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How to Get Rid of a Pen Ink Stain

GigaBrain scanned 405 comments to find you 75 relevant comments from 10 relevant discussions.
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What's the best way to remove these ink stains from pants?
r/CleaningTips • 1
Help!
r/fountainpens • 2
This might seem silly but how do I remove this ink stain? I love this pencil bag and I want to clean this ink stain off :(
r/CleaningTips • 3
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How to Get Rid of a Pen Ink Stain

TL;DR Use alcohol-based solutions like rubbing alcohol or hairspray, blot rather than rub, and consider professional dry cleaning for stubborn stains.

Alcohol-Based Solutions

Alcohol is frequently recommended for removing ink stains. Rubbing alcohol, vodka, and nail polish remover (which contains acetone) are popular choices [1:1][1:2][1:3]. These solvents can dissolve the ink, making it easier to lift from the fabric. It's important to blot the stain with a clean cloth rather than rub it, as rubbing can spread the ink further into the fabric [1:2].

Hairspray

Hairspray is another common household item used for ink stain removal, particularly for ballpoint pen ink [1:2][1:3]. However, it's noted that newer formulations may not be as effective as older ones [3:5]. Look for hairsprays with high alcohol content, such as Aqua Net or Rave [3:8].

Specialized Products

For those seeking more specialized products, Amodex and Carbona stain removers have been recommended [2:4][5:3]. These products are designed specifically for ink and other tough stains and might offer better results than general household items.

Alternative Methods

Some alternative methods include using rotten milk, which reportedly lifts ink stains effectively [3:1]. Another approach involves soaking the stained garment in a mixture of dish soap, vinegar, and warm water [4:2][4:4]. Dawn dish soap and OxiClean have also been suggested for their stain-removing capabilities [2:3][4:3].

Professional Dry Cleaning

If home remedies fail, professional dry cleaning is a viable option. Dry cleaners use solvent-based stain removers that can handle stubborn ink stains without damaging the fabric [5:1]. This is especially recommended for delicate fabrics or heavy-set stains that resist other treatments.

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Source Threads

POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

What's the best way to remove these ink stains from pants?

Posted by hskywalker98 · in r/CleaningTips · 1 year ago
75 upvotes on reddit
12 replies
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ORIGINAL POST
post image

I think I left a pen in my pocket when I went to do the laundry last weekend, and when I took these pants out, I saw these incredibly strong blue ink stains. I tried washing them again, and I've now been attacking a single stain with alcohol wipes, to mixed results. Are there any better methods to getting these stains out? they bleed all the way through and are pretty dark

reddit.com
12 replies
SMothra57 · 1 year ago

What kind of ink? Regular ballpoint pen comes out with hairspray. Spray, rinse, repeat. And don’t try to push the ink through the fabric, dab it off, rather than push it deeper.

Other inks need rubbing alcohol, dab it off too, with a clean cloth and try not to spread it.

15 upvotes on reddit
hskywalker98 · OP · 1 year ago

it was ballpoint 🙃 I didn't know that putting it through a dryer would cause it to set, so it's been a bit of an uphill battle

3 upvotes on reddit
biscoffman · 1 year ago

Hairspray and/or nail varnish remover will sort it out no problem. May take a few goes but I've had worse and got it all out

1 upvotes on reddit
biscoffman · 1 year ago

To add it'll look like it spreads but don't worry it'll just wash out. I put some paper towel behind to let the liquid soak into it with the ink then blot what I can away.

1 upvotes on reddit
S
strangebutalsogood · 1 year ago

Pretty much impossible with stains that heavy.

You could try: Hairspray, brake cleaner (perc), 100% isopropyl alcohol, acetone, shaving cream (I'm dubious about this one). But I highly doubt you'll be able to remove it without damaging the material.

65 upvotes on reddit
P
Practical-Tap-9810 · 1 year ago

Dry clean. Or specialist stain removers.

20 upvotes on reddit
F
FlashyCow1 · 1 year ago

What works nearly 100% of the time for me is soaking overnight in 1 gallon of vodka. Then wash cold the next day. Repeat as needed. Should be no more than 3 times for heavy set stains

36 upvotes on reddit
oldrivets · 1 year ago

Vodka works because its alcohol ...try 92% isopropyl alcohol (medical), I've also had luck with acetone (nail polish remover). Blot with either repeatedly , pressing with paper towel on the inside to help pull it thru. should fade.

4 upvotes on reddit
F
FlashyCow1 · 1 year ago

Isopropyl will evaporate too fast in this case. I said vodka because of the amount of time needed for a heavy set stain like that, they can let it sit in a gallon of it for a long time and have no need for blotting either

2 upvotes on reddit
mechismo · 1 year ago

Step 2: drink most of the vodka and bin the trousers. In the morning you won’t care.

33 upvotes on reddit
BunnyFace0369 · 1 year ago

Rubbing alcohol, if that doesn't get it out I'd consider dying the pants

12 upvotes on reddit
I
IAmAPhysicsGuy · 1 year ago

Ink the whole pair

42 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies
r/fountainpens • [2]

Summarize

Help!

Posted by RamonWarhelmet · in r/fountainpens · 5 months ago
post image

I had a cartoonish accident because I was a little too excited to fill a new pen. How do I clean this without turning all my clothes blue?

i.redd.it
7 upvotes on reddit
4 replies
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4 replies
Lygushkia · 5 months ago

I'd hit it with rubbing alcohol. I spilled a whole sample vial of 2oz on my ottoman that's made of cloth. It looked like a crime scene till I used rubbing alcohol, took damn near all of it out but the white fibers were slightly pink. Hope this helps and good luck! Stay inky!

1 upvotes on reddit
B
Busy-Feeling-1413 · 5 months ago

Use a few drops of Dawn dish soap and rub into the cloth under running water. Once most of the ink is out, soak the whole thing in a tub of water mixed with OxiClean.

2 upvotes on reddit
SynapseReaction · 5 months ago

If you have access to Amodex thats been great for me.

2 upvotes on reddit
P
PorkAmbassador · 5 months ago

What did a search on the sub turn up?

https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1iofkmo/how_do_i_get_fountain_pen_ink_out_of_clothes/

1 upvotes on reddit
See 4 replies
r/CleaningTips • [3]

Summarize

This might seem silly but how do I remove this ink stain? I love this pencil bag and I want to clean this ink stain off :(

Posted by Galland780 · in r/CleaningTips · 2 years ago
post image
43 upvotes on reddit
12 replies
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12 replies
D
DeliciousFlow8675309 · 2 years ago

Alcohol or acetone depends more on the fabric of the bag. Start with a little alcohol wipe or dab some on a paper towel and just start gentle scrubbing over the ink only (it will spread so you want to focus the ink area) if it starts to come off then just keep gentle scrubbing with fresh alcohol until it’s gone.

Hairspray also works if you don’t have alcohol but it leaves a sticky residue so make sure to give a gentle wipe after if you need to go that route.

10 upvotes on reddit
M
malkin50 · 2 years ago

I read something recently about hairspray formulations having changed, so they're not as good at stain removal as older formulation.

6 upvotes on reddit
D
DeliciousFlow8675309 · 2 years ago

Yeah the newer ones for flexible hold are not what you want. You want all day hold, pure alcohol, hair spray lol they still exist get like Aqua Net or Rave. The cheaper the better for stain removal.

3 upvotes on reddit
lekurumayu · 2 years ago

Rubbing alcohol always work for me, sometimes, also water, press on the tissue gently and scrub a bit. I don't know if it would damage the vinil but I have also saved bags and clothes with a bit of dish soap

1 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 2 years ago

Don't use bleach, you could turn the vinyl yellow. Ink is soluble in alcohol, so, sanitiser, vodka, or rubbing alcohol will get rid of it.

29 upvotes on reddit
jyulli · 2 years ago

I second hand sanitizer, it worked well for me.

11 upvotes on reddit
M
MrMycrow · 2 years ago

Does it work on coloured fabric?

2 upvotes on reddit
Bythe_beard_of_Zeus · 2 years ago

Just here to say I dig that pencil bag. Good luck.

3 upvotes on reddit
M
malkin50 · 2 years ago

I agree. That print is adorable!

1 upvotes on reddit
G
Galland780 · OP · 2 years ago

Aww thanks! I'm just afraid the ink stain will make it look bad or something haha

My cousin gifted this bag to me after she got back from Japan and I love it so much :')

2 upvotes on reddit
gentle_viking · 2 years ago

Rotten milk lifts pen ink stains remarkably well. Just set out a little milk for a day or so, once it has curdled, cover the stain until the ink has lifted and then wash.

2 upvotes on reddit
Jardian · 2 years ago

This works wonders, came here to suggest milk!!

Hope this works!

2 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies
r/lifehacks • [4]

Summarize

Ink Stain Removal

Posted by yohannaan · in r/lifehacks · 2 years ago

How can I remove ink from my shirt(beige color and 100% cotton) and also my chinos (black) Does giving it for drycleaners work and will drycleaning damage fabric?

1 upvotes on reddit
5 replies
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5 replies
blondbond2 · 2 years ago

For anyone with this same issue: if it’s a cotton garmet, lightly spray alcohol based hairspray on the stains, soak in a solution of 1/2 tsp washing detergent 1 tbsp vinegar & warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water & allow to air dry. I thought my favorite sweatshirt was ruined. It was SO much ink. But it came right out! Good luck!

1 upvotes on reddit
chloejanett · 2 years ago

I have gotten so many stains out (blood, ink, lipstick, etc.) by using shout First, then blue dawn dish soap, scrubbing that all in, waiting over night, then soaking in oxyc lean in the washing machine (I have a top loader) Then running the machine like normal. Sometimes I have to do it twice (the lipstick incident was awful) But I have had success each time

1 upvotes on reddit
V
valadon-valmore · 2 years ago

Mix some white vinegar and a bit of dish soap into warm water, soak the clothes in that mixture

1 upvotes on reddit
hmmnope124 · 1 year ago

Boost

1 upvotes on reddit
saharaci · 2 years ago

I was once able to remove a small ink stain on patterned material by using nail polish remover.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 5 replies
r/laundry • [5]

Summarize

Dried in ink pen

Posted by OttoBonz · in r/laundry · 5 months ago

My husband left a black ink pen in his pocket and I didn’t catch it until I was pulling the clothes out of the dryer. Most items are covered in black ink blots 😭 is there any hope? I thought about soaking in rubbing alcohol then washing again. Is it worth it? Any advice or suggestions appreciated!

3 upvotes on reddit
3 replies
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3 replies
JazzlikeSkill5225 · 5 months ago

Back in the day we used hair spray to get ink out. I don’t know if it still works

3 upvotes on reddit
S
sjd208 · 5 months ago

Amodex or Carbona stain devils - you should be able to find at least one of these at the grocery store.

I’ve never had much luck with rubbing alcohol or hairspray.

3 upvotes on reddit
KismaiAesthetics · 5 months ago

Soak in 93% alcohol, blot, repeat. Just soaking and then washing won’t work. The other option is to outsource this to your friendly local professional dry cleaner. Solvent stain removers can do a lot.

1 upvotes on reddit
See 3 replies
r/StainRemoval • [6]

Summarize

How to get rid of this pen stain? On a wallet

Posted by Gullible-Floor-5960 · in r/StainRemoval · 1 month ago
i.redd.it
2 upvotes on reddit
2 replies
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2 replies
3Apexcrises · 1 month ago

Hand sanitizer or nail varnish remover may work

1 upvotes on reddit
Gullible-Floor-5960 · OP · 1 month ago

Ok I will try 

1 upvotes on reddit
See 2 replies
r/Fjallraven • [7]

Summarize

Got this secondhand and the previous owner couldn’t get rid of the blue pen ink stain. Suggestions?

Posted by GriffRyebread · in r/Fjallraven · 11 days ago

The stain honestly doesn’t bother me THAT much… worse case I’ll just cover it up with come pins or patches. I just figured I’d try to give it a shot if there’s an easy enough solution.

So far I’ve only scrubbed with dawn dish soap and let sit in warm water for a bit and it didn’t budge. I’ve looked online but haven’t found any concrete solutions yet for this specific kind of material.

i.redd.it
10 upvotes on reddit
4 replies
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4 replies
Alh840001 · 11 days ago

Dye the bag blue if it won't come out. Cut off the patch, dye, and put it back on.

1 upvotes on reddit
Extension-Cow5820 · 11 days ago

Hand sanitizer or isopropyl alcohol is worth a try

2 upvotes on reddit
ithinkyoureme · 6 days ago

Sew something on top of it, like a patch

1 upvotes on reddit
chispa22 · 11 days ago

I’ve used hairspray to get out pen ink out of bags. Not sure if this has been ran through the washer though? and if it would affect the hairspray working? But it’s worth a try lol

2 upvotes on reddit
See 4 replies
r/AirForce • [8]

Summarize

Is this salvageable? If so, how?

Posted by United-Attitude-7595 · in r/AirForce · 5 months ago
post image

A friendly PSA to take your pens out of your sleeves every day, no matter what.

What can I do to get these stains out?

i.redd.it
269 upvotes on reddit
12 replies
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12 replies
PlasticStranger3971 · 5 months ago

I did this once and got it out with rubbing alcohol. The ink in most pens is alcohol soluble. Soak it and rinse it several times and then run it in the wash

258 upvotes on reddit
Nethias25 · 5 months ago

Baking soda will go a long ass way with this. Put sanitizer on, it will release the ink, then add the baking soda and it will absorb the ink slowly. When the soda looks as dark as the ink, scrape away and repeat. It's a time consuming process, it will not look perfect, you may decide buying a new one is worth it over the hassle. You have a large area there.

1 upvotes on reddit
United-Attitude-7595 · OP · 5 months ago

Does the alcohol percentage matter? Like 70% or 99%?

91 upvotes on reddit
Lindt_Licker · 5 months ago

i was able to get pen stains out of abu's with hand sanitizer so it doesn't take much. 

13 upvotes on reddit
napeungizi_bae · 5 months ago

Use 70 since 99 is really flammable and not usually found at the store. But like they said, soak the ink section where it's completely submerged. When you see the ink bleeding out and the alcohol turning into the color, replace the alcohol. May need to do this a few times before washing in the wash again

4 upvotes on reddit
koreanjujubean · 5 months ago

I’ve used hand sanitizer

3 upvotes on reddit
NotYourDadsDracula · 5 months ago

Be sure to put paper towels inside the sleeve, or the alcohol will just make it bleed to the other side.

33 upvotes on reddit
FoliageGreen457462 · 5 months ago

OP could also use white vinegar w/ baking soda mixed with rubbing alcohol or a solvent based solution before the ink grounds in

2 upvotes on reddit
Northern_Hart17 · 5 months ago

Did the same thing in tech school. Soaked the area in heavy duty stain remover from the BX for about an hour and then washed like normal. Still wearing the same top 2 years later.

62 upvotes on reddit
PotentialLimp6703 · 5 months ago

Happened to me at AMS. Most of it came out just scrubbing in liquid laundry detergent, then letting it soak a bit and doing a cold wash.

1 upvotes on reddit
ICheckPostHistory · 5 months ago

Hair spray and paper towels. Trust me. DO NOT put it in the dryer until gone

32 upvotes on reddit
RainAhh · 5 months ago

Hair spray 100%. A toothbrush can help, too. I initially went to fashion school and that’s how I knew hairspray was the answer.

11 upvotes on reddit
See 12 replies
r/Referees • [9]

Summarize

How can i remove pen ink from my jersey

Posted by 806llama · in r/Referees · 2 years ago

My pen leaked on my USSF jersey and I havent been able to get it out. is there a special trick that anyone uses?

4 upvotes on reddit
10 replies
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10 replies
[deleted] · 2 years ago

OxyClean liquid in the sink. Warm water.

3 upvotes on reddit
Baxters_Keepy_Ups · 2 years ago

Ha! I did this literally a month ago.

If the ink is new - rubbing alcohol, or hairspray. Hand sanitiser also works. Rub it on (don’t be sparing). Then wash it.

You may need to do it a few times. Depending on the colour of your shirt, and the amount of ink (and how long it was there for) will determine if it’s possible and/or how long you need to keep doing it for.

I did it to a red shirt. Bought another in the end (my ink had dried in, as I hadn’t realised until before my next game).

1 upvotes on reddit
806llama · OP · 2 years ago

yeah its been there for a while. its on my yellow so its my most used. i may just need to get a new shirt.

2 upvotes on reddit
A
anothernetgeek · 2 years ago

Dry cleaners is always your best bet BEFORE trying anything else.

10 upvotes on reddit
Accomplished_Lie6026 · 2 years ago

⬆️ This is the way. ⬆️

1 upvotes on reddit
pointingtothespot · 2 years ago

Can I upvote this twice?

1 upvotes on reddit
Billyb711 · 2 years ago

I did that, too. Goof off helped a little. Google said borax, but it didn’t do much that I could figure. Good news is nothing faded the jersey, bad news is nothing faded the ink.

2 upvotes on reddit
FairlyGoodGuy · 2 years ago

Google says to use alcohol, hairspray, or hand sanitizer.

4 upvotes on reddit
T
tonydonut34 · 2 years ago

Yeah but with these cheap, thin OSI jerseys it will fade the color.

0 upvotes on reddit
806llama · OP · 2 years ago

yeah id be worried with alcohol. these jerseys arent cheap

2 upvotes on reddit
See 10 replies
r/Nails • [10]

Summarize

I need help! How do I remove pen ink from normal nail polish??

Posted by chkn1805 · in r/Nails · 3 years ago
post image
57 upvotes on reddit
11 replies
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11 replies
koolandkrazy · 3 years ago

Have you tried alcohol or hand sanitizer??? It works to get ink out of clothes... might be worth a shot

33 upvotes on reddit
chkn1805 · OP · 3 years ago

Hi, I haven’t tried that! I’ll try the hand sanitizer! Thank you for responding!!

2 upvotes on reddit
chkn1805 · OP · 3 years ago

I couldn’t find any hand sanitizer immediately but I have rubbing alcohol and it’s helping!! Thank you so much!! I appreciate the help <3

17 upvotes on reddit
koolandkrazy · 3 years ago

Yay!!! Nothing worse than when your mani is ruined. I know no else notices but when mine is i cant look at anything else!!

8 upvotes on reddit
[deleted] · 3 years ago

Melamine sponges remove everything!

7 upvotes on reddit
chkn1805 · OP · 3 years ago

Hi, I googled melamine sponge, it’s like a magic eraser??

3 upvotes on reddit
OpALbatross · 3 years ago

Yes

2 upvotes on reddit
FunCandy4188 · 3 years ago

Never heard of those

1 upvotes on reddit
PossibleBet123 · 3 years ago

Lestoil!

1 upvotes on reddit
AshD_2019 · 3 years ago

Just redo it if it’s regular polish

3 upvotes on reddit
V
VariationSpirited927 · 3 years ago

Hair spray?? Takes pen off other things

4 upvotes on reddit
See 11 replies

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Related

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AI Answer

🤖

How to get rid of a pen ink stain

Here are some effective methods to remove pen ink stains:

  1. Immediate Action:

    • Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb excess ink. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
  2. Rubbing Alcohol:

    • Dampen a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and gently dab the stain. The alcohol helps to dissolve the ink. Rinse with cold water afterward.
  3. Hand Sanitizer:

    • Apply a small amount of hand sanitizer (which contains alcohol) directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth.
  4. Milk:

    • Soak the stained area in milk for several hours. The proteins in milk can help lift the ink. Rinse with cold water afterward.
  5. Vinegar and Cornstarch Paste:

    • Mix equal parts vinegar and cornstarch to create a paste. Apply it to the stain, let it dry, and then brush off the residue. Rinse with cold water.
  6. Commercial Stain Removers:

    • Use a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Important Tips:

  • Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
  • For delicate fabrics, consider taking the item to a professional cleaner if the stain persists.

Recommendation: Start with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, as these are often the most effective and readily available solutions for ink stains.

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