Removing Ink Stains: Saving Your Favorite T-Shirt

how to get ink spot out of clothes t shirt

Getting an ink spot on your favourite T-shirt can be annoying, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. There are several methods you can use to remove ink stains from clothing, and the best method will depend on the type of ink and fabric.

Characteristics Values
Stain type Water-based, oil-based, alcohol-based
Stain age Fresh, dried
Stain location Sleeve, pocket, breast pocket, pants, collar, sleeve
Stain colour Blue
Stain size Small, large
Stain shape Circle, blob, streak
Fabric type Cotton, synthetic, silk, satin, wool, canvas, linen, polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra, velvet, chenille, corduroy, leather, suede
Fabric colour White, blue, light, dark
Fabric care Machine washable, dry-clean only
Stain removal tools Paper towel, cotton swab, cotton ball, soft-bristled toothbrush, detergent, bleach, bowl, saucer, old toothbrush, old cloth, microfiber cloth, nail polish remover, vinegar, cornstarch, milk, hairspray, hand sanitiser, baking soda, toothpaste, dish soap, white vinegar, dry cleaning solvent, lemon juice, colour-safe bleach, warm water, cool water, hot water
Stain removal steps Blot excess ink, apply solvent, rinse with water, apply detergent, wash garment, dry garment, repeat if necessary

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Blot the stain with a paper towel

Blotting the stain with a paper towel is the first step in removing an ink stain from clothing. This is important whether the stain is fresh or dried. If the ink stain is fresh, you should immediately blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much excess ink as possible. Be careful not to rub or scrub the stain, as this will only embed it deeper into the fabric fibres. Instead, gently blot the stain from the outside to prevent it from spreading.

If the ink stain has dried, you can start by diluting and saturating the stain with a solvent such as rubbing alcohol, hair spray, or hand sanitizer. Always test the solvent on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric or remove any dye.

Once you've blotted the stain with a paper towel and applied a solvent, you can then move on to the next steps in the ink removal process, such as rinsing the garment and applying a pre-wash stain remover or laundry detergent.

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Use rubbing alcohol

Using Rubbing Alcohol to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes

Step 1: Blot Excess Ink

If the ink stain is fresh, immediately place a paper towel or clean cloth under the stain and blot to soak up as much excess ink as possible. Be careful not to rub the stain further into the fabric.

Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol

Place a clean white towel underneath the stained item. Test the rubbing alcohol on a hidden seam or inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage. If the fabric seems unaffected, move on to the next step.

Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot the stain with rubbing alcohol, diluting and breaking up the ink. If the towel underneath becomes wet or discoloured, move the garment to a clean, dry section of the towel to prevent the fabric from reabsorbing the removed ink. Continue this process until no more ink is being removed.

Step 3: Rinse and Wash

Rinse the stained area with cold water multiple times to remove the ink and alcohol. Then, launder the garment in your washing machine using a cold or room-temperature cycle. Check the care label on the garment for specific washing instructions.

Step 4: Dry

Before drying your garment, inspect the previously stained area to ensure the ink has been completely removed. If the ink stain remains, repeat the process until it is gone, then air-dry your item.

Tips:

  • Always follow the instructions on the garment's label and the manufacturer's instructions on any products used.
  • Rubbing alcohol can be used to treat ink stains on cotton, canvas, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, spandex, lycra, velvet, and corduroy.
  • For ink stains on silk, suede, and leather, other methods are recommended as rubbing alcohol may cause damage.
  • For dried ink stains, spray the area with rubbing alcohol or alcohol-based hand sanitiser before proceeding with the steps above.
  • For particularly stubborn stains, a commercial stain remover can be used after the above steps.
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Try glycerin and dish detergent

If you have an ink stain on your favourite T-shirt, don't panic! You can try to remove it by mixing glycerin and dish detergent. This method is a gentle treatment, suitable for most fabrics, including silk.

First, check that the stain is dry. Then, mix one tablespoon of glycerin with one teaspoon of liquid dish detergent in a bowl. Take a clean, white cloth and dip it into the mixture. Dab both sides of the stain with the cloth until no more ink comes off on the cloth. Leave the T-shirt to sit for about five minutes, then use your finger to apply more glycerin to the stain. Finally, rinse the garment with cool water to remove the glycerin and soap.

If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat this process.

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Make a baking soda paste

Baking soda is a mild detergent that can be used on most fabrics to remove washable ink stains, such as those from a ballpoint pen. To make a baking soda paste, follow these steps:

Step 1: Combine Baking Soda and Water

Mix two parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl. The mixture should have a paste-like consistency. You can adjust the amounts of baking soda and water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Stain

Use a cotton ball or a clean cloth to apply the paste to the ink stain. Gently dab the paste onto the stain, working it into the fabric. Be sure to cover the entire stained area.

Step 3: Remove the Paste

Once you have removed as much of the ink as possible, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off the paste. Gently blot or wipe away the paste, being careful not to rub or scrub the fabric, as this may set the stain further into the fibres.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash the Garment

After removing the paste, thoroughly rinse the garment with warm water. Then, wash the item in the washing machine using the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric. You can also add detergent or a stain treatment to the stained area before washing if desired.

Tips:

  • Always test the baking soda paste on a small, hidden area of the garment first to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage to the fabric.
  • For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the above steps multiple times to fully remove the ink.
  • Baking soda can also be combined with vinegar to create a paste for removing ink stains. Simply substitute vinegar for water when creating the paste, and follow the same application and removal process.

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Soak in white vinegar

Soaking in white vinegar is an effective way to remove ink stains from clothing. It is important to act quickly once an ink stain occurs, as fresh ink stains are easier to remove than dried ones.

To start, test the vinegar on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it won't cause any damage or discolouration. If the fabric appears unaffected, dampen the stain with the vinegar. Next, create a paste with two parts vinegar and three parts cornstarch and rub it gently into the stain. Allow the paste to dry completely, then wash the garment without removing the paste first.

If the stain remains, repeat the process. If the garment is dry-clean only, be sure to point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner.

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