How To Get Ink Out Of Clothes: Ultimate Guide In 2025

Ink stains on clothes can feel like a mini heart attack — especially when it’s your favorite outfit. Whether it’s a pen that exploded in your pocket, a school project gone wrong, or an unexpected office mishap, ink can leave behind a stubborn, frustrating mess.

But don’t worry — you don’t have to toss your stained clothes just yet. You can use anything like dish soap, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetone-based nail polish remover, hair spray, vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, lemon juice, glycerin, or hand sanitizer to remove ink stains properly.

In this post, we’ll show you how to get ink out of clothes step-by-step, using simple household items and techniques that actually work. From fresh blots to dried-up stains, we’ve got solutions for every fabric type and ink source.

So roll up your sleeves — let’s rescue that outfit and bring it back to life!

🧼 How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes By Using Dish Soap?

Best Choice For Wet Ink Stains

Step # 01

Make a solution of 1 tablespoon dish soap and 2 tablespoons cold water. 

Step # 02

Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and dab it onto the ink stain — don’t rub!

Step # 03

Keep blotting gently until the ink starts to lift. You may need to repeat a few times.

Step # 04

Rinse the stained area with cold water, then wash the fabric as usual.

🧴 How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Isopropyl Alcohol?

Best choice for dried ink stains

Step # 01

Place a paper towel under the stained area …. This helps absorb the ink as it lifts from the fabric.

Step # 02

Dab the stain with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) … Use a cotton ball, clean cloth, or earbud to gently blot the stain. Don’t rub — just dab to avoid spreading.
Step # 03

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes … Give the alcohol time to break down the ink.
Step # 04

Blot again with a clean cloth … You’ll see the ink transferring to the cloth or paper towel underneath.
Step # 05

Rinse with cold water … Then launder as usual with your regular detergent.

How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover?

Best option for old or dried ink stains

Step # 01

Place a paper towel or old cloth under the stain to catch any ink that lifts off.

Step # 02

Dip a cotton ball in acetone and dab gently on the ink stain — don’t rub, just blot.

Step # 03 

Let it sit for 1–2 minutes, then blot again until the ink starts to lift.

Step # 04

Rinse with cold water and wash the garment as usual.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Do a patch test first, especially on colored fabrics — acetone can cause fading or damage.
• Avoid using on synthetic fabrics like acetate, modacrylic, or triacetate — acetone can melt them.

💨 How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Hair Spray?

Best choice for fresh stains

Step # 01

Place a paper towel under the stained fabric to absorb the ink.
Step # 02

Spray the ink stain generously with an alcohol-based hairspray.
(Make sure the hairspray contains alcohol — that’s the key ingredient!)
Step # 03

Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
Step # 04

Blot the stain with a clean cloth or cotton ball, pressing gently to lift the ink.
Step # 05

Rinse with cold water, then launder the fabric as usual.

🧴 How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Vinegar?

Best choice for fresh or wet ink stains

Step # 01

Soak the stained area in white vinegar for a few minutes to break down the ink.

Step # 02

Mix baking soda with a little vinegar to form a paste, and gently rub it on the stain.

Step # 03

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Step # 04

Wash the garment as usual and let it air dry.

🥄 How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Baking Soda? 

Best choice for Fresh or lightly set ink stains

Step # 01

Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste.
Step # 02

Apply the paste directly to the ink stain and gently rub it in with a soft brush or your fingers.
Step # 03

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Step # 04

Repeat if needed, then wash the garment as usual.

How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Toothpaste?

Best choice for dried ink stains

Step # 01

Apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste directly onto the ink stain.
Step # 02

Rub it gently into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush.
Step # 03

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step # 04

Rinse thoroughly with cold water, then wash the garment as usual.

How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Lemon Juice?

Best for fresh or wet ink stains

Step # 01

Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly onto the ink stain.
Step # 02

Gently rub the juice into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth.
Step # 03

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Step # 04

Rinse with cold water and wash the garment as usual.

⚠️ Avoid On:

❌ Dark-colored fabrics — lemon juice can cause fading

How To Remove Ink Stains From Clothes Using Glycerin?

Best for wet or dried ink stains

Step # 01

Warm up a small amount of glycerin slightly (just lukewarm, not hot).
Step # 02

Apply the glycerin directly to the ink stain and gently rub it in with your fingers.
Step # 03

Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen the ink.
Step #04

Rinse with cold water, then wash the garment as usual.

How To Get Ink Out Of Clothes Using Hand Sanitizer?

Best option for fresh or wet ink stains

Step # 01

Squirt a small amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer directly onto the ink stain.
Step # 02

Gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft cloth.
Step # 03

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to break down the ink.
Step # 04

Rinse thoroughly with cold water, then wash the garment as usual.

🏆 As a fashion designer (Rouba Saadeh), I’ve a deep knowledge of garments: how to make, how to choose, how to safe, how to clean garments, all are part of my career. I love to share my experience with users; therefore, I decided to write it for you!

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