed. Heat will set the stain into the fabric.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster--Ink, Ballpoint
• Real Simple: How To: Remove Ink Stains
• Mrs Clean USA: How to Remove Ink Stains Completely and Quickly