Removing Felt Tip Pen Stains From T-Shirts: Effective Methods

how to get felt tip pen off t shirt

Felt-tip pen stains on clothing can be a pain to remove, especially if the ink has already dried. The type of marker and fabric involved will determine the best method of stain removal. For washable markers, it is recommended to soak the fabric in cold water and rinse thoroughly before washing. If the marker is non-washable, other methods such as using hairspray, milk, hand sanitiser gel, washing-up liquid, acetone, or even WD40 may be required.

Characteristics of "how to get felt tip pen off t-shirt"

Characteristics Values
Type of marker Water-based, Alcohol-based, Oil-based, Paint-based
Type of fabric Delicate, Coarse, Coloured, White
Treatment Hairspray, Soaking in milk, Soaking in water, Bleach, Washing-up liquid, Hand sanitiser gel, WD40, Acetone, Toothpaste, Baking soda mixture, Alcohol, Hydrogen peroxide, Chlorine bleach, Hair varnish, Vegetable oil, Oil solvents, Glycerin, Lemon juice, Solvents, Vinegar-soda solution

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Hairspray

If you have a felt tip pen stain on your t-shirt, hairspray can be an effective way to remove it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Affected Area

Place a clean, white cloth or absorbent pad behind the stain, so that it is between the front and back layers of the t-shirt. This will prevent the ink from spreading to the back of the t-shirt and help absorb the stain as you treat it.

Step 2: Apply Hairspray

Spray the hairspray directly onto the stained area of the t-shirt. Ensure that you are using a hairspray that contains alcohol, as this is the key ingredient that will help lift the ink from the fabric.

Step 3: Blot the Stain

Using a clean cloth or paper towel, gently blot the stain. Do not rub or scrub the stain, as this may spread the ink to other areas of the t-shirt or push the ink further into the fabric fibres. Continue blotting, moving to a clean area of the cloth or towel each time, until no more ink is being transferred.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Once you have removed as much of the stain as possible, rinse the t-shirt under cold water. Then, wash the t-shirt as usual in the washing machine, using laundry detergent and the highest temperature setting that is safe for the fabric.

Tips:

  • Act quickly! The sooner you treat a felt tip pen stain, the more likely it is that you will be able to remove it completely.
  • Before using hairspray, check that the hairspray and the fabric of your t-shirt are both colour-safe. Test the hairspray on an inconspicuous area of the t-shirt first, to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage.
  • If the stain persists, repeat the above steps or try using a dedicated stain remover.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively remove felt tip pen stains from your t-shirt using hairspray.

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Oxygen-based bleach

Oxygen bleach is safe to use on almost all washable white or coloured fabrics, but it can ruin silk, wool, or any garment with leather trim or wooden buttons. Always check the garment's care label before using oxygen bleach, and be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it won't be damaged or discoloured.

To use oxygen bleach to remove felt tip pen stains from a T-shirt, follow these steps:

  • Check the manufacturer's instructions for the correct solution strength and amount of product to use per gallon of water.
  • Mix the oxygen bleach powder or liquid with water in a bucket or sink, following the package directions.
  • Completely submerge the T-shirt in the oxygen bleach solution and allow it to soak for at least eight hours. For tough stains, it is recommended to soak overnight.
  • After soaking, run a wash cycle as usual.
  • Before drying, check to see if the stain has been completely removed. If any trace of the stain remains, repeat the process.

It is important to note that detergent can "set" the felt tip pen stain, so it is recommended to treat the stain before washing the T-shirt with detergent.

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Alcohol-based products

If you're dealing with a felt tip pen stain on a T-shirt, there are a few alcohol-based products you can use to effectively remove the stain without damaging the fabric. Here's a step-by-step guide using some common alcohol-based solutions:

Using Rubbing Alcohol:

  • Place a clean, absorbent pad or paper towel under the stained area of the T-shirt. This will help prevent the ink from spreading to other parts of the fabric.
  • Pour some rubbing alcohol into a small dish or bowl. Alternatively, you can use an eyedropper to apply the alcohol directly to the stain.
  • Immerse the stained area in the rubbing alcohol, or use a cotton bud or sponge to apply it to the affected area. Be careful not to over-wet the fabric.
  • Gently dab at the stain, working the alcohol into it. Avoid rubbing or spreading the stain further.
  • Blot the stain with a clean paper towel or cloth. Continue alternating between applying alcohol and blotting until no more colour comes off on the paper towel.
  • Rinse the treated area with cold water.
  • Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or a stain remover like White Wizard to any remaining traces of the stain. Work it in well and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
  • Blot the area again with a dry paper towel. Press firmly against the stain for several seconds.
  • Finally, blot the area with water to remove any residual detergent.

Using Hairspray:

  • Place a clean, white cloth or towel behind the stained area of the T-shirt to prevent the ink from transferring through to the other side.
  • Spray the front of the stain with hairspray. The higher the alcohol content in the hairspray, the more effective it will be at removing the stain.
  • Using the cloth behind the stain, blot the area firmly. Keep turning the cloth to a clean section as the ink transfers to ensure you're always blotting with a clean portion of the cloth.
  • Repeat the process until the T-shirt looks almost clean, then wash it as usual.

Using Hand Sanitizer:

  • Apply a small amount of hand sanitizer gel to the stain and let it soak for a few minutes.
  • Massage or rub the hand sanitizer into the stain using your fingers or a soft cloth.
  • Wash the T-shirt as usual, following any care instructions on the label.

Always remember to act quickly when dealing with stains and to test any stain removal method on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage. Additionally, be sure to follow any safety precautions when using alcohol-based products, such as working in a well-ventilated area and keeping them away from open flames.

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Glycerin

If you're dealing with a fresh stain from an alcohol-based felt tip pen and you don't have time for a thorough cleaning, glycerin can be used to treat the contamination. First, place a paper towel under the fabric to prevent the stain from spreading to the other side. Next, apply some pharmacy glycerin to the affected area and leave it for one to two hours. Finally, wash the fabric with a warm soapy solution and add a small amount of salt.

It is important to act quickly when dealing with felt tip pen stains. Blot any excess ink with paper towels and, for fabrics, place an absorbent pad under the stain. Always check the fabric care label and perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area before attempting any stain removal method.

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Soak in milk

So, your little one has come home with their T-shirt covered in felt-tip pen stains. Don't panic, milk might be able to save the day (and the T-shirt). Here's what you need to do:

First, check that the pen stains are not from washable felt-tip pens. If they are, you should soak the T-shirt in cold water and rinse thoroughly before washing. If you use detergent at this stage, it may set the stain.

If the pens are not washable, grab some milk. Pour enough milk into a bowl to cover the stain when the T-shirt is placed in the bowl. Leave the T-shirt to soak for at least 10 minutes. You can also leave it overnight if you're short on time or dealing with a particularly stubborn stain. The milk will help lift the ink out of the fabric.

After soaking, the stain may still be visible, but don't worry. Simply wash the T-shirt as normal in the washing machine. The stain should disappear during the wash.

This method is a great, cost-effective way to remove felt-tip pen stains without having to buy new clothes. It's also worth trying hairspray or hand sanitiser gel to remove the stains. If you're dealing with fresh stains, blot the area with a dry paper towel first to remove any excess ink.

So, the next time your child comes home with pen stains on their clothes, you'll know exactly what to do. Soak it in milk, wash it as normal, and the stain should be a thing of the past.

Frequently asked questions

First, check if the pen is washable. If so, soak the T-shirt in cold water and rinse thoroughly before washing. If not, try using hairspray, milk, washing-up liquid, hand sanitiser gel, acetone, or a gel for washing dishes.

Place a clean white cloth behind the stain, then spray the front of the stain with hairspray. Keep turning the cloth so you always have a clean bit below the stain, repeating until the T-shirt looks almost clean, then wash as usual.

Soak the stain in milk for 10-15 minutes, then wash as normal.

Massage the washing-up liquid into the stain before washing.

Cover the stain with hand sanitiser gel and leave to soak overnight, then wash as normal.

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  • Byeon
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