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Tip

Fresh ink stains are easier to remove than dried ones.

Repeat until the stain is gone.

Here are methods and steps to help you remove ink from clothes.

Methods to Remove Ink Stains

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Rubbing alcohol is usually effective against removing permanent ink stains.

It may not remove the stain completely, the it helps it to fade.

If the fabric can be bleached, your chance of removing the stain increases.

Overhead view of items needed to remove ink stains

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Apply the sanitizer on the stain and keep blotting with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Test it on an inner seam or a hidden area.

If the fabric remains undamaged, proceed to the next step.

person blotting an ink stain

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Wash the Garment

Launder the clothing as recommended.

How to Remove Ink Stains With Milk

Another gentle way to remove ink stains is with milk.

This method requires overnight soaking.

person pouring detergent onto an ink stain

​The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

It may take multiple tries, so repeat the process until the stain is lifted.

Rubbing alcohol cannot be used on all fabrics to remove ink stains.

Repeat the process until you see the stain fade.

person rinsing garment in the sink

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placing the stained item on a white towel

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

person blotting rubbing alcohol onto an ink stain

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

stained garment submerged in a bowl

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Testing nail polish remover on an inner area of the garment

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Blotting the stain with nail polish remover

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Soaking the garment

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Laying the stained garment onto a clean towel

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Using hairspray to remove an ink stain on a garment

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Soaking the garment in a tub with detergent

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Soaking the garment in milk overnight

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Pouring corn starch paste onto the fabric

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