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There’s something almost romantic about an ink stain. By its very nature, an errant blue streak or blurry black blotch conveys a certain artistic quality—and, therefore, must also possess an intriguing backstory. Did it arrive during a sudden spark of inspiration or after an emotional outburst? Perhaps it was the result of late night list-making or the feverish penning of a secret love letter. Or, maybe, the tearful writing of a goodbye note.
Of course, many ink stains occur while engaging in life’s more mundane endeavors. Signing paperwork; jotting a number on a sticky note. One could argue, however, that those everyday situations are no less mythical or compelling. After all, every stain is the remainder of a moment now gone—in the case of an ink stain, a moment in which the careful handling of a ballpoint pen or permanent marker was clearly not priority number one.
No matter its provenance, even the most hopelessly romantic among us would probably prefer that it didn’t haunt our favorite silk shirt, jeans, or leather coat. But ink stains—like ghosts—are also notoriously difficult to remove. Not to mention, intimidating: One false move and you risk turning the entire item into a splotchy mess of black or blue. So, how, pray tell, should we go about removing ink stains from clothes? Is it even possible?
“Ink stains present a fascinating challenge in textile care,” explains fashion designer Courtney Barriger, author of the forthcoming book ReFashion Workshop, The Planet Healing Mindset, which has an entire chapter dedicated to sustainable clothing care and fiber preservation. “The tenacious nature of ink stains comes from the perfect storm of chemistry—modern inks are specifically engineered to be permanent, combining pigments and dyes with binding agents that form strong molecular bonds with fabric fibers,” Barriger explains. “Once these bonds are established, they become part of the fabric’s structure itself. It’s rather poetic—the very qualities that make ink so valuable for written expression also make it one of clothing’s most steadfast adversaries.”
Still, every specter must have an exorcist —and, luckily, ink has several. Best of all, you probably already have many of them in your medicine cabinet or pantry. Think: rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, baking soda, and nail polish remover. Below, Barriger shares her tips for how to get ink out of clothes—no matter the fabric, ink type, or stain’s origin story.
How to get ink out of cotton
“Blot the stain with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, then dab with white vinegar,” Barriger says, noting that wet stains should first be gently dabbed with a dry paper towel or clean cloth to remove excess ink first. “For stubborn stains, try a paste of baking soda and water,” she recommends.
After treating, rinse the item in cool water before laundering in the machine at cold or room temperature. Check to see that the stain is removed before drying. And remember, before treating any stain, “always test in an inconspicuous area first,” Barriger says.
How to get ink out of denim
For ink on your favorite jeans, good ol’ hairspray might just be your best—just be sure it’s the kind that contains alcohol. “Apply hairspray directly to the stain, let sit for 10 minutes, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric,” advises Barriger. For ballpoint ink, which is usually oil-based, Barringer says “milk can be surprisingly effective—soak the stained area overnight.”
How to get ink out of leather
Cleaning leather can be tricky—getting too wet can cause it to deform, shrink, or change color. To that end, Barriger recommends using a commercial leather cleaner that is specifically formulated for gentle treating. “Or, create a paste with cream of tartar and lemon juice,” she says, noting to never saturate the leather. “Apply cleaning solutions sparingly with a cotton swab. After cleaning, condition the leather to prevent drying.”
How to get ink out of silk
“Silk is extremely delicate, so it’s best handled by professional cleaners,” Barriger says. However, she does have this tip if you really want to risk attempting the stain-removal at home: “Use a solution of white vinegar and cornstarch, applying very gently with a cotton swab—and never rub silk fabric.”
How to get ink out of polyester
For removing ink from polyester, good old rubbing alcohol may be your best friend. “Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball, working from the outside of the stain inward,” Barrister advises. “Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary. You can also try hand sanitizer or acetone-free nail polish remover.”
How to get ink out of nylon
Nylon can be treated with a simple homemade concoction of everyday pantry items. “Use a mixture of white vinegar and cornstarch to create a paste,” Barrister says. “Apply to stain, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water.”
How to remove permanent marker ink
For permanent marker ink, try dabbing with nail polish remover followed by immediate washing to prevent the stain from setting (or re-setting). “If you are able to, always test cleaning solutions on a hidden area first and treat stains as quickly as possible for best results,” Barrister notes. “Some inks may be permanent and require professional cleaning.”
This article was originally published on Vogue.com.
