Whether it’s a spilt pen, a printer ink, or a writing mishap, ink contains dyes and chemicals that quickly absorb into textile fibres. If not removed immediately, the stains can become permanent. It's important to act quickly to prevent the dye from setting into the fabric.
Tips for Washing Out Ink
- If the stain is fresh, gently blot it with a paper towel or cloth to remove excess ink. Do not rub, as this may spread the stain.
- Before cleaning, place a clean cloth or paper towel under the stain. This layer will catch the ink released during cleaning and prevent it from seeping through to the other side of the clothing.
- Soak a cotton pad or a clean cloth in isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol. Gently apply it to the stain to dissolve the ink. Start at the edges and work towards the centre to prevent the stain from spreading.
- If rubbing alcohol doesn’t work, non-acetone nail polish remover can be an alternative, but use it only on sturdy and durable fabrics. Test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment before use.
- After removing most of the stain, rinse the garment under cold running water. Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent and gently rub it into the stained area.
- Wash the garment on a regular cycle according to the care label instructions. If the stain is still visible, repeat the cleaning process before washing.
Alternative methods for removing ink stains
- Milk – For older stains, soak the garment in milk for several hours. The milk helps to dissolve the ink dye. Afterward, rinse the garment.
- Lemon juice and baking soda – Mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste. Apply it to the stain, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse.
- Vinegar and salt – Mix vinegar and salt, apply to the stain, and gently rub. This method is suitable for natural fabrics like cotton or linen.