Ink stains might seem like the end of the world, but the good news is with a little TLC ink stains can be washed out of clothes.
Nicole Gibson is the Laundry Queen at Soka Australia. She’s seen an ink stain or two in her lifetime and says the longer you leave a stain, the harder it will be to remove. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Sharing all of her stain removal knowledge on Instagram, this is how Nicole tackles ink stains on clothes.
Follow these step-by-step instructions for removing ink stains from clothes (including pen ink).
How to get ink out of clothes
What you’ll need:
- Paper towel (try these VIVA Regular multi-use cleaning towels)
- Rubbing alcohol, hair spray or hand sanitiser
- DIY stain remover (get the recipe)
- Bi-carb soda (optional)
- Tub to soak your clothes in
Method:
- Act quickly: As soon as you notice the ink stain, treat it promptly for better removal.
- Spot test: Before applying the stain remover to the stained area, test it on a hidden part of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discolouration. If no excess colour comes off, proceed to step 3.
- Prep the stain: Place paper towel on the inside of clothing to stop the stain from running through to the other side. Dab rubbing alcohol, hand santiser or hair spray onto the stain with a cloth until no more ink transfers.
- Select stain remover: Select your stain remover. In this case, Nicole prefers to use her homemade DIY stain remover spray.
- Spray with a homemade stain remover: Spray liberally and let sit for 5 minutes. Spray again and give a rub with an old toothbrush.
- Soak: Soak the garment in a tub.
- Wash on a regular cycle: Launder on a normal cycle.
If the stain persists:
- Use the DIY remover, soak overnight, cover with bi-carb soda and wash again.
- Try hanging the garment in sunlight, spraying it with vinegar, and repeating if necessary.
Remember, the effectiveness of each step may vary depending on the fabric type and the ink stain’s severity. It’s essential to treat the stain promptly and avoid using heat, such as hot water or a dryer, as it can further the stain. If unsure, consider seeking professional dry-cleaning services for delicate or stubborn stains.
Or you can always reach out to Nicole and Soka Australia via her Instagram; she is more than happy to help you troubleshoot your stains.
Related articles:
- How to remove mould stains from common household surfaces
- The best way to clean your mattress
- Remove carpet stains with this easy ironing hack
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