How to Remove Ink Stains From Clothing

The days of fountain pens are likely what prompted the invention of the pocket liner. And while pocket liners are still used today, they're no guarantee that the pen-carrying person is not going to end up with ink stains on their clothing, either at work or home. Particularly hair-raising is when someone leaves a pen in their clothing and it goes into the wash!

For the most part, ink stains are easily treated, bearing in mind the type of material and color, and choosing the method that is best for that garment.

Whether the stain is regular ballpoint ink or a felt tip pen, and is still wet, the first thing to do is blot it with paper towels, until all the excess ink is soaked up. That means less for you to get out.

For small stains, many people like to use denatured (rubbing) alcohol. Place a cloth or paper towel under the stain, and dab on the alcohol with a Q-tip. Wash the garment right away.

Hair spray is another handy household stain remover. For ballpoint pen leaks, dab the stain with a well-dampened sponge (not dripping wet) until you can't pick up any more ink. Allow the stain to dry, then soak it well with hairspray. Lay some paper towels on a solid surface, and turn the garment over so the stain lays face down on it, then blot from the back of the fabric, so the ink goes out into the towels. Apply a regular stain remover and launder.

Colored fabrics are a challenge due to their dyes, but some people have reported success with soaking the item in milk overnight and then washing. White fabrics are much easier to deal with, and can either be treated by dabbing a 50-50 solution of bleach and water on it until the stain disappears and then launder, or, applying a paste of lemon juice and table salt, and letting the item air dry.

No matter which method you choose, always air dry the garment, as heat from a dryer can set the stain harder, making second treatments much more difficult.