How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes: Effective Homemade and Commercial Solutions

Introduction

There’s nothing worse than realizing you have an ink stain on your favorite shirt. Ink stains are stubborn, and removing them can be a challenge. Not only do ink stains ruin the appearance of clothes, but they also leave behind a residue that can be difficult to remove. In this article, we’ll explore effective homemade and commercial solutions to get ink out of clothes.

Homemade Solutions

Vinegar

One of the most effective and readily available household items you can use to remove ink stains is vinegar. White vinegar is preferred as it’s acid-free and will not damage or discolor any fabrics. Here’s how to use it:

1. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess ink.
2. Soak the stained fabric in white vinegar for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, rinse the area with warm water and wash the item as usual using laundry detergent.

Vinegar has the added benefit of being able to remove a wide variety of stains, including sweat and coffee stains. It is also eco-friendly, non-toxic and doesn’t cause any harm to sensitive skin.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another household item that can be used to remove ink stains. It is a cheap, accessible solution that has great success rates in removing the ink stains. Here’s how to use it:

1. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess ink.
2. Pour rubbing alcohol over the ink stain.
3. Let the alcohol soak into the stain for several minutes.
4. After that, wash using your regular laundry detergent, using warm water for cotton and polyester clothes and cold water for delicate fabrics.

Rubbing alcohol is also great at removing grass stains and disinfects minor cuts and scrapes. However, use caution while handling rubbing alcohol and keep it away from heat and open flames, the fumes can be dangerous.

Baking Soda

Another household item that can help remove ink stains is baking soda. Here’s how to use it:

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to the ink stain.
3. Leave the paste on the stain for 30 minutes.
4. After that, rinse the paste away with lukewarm water before washing the clothing as usual.

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that can be used to remove a wide range of stains, and it also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s a great solution for removing ink stains on wool and silk without damaging the fabric.

Commercial Stain Removers

If you don’t have any household items available, there are plenty of commercial stain removers that are effective in removing ink stains. Here are some popular brands to consider:

• Shout, which is well-regarded for removing ink stains due to the powerful enzymes present in the solution.
• Resolve, which removes a wide range of ink stains in various fabrics.
• OxiClean, which is effective in removing stubborn ink stains.

Make sure to read the instructions provided with the product carefully before attempting to remove the ink stain. While commercial stain removers are fast-acting and offer quick solutions to stains, these products are harsh on clothes if not used correctly.

Bleach

If you have ink stains on whites, bleach can be an effective solution. Bleach is a potent oxidizing agent and can remove most ink stains effectively. Here’s how to use it:

1. Apply a small amount of bleach to the ink stain.
2. Make sure to wear gloves while applying and handling any bleach as it can cause skin irritation.
3. Let the bleach sit on the stain for 15 minutes.
4. After that, wash the clothing using your regular detergent and lukewarm water.

Bleach is strong and needs to be used in moderation; otherwise, it can damage the fabric and leave a bleached look. Make sure to only use bleach on white clothing and avoid it on any colored or printed materials. Also, make sure that the material is bleach-safe by checking the care label.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another home item that is easy to find, and inexpensive. It’s great at removing ink stains because it’s absorbent and can help lift ink out of fabric fibers. Here’s how to use it:

1. Place the garment on a flat surface, then apply cornstarch onto the ink stain.
2. Gently rub the cornstarch into the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Vacuum the cornstarch away using a clean brush attachment or cloth.
4. Repeat the process until the ink stain is removed, then wash the clothing using your regular detergent.

Cornstarch is gentle on the fabric and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. Furthermore, it can also reduce the amount of oily stains from fabric and carpets.

Hairspray

Hairspray contains alcohol, which makes it a suitable product to use to get ink out of clothes. Here is how to use it:

1. Spray the ink stain lightly with hairspray.
2. Wait for ten minutes, then wipe the stain with a clean cloth.
3. Repeat the process if necessary.
4. After that, wash the clothing using your regular detergent.

While hairspray can be effective, it is usually not the first product to use when trying to get ink out of clothes. It is not advisable for sensitive skin or highly textured fabrics.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a surprising item that can actually work well to remove ink stains. This item is really good to keep handy, and it is also safe for use with most materials. Here’s how to use it:

1. Apply hand sanitizer on the ink stain.
2. Rub and blot the stain with a clean cloth.
3. Rinse the fabric clean using lukewarm water.

Hand sanitizer sanitizer works similarly to rubbing alcohol. Its alcohol content breaks down the ink stain’s bonds, enabling easy removal.

Seeking Professional Help

There are times when the ink stain is too stubborn or large, and it is better to seek professional help. Professional dry-cleaning services are equipped with the latest tools and technologies to remove different types of stains effectively. Furthermore, they use specialized cleaning agents like Perchloroethylene to remove stubborn ink stains and other elements from your clothing.

Dry-cleaning services can be costly, especially if you have multiple pieces of ink-stained clothing. Therefore, some individuals try home remedies first, and if nothing seems to work, even seek professional help.

Conclusion

There are various approaches to remove ink stains from clothes. Household items like white vinegar and baking soda are gentle on fabric and easy to use. Commercial stain removers work quickly, but they can be harsh on clothes. Bleach is effective to use, but make sure to use it safely. Taking preventative measures like using aprons or wearing protective gloves while handling inks can help avoid ink stains.

Always make sure to remove ink stains as soon as possible and avoid washing and drying clothes before cleaning the stains, as it can make the stain set in. In the end, if you’re still struggling to remove ink stains and retain your clothing’s good condition, consider visiting a professional dry-cleaning service to do the job for you.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Removing ink stains from clothes can be challenging and frustrating, but with the methods explained above, you can breathe easier knowing there are several options available to save your favorite clothes.