Have you ever gotten ink on your clothes? Maybe your pen leaked in your pocket, or you accidentally brushed up against some wet ink. It happens to a lot of us — even me! One time, I left a pen in my shirt pocket, and it exploded in the washing machine. My favorite t-shirt had a big blue spot on it!
But don’t worry — ink stains don’t have to mean the end of your favorite clothes. With the right steps, you can clean them up. In this guide, I’ll show you how to remove ink stains from clothes using simple tools you can find at home.
Let’s get started!
Why Are Ink Stains So Hard to Remove?
Ink is made to stay on paper — and sadly, it can stick to fabric really well too. Some inks dry fast and soak deep into the fibers. The longer an ink stain sits, the harder it is to clean. That’s why it’s best to treat ink stains as soon as possible!
What You’ll Need
Here are some items that can help you remove ink from clothes:
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer (must contain alcohol)
- Cotton balls or Q-tips
- Dish soap
- White vinegar (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- An old toothbrush (optional)
- A bowl of cold water
Ask an adult to help you with this, especially if you’re using rubbing alcohol or vinegar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ Step 1: Put a Towel Under the Stain
Place a folded paper towel or old cloth under the stained fabric. This stops the ink from spreading to other parts of the clothing. Trust me, you don’t want more stains!
✅ Step 2: Blot the Stain
Take another paper towel or clean cloth and gently blot the ink stain. This means you dab it softly to soak up extra ink. Don’t rub, because rubbing can push the ink deeper into the fabric.
I once rubbed a stain too hard, and it spread into a big circle. Lesson learned — always blot!
✅ Step 3: Use Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
Now it’s time for the real cleaning. Pour a little rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer directly on the stain. Then, take a cotton ball or Q-tip and gently dab the ink.
Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
You’ll probably start to see the ink coming off. If you have a light-colored cloth, you might see the color of the ink moving into the cotton. That’s a good sign!
✅ Step 4: Rinse with Cold Water
Once the ink has loosened, rinse the stained area under cold water. Cold water helps stop the ink from setting. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear or most of the ink is gone.
✅ Step 5: Use Dish Soap (If Needed)
If the stain is still there, squirt a little dish soap right on the spot. Gently scrub it in with your fingers or an old toothbrush. Dish soap breaks down the ink and helps lift it from the fabric.
Let it sit for another 5 minutes, then rinse again with cold water.
✅ Step 6: Try Vinegar and Baking Soda (Optional)
If the ink is being super stubborn, try this extra trick:
- Pour a little white vinegar on the stain.
- Sprinkle some baking soda on top.
- It will bubble up — that means it’s working!
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse.
This works especially well on older ink stains that didn’t come out the first time.
✅ Step 7: Wash the Clothes Normally
After you’ve treated the stain, put the clothing in the washing machine and wash it like usual — but check the stain before you put the clothes in the dryer!
Heat from the dryer can set the stain forever. If you still see some ink after washing, try the cleaning steps again before drying.
My Personal Tip
One time I got ink on a brand-new hoodie. I was so upset! But I tried the alcohol trick and used dish soap and baking soda. After two rounds of cleaning and washing it gently, the ink was completely gone. I was so happy I didn’t have to throw it away!
Quick Summary: How to Remove Ink from Clothes
- Blot the stain — don’t rub!
- Place a towel under the stain.
- Apply rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Add dish soap if needed and gently scrub.
- Try vinegar and baking soda for tough stains.
- Wash the clothes and let them air-dry.
What If It Still Doesn’t Work?
If the stain won’t go away, don’t give up just yet. You can:
- Repeat the steps again.
- Take the clothes to a dry cleaner.
- Use a patch, badge, or fabric marker to cover the stain and make a fun design!
Sometimes, a little creativity can turn a mess into something cool.
Final Thoughts
Ink stains can be annoying, but with the right steps, you can save your clothes and keep them looking great. Just remember to act fast, be gentle, and don’t panic.
If you ever get stuck, ask an adult for help — and don’t forget to keep pens closed and away from your pockets when you’re not using them!
