How to Remove Ink Stains from White or Light-Colored Clothes

Ink stains can ruin your day, especially when they appear unexpectedly on white or light-colored clothing. Fortunately, several household items can help remove ink stains effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Absorb As Much Ink as Possible

• Lay the stained garment flat on a clean towel.

• Blot the stain gently from both sides using a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much ink as possible.

• Avoid rubbing, as it can push the ink deeper into the fabric fibers.

• Flip the garment over and continue blotting the other side until the stain is mostly gone.

2. Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)

• Best for ballpoint, fountain pen, or felt-tip ink.

• Dip a white cloth or sponge into rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stain.

• Do not use alcohol on acetate, silk, wool, or rayon fabrics.

• Polyester fabrics can usually withstand rubbing alcohol safely.

3. Glycerin and Dish Soap

• Mix 1 tablespoon of glycerin with 1 teaspoon of dish soap.

• Soak a clean white cloth in the mixture and gently blot both sides of the stain.

• Leave the garment for 5 minutes, then use your finger to apply more glycerin if needed.

• Rinse the fabric with cold water to remove any residue.

• This method is ideal for old ink stains, including on delicate fabrics like silk.

4. Baking Soda Paste

• Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a thick paste.

• Use a cotton ball to apply the paste to the ink stain and gently blot.

• Wipe off the paste with a clean cloth or paper towel.

• Works best on washable ink and is safe for most fabrics.

5. White Vinegar

• Mix 1 liter of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.

• Soak the stained garment in the solution.

• Every 10 minutes, gently blot the stain with a sponge or cloth.

• Especially effective on red ink stains.

• Check the fabric care label before use.

6. Milk Soak

• Soak water-based ink stains in milk for 10 minutes.

• Blot the stain gently with a clean white cloth every few minutes to help break down the ink.

• Suitable for delicate fabrics like cotton, silk, and wool.

7. Hair Spray (Alcohol-Based)

• Spray the ink stain generously with alcohol-based hairspray from about 12 inches away.

• Wait a few minutes, then blot the area with a clean cloth.

• The alcohol in the spray helps dissolve the ink.

• Note: Hairsprays without alcohol will not be effective.

8. Machine Wash

• After treating the stain, wash the garment in hot water (as recommended on the label).

• Use ½ cup of regular laundry detergent and ½ cup of safe bleach.

• This final wash helps remove any leftover ink and restore brightness to the fabric.