A dropped pen or a leaking cartridge can turn a favourite white shirt or bag into what looks like a lost cause within seconds, but throwing the item away or rushing out to buy an expensive stain remover isn't the only option. A handful of things already sitting in most kitchens and bathrooms can lift even stubborn ink stains to a large extent.
The older the stain, the more patience it needs
A fresh ink spill is always easier to deal with than one that has dried in or sat on the fabric for days. Older marks may not disappear in a single attempt, so the cleaning process might need to be repeated more than once. Before trying any of the methods below, it helps to test the fabric on a hidden patch first, since the wrong treatment can damage colour or texture.
Rubbing alcohol works on ballpoint pen marks
Rubbing alcohol is considered effective against stains left by oil-based ballpoint pens. Start by placing a clean paper towel directly under the stained area so the ink doesn't spread further into the fabric. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the mark and let it sit for a few minutes. Then dab, rather than rub, the spot with another clean paper towel to lift the ink. The process can be repeated if the stain hasn't fully lifted the first time. Finish by washing the garment in cold water as usual.
Ammonia for deep, old ink marks
Rubbing alcohol alone may not be enough if the ink stain has set in deep or has been there a while. In that case, rinse the stained area with cold water first. Then mix a bleach-free detergent with a small amount of ammonia in lukewarm water. Soak the garment in this solution for roughly 30 minutes to an hour, extending the soak time for particularly stubborn marks. Once done, rinse the fabric thoroughly and wash it as usual.
Acetone-based nail polish remover can help too
For fresh ink stains, an acetone-based nail polish remover can also do the job. Rather than pouring it directly onto the fabric, apply a small amount to a cotton ball or clean cloth and dab it gently onto the stain. Avoid rubbing at all costs, since it can spread the ink and make the mark larger. Once the stain lifts, wash the item thoroughly with water and clean it as usual.
Skip the dryer until the stain is fully gone
Don't put the garment in the dryer until the ink stain has completely disappeared. The heat from a dryer can set the stain permanently into the fibres, making it almost impossible to remove afterwards. Home remedies involving hairspray, toothpaste or vinegar are often mentioned too, but they don't work equally well on every fabric or every type of ink. The same caution applies to rubbing alcohol and ammonia, so it is worth testing them on a small, less visible part of the garment before treating the actual stain.
A few precautions worth keeping in mind
Before using any solution or chemical on an ink stain, check the fabric's care label, since not every material reacts the same way to alcohol, ammonia or nail polish remover. Silk, wool and other delicate fabrics need extra caution before any of these methods are tried. Never scrub a stain hard, as this can push the ink deeper into the fibres. Always dab from the outer edge of the mark inward so the stain doesn't spread further. If one method doesn't work, another can be tried, but avoid mixing several chemicals together at the same time.
Overall, no matter how deep or old an ink stain looks, it is worth trying these household methods before deciding a shirt or bag is beyond saving. Used carefully and with a bit of patience, rubbing alcohol, ammonia or nail polish remover can clear out a large number of ink stains and bring a favourite piece of clothing back into regular use.
