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Removing ink stains from a cotton T-shirt can be tricky, but it's not impossible. The key is to act quickly and treat the stain before it dries. Here are some steps you can follow to remove that pesky ink stain:
- Blot the excess ink with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much ink as possible.
- Treat the stain with a solvent like rubbing alcohol, hair spray, or hand sanitizer. Always test the solvent on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn't damage the garment or remove any dye.
- Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Wash the T-shirt in the hottest water recommended for the fabric type, using a detergent or stain remover.
- Before drying, check if the stain has been completely removed. If not, repeat the above steps until it's gone.
How to Remove Ink Stain from Cotton T-Shirt
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to prepare | Hairspray, liquid laundry detergent, rubbing alcohol, paper towels, water, bleach-free laundry detergent, ammonia, oxygen-based bleach, nail polish remover, vinegar, cornstarch, milk, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, baking soda, dishwashing detergent |
| Step 1 | Cover the stain with table salt, then dab it gently with a wet paper towel, and brush off the salt. Repeat until the stain is gone. |
| Step 2 | Lay the stained clothing on a clean, dry towel or cloth. |
| Step 3 | Apply water to the stained area and blot with another clean cloth. |
| Step 4 | Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent onto the ink stain and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. |
| Step 5 | Wash the garment in hot water. |
| Step 6 | Before drying, check to see if the entire stain was removed. If not, repeat the cleaning steps. |
What You'll Learn
Blot the stain with a paper towel
Blotting the ink stain with a paper towel is the first step in removing an ink stain from a cotton T-shirt. This is important whether the stain is fresh or dried. If the stain is fresh, immediately blot with a paper towel to soak up as much excess ink as possible. If the ink stain has dried, start by diluting and saturating the stain with a solvent such as rubbing alcohol, hair spray, or hand sanitizer.
To blot the stain, place a paper towel underneath the stain. This will help to absorb the ink and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the T-shirt. Then, pour your chosen solvent directly onto the stain. You can also apply it using an eyedropper or by soaking a paper towel in the solvent and then applying it to the stain. Continue blotting the stain with a clean paper towel until no more ink is released from the fabric. It is important to use a clean paper towel each time to avoid spreading the ink further.
Once you have finished blotting the stain, rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining solvent. Then, launder the T-shirt in your washing machine using a cold or room-temperature cycle. Be sure to check that the ink stain has been completely removed before drying the T-shirt. If the stain remains, repeat the blotting process until it is gone.
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Use hairspray to loosen the stain
Hairspray is an effective method to loosen and remove ink stains from cotton t-shirts. The alcohol in the hairspray formula helps to dissolve the ink and remove the stain.
To use hairspray to remove an ink stain, start by laying your t-shirt on a clean, dry, white towel, with the stained area facing up. Choose a hairspray with a high alcohol content, as this will be more effective at removing the stain. Spray the stained area generously and thoroughly with the hairspray. Allow the hairspray to sit on the stain for a few minutes to give it time to break up the ink. Then, blot the stain with a clean, damp white towel or cloth. Continue blotting the stain until no more ink is being removed from the fabric.
If the stain is still visible, repeat the process. Once the stain is removed, launder the t-shirt as recommended on the care label.
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Soak in a solution of dish soap and vinegar
Soaking your cotton t-shirt in a solution of dish soap and vinegar is an effective way to remove ink stains. This method is also suitable for removing ink stains from other fabrics such as chenille, corduroy, velvet, and wool.
To make the solution, mix half a teaspoon of clear dish soap, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and a quart of warm water. Soak the garment in this solution for about half an hour. Then, rinse the garment with clean water and let it air dry.
If the ink stain persists, you can try dabbing the area with a small amount of rubbing alcohol after testing it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric. Afterward, wash the garment as you normally would using your preferred detergent.
It is important to act quickly when dealing with ink stains, as fresh stains are easier to remove than dried ones. Before attempting any stain removal method, always check the care label of your garment and test the solution on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it won't cause any damage or discolouration.
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Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain
Before applying rubbing alcohol to the stain, it is important to test whether it will damage the fabric or discolour the t-shirt. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to an inconspicuous area of the t-shirt and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot the area with a paper towel and if no colour comes off on the towel, it is safe to proceed.
Now, place the t-shirt on a flat surface and put some white paper towels underneath the garment, in case the ink bleeds through. Place a paper towel or clean cloth underneath the stained area of the t-shirt to prevent the ink from spreading to other parts of the fabric. Using an eyedropper or pouring directly from the bottle, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stain. Blot the stain with a cotton pad or paper towel until no more ink is transferred to the pad. Be careful not to wipe or scrub at the stain, as this may spread the ink to other parts of the fabric.
If the towel underneath the stain becomes too stained, move the t-shirt to a clean, dry section of the towel to prevent the area from reabsorbing any of the removed ink. Continue blotting the stain with the alcohol until there is no more ink to remove. Then, rinse the stained area multiple times with cold water to remove the alcohol.
Before drying your t-shirt, check that the stain has been completely removed. If any trace of the stain remains, repeat the above process until the ink is gone. Then, air-dry the t-shirt.
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Wash and dry as usual
Once you have pre-treated the ink stain on your cotton t-shirt using the methods outlined in the previous paragraphs, you can wash and dry your garment as usual. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, always check the care label on your t-shirt and follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying. If the ink stain is still visible, do not put the t-shirt in the dryer, as this will set the stain and make it harder to remove. Instead, repeat the pre-treatment steps outlined above and wash the t-shirt again.
When washing your cotton t-shirt, use the hottest water setting indicated on the care label. You can use your regular laundry detergent, but make sure to follow the recommended dosage. If your t-shirt is white or light-coloured, you can also add a bleach that is safe for the fabric, such as a colour-safe formula. If the ink stain is particularly stubborn, you may want to let the garment soak in a mixture of water, detergent, and bleach before washing it as usual.
After washing, carefully inspect the t-shirt to ensure the ink stain has been completely removed. If any trace of the stain remains, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process. Once you are satisfied that the stain is gone, you can dry your cotton t-shirt as usual. If possible, air-drying is recommended to prevent the ink stain from setting in case any traces were missed.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by spraying the stain with hairspray to loosen it. Then, soak the T-shirt in a solution of water, dish soap, and vinegar for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and let it dry. If the stain persists, use an absorbent cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol to further lift the stain.
Common household items that can be used to remove ink stains include rubbing alcohol, hair spray, hand sanitizer, baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice.
The best method to remove ballpoint pen stains depends on the fabric of your clothing item. For cotton, start by spraying the stain with hairspray, then soak in a solution of dish soap and vinegar. For other fabrics, refer to the methods outlined above.
Toothpaste may not be the most effective method, but it can work in a pinch. Cover the stain with non-gel-based toothpaste, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. Repeat until the stain fades.
