How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes
Lift ink stains from fabric with rubbing alcohol, washing liquid and patience. Act quickly and avoid heat until the stain is completely gone.
Quick answer
Place the stained area face down on paper towels. Dab rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser onto the back of the stain with a cotton bud. Replace the paper towels as they absorb the ink. Rinse, apply washing liquid, then launder as normal.
Ink stains spread fast if you rub them. The key is to blot from the back so the ink transfers out of the fabric instead of deeper into the fibres.
What you’ll need
- paper towels
- rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser
- cotton buds
- washing liquid
- white vinegar
- clean cloth
Step by step
- 1
Blot excess ink
Lay the garment stain-side down on a stack of paper towels. Gently blot the top with a clean cloth to remove any wet ink. Do not rub.
- 2
Test the alcohol
Dab a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser on an inside seam or hidden area to check for colourfastness. Wait one minute and look for fading.
- 3
Apply alcohol to the stain
Dip a cotton bud in rubbing alcohol and dab the back of the stain. Work from the outside in. Replace the paper towels underneath as they soak up ink. Continue until no more ink transfers.
- 4
Rinse and pre-treat
Rinse the area under cold water. Apply a small amount of washing liquid directly to the stain. Rub the fabric gently against itself and leave it for five minutes.
- 5
Wash and check
Wash the garment in the machine on a cool cycle with similar colours. Check the stain is gone before tumble drying or ironing, as heat will set it permanently.
Rubbing alcohol is flammable. Work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames. Keep it away from children and pets.
Common mistakes
- Rubbing the stain instead of blotting it
- Using hot water or a hot wash before the stain is removed
- Skipping the spot test and fading the fabric colour
- Drying or ironing the garment while the ink stain is still visible
Frequently asked
Does this work on dried ink stains?
Yes, but it takes longer. You may need to repeat the alcohol application several times and let it sit for ten minutes between attempts.
Can I use this method on coloured clothes?
Yes, but always test the alcohol on a hidden area first. Some dyes may bleed or fade.
What if I do not have rubbing alcohol?
Hand sanitiser works well if it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Hairspray can also work in a pinch, but test it first.
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