What's more annoying than having ink stains on clothes? Realized it after the clothes were washed. This means that the stain has dried and is becoming more difficult to remove. For very delicate and easily damaged fabrics such as silk or wool, mix glycerol and detergent to remove dried ink stains. For other ingredients, you can use alcohol or even hand sanitizer gel. The stain will disappear too!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Glycerol and Detergent for Damaged Fabrics
Step 1. Smear the glycerol on the ink stain using a cotton swab
Glycerol is a moisturizer that will lift the ink stains. Dip a cotton swab in a bottle of glycerol, then gently dab (and press firmly) on the stained area until the area is completely coated.
- You can buy glycerol from pharmacies or the internet.
- Replace the earplug with a new match if the cotton part is dirty or coated in ink.
- To protect other parts of the garment (eg the back of a shirt/t-shirt) from ink or glycerol penetrating the fabric, cover the stained area with an old towel.
For clothes that can only be washed using the dry-cleaning method, end the cleaning process after this step. After you have applied the glycerol, rinse the garment by dabbing in cold water on the cleaned area. After that, take the clothes to a laundry or dry-cleaning service provider
Step 2. Mix laundry detergent and water in a 1:1 ratio in a small bowl
The detergent will dissolve and become thinner so the stain can absorb it more easily. Stir the detergent and water with a spoon until evenly mixed.
- You can also mix detergent and water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle quickly to mix the two ingredients.
- Choose a mild detergent, especially if you are working with delicate and easily damaged fabrics. Look for products manufactured for delicate fabrics (delicates) or even for sensitive skin.
Step 3. Use a cotton swab to coat the stain with a mixture of detergent and water
Just like when you use glycerol, dab a cotton swab that has been dipped in the detergent-water mixture on the surface of the stain. Continue to dab the matchstick until the entire stain is covered with the mixture.
Step 4. Let the clothes rest for 10 minutes
This way, the glycerol and detergent mixture can lift the stain. Store clothes where they won't be disturbed (e.g. the top of the washing machine) or spread them out on a drying rack (if you have a tumble dryer).
Observe duration using a clock app on your phone or a cook timer
Step 5. Wash clothes as usual following the clothing care instructions
Check clothing labels for specific laundry instructions. For example, if you wash clothes with delicate or perishable materials (eg a silk blouse or rayon skirt), you will need to wash them manually (by hand) and dry them in the sun.
- After washing, check the clothes to make sure there are no stains left before the clothes are dried.
- If the stain remains, repeat the cleaning process as many times as necessary to remove it.
Method 2 of 2: Getting Rid of Ink Stains Using Alcohol
Step 1. Treat the stain first using a stain remover product and let it sit for 15 minutes
Apply the product to the front and back of the stain and use your fingers to spread it across the fabric. Make sure the entire stain is completely coated.
- Use a cook timer or a clock app on your phone to count the time.
- Do not rub the cloth with other parts of the cloth to spread the product on the stain. This actually risks spreading the ink stains to other parts of the clothing.
How to Choose a Stain Removal Product
For ink and other oil stains, check the product ingredients to make sure the product contains surfactants such as sulfonates or alkyl sulfates. Both substances can destroy oil particles.
If the package label indicates that the clothes need to be washed separately or with colored clothes only, choose products that do not contain oxidizing agents such as bleach. Your fabric doesn't "lock in" the dye well enough that the dye can be lifted by the oxidizing agent.
If you need a practical solution, choose a stain removal pen that you can put in your purse or even your pocket.
If you have clothes that can only be washed using the dry cleaning method, stop here. Don't try to use a stain remover yourself. Take your clothes to a dry cleaning service provider.
Step 2. Wash clothes according to care instructions
Check clothing labels to find out how to wash them properly. Use your normal laundry detergent to remove any residue from the stain remover.
- For example, for clothes made from delicate and easily damaged, you need to wash them manually (by hand).
- Do not dry the clothes if the stain remains. When dried, the stain will actually harden and stick harder, making it more difficult to remove.
Step 3. Soak a washcloth in alcohol
Dip a washcloth in a bowl of alcohol, or pour alcohol on a rag. Squeeze the rag to remove any excess alcohol so the rag doesn't get too wet.
- You can use liquid nail polish remover, a hair spray product, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel instead of regular alcohol.
- Choose a rag that you don't mind getting dirty. The ink from the stain will transfer to the rag as you dab the rag on the stain.
- Instead of dipping the washcloth in alcohol, you can spray or pour the alcohol directly on the stain, then use a dry cloth to absorb the stain.
Step 4. Blot the alcohol-soaked rag on the stain until no ink remains
The alcohol will dissolve the ink stain when the fabric is blotted. Keep lifting the stain until the ink color is no longer clearly visible on the clothes.
- Don't rub the stain. This actually risks spreading the ink to other parts of the garment.
- Do not use alcohol on delicate and easily damaged fabrics such as silk or wool.
- If you want to protect the fabric or the surface under the clothes from getting stained, spread the clothes out on an unused towel before starting the cleaning process.
Step 5. Rinse the cleaned part with cold water
After all the ink stains are gone, rinse the treated area under running water in the sink. The alcohol and remaining ink particles will be carried away by the water before the clothes are put in the washing machine.
Cold water is more effective at removing ink stains than warm water
Step 6. Rewash the garment following the care instructions on the label
Clean clothes as usual and pay attention to the special care instructions on the label so you don't damage the clothes. At this stage, you can also dry them by putting them in the dryer or drying them in the sun.
