How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes (Ballpoint, Gel and Marker)

Ink stains usually show up in the worst places: a shirt pocket, the cuff of a sleeve, or across an entire load of laundry after a pen sneaks into the washer. The good news is that most everyday ink can be removed with something you probably already have, rubbing alcohol.

What You'll Need

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Cotton balls or a clean white cloth
Paper towels
Dish soap or laundry detergent
An old toothbrush

Step 1: Protect the Rest of the Garment

Turn the garment inside out if possible, and place a folded paper towel under the stain. This stops the ink from transferring to the other side as you work.

Step 2: Dab with Rubbing Alcohol

Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dab the stain. Don't rub. You'll see the ink start to transfer onto the paper towel underneath. Keep moving to a clean area of the paper towel and keep dabbing until no more ink comes out.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works the same way. Rub it into the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot.

Step 3: Treat with Dish Soap

Work a small amount of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent into the stain with a toothbrush. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Rinse with cool water, then wash the item as usual. Check the stain before drying. If it's still visible, repeat Steps 2–4.

Tips for Different Inks

Ballpoint pen: Alcohol works very well. This is the easiest type of ink to remove.
Gel pen: Usually needs a few more rounds. Follow up with an oxygen bleach soak for washable fabrics.
Permanent marker: Alcohol can help, but results vary. Try it on a hidden area first and expect several rounds.
Washable marker: Usually comes out with dish soap and cold water alone.

What If a Pen Went Through the Wash?

Remove the pen and check the inside of the washer drum for ink. Wipe it with rubbing alcohol on a cloth before your next load.
Don't put any of the stained clothes in the dryer.
Treat each stain with alcohol as described above.
Rewash the items, then air-dry until you're sure the stains are gone.

If the dryer has ink marks inside, wipe the drum with rubbing alcohol and then run a load of old rags to pick up any remaining traces.

Does Hairspray Work?

Hairspray used to work because older formulas contained a lot of alcohol. Many modern hairsprays have less alcohol and more oils and polymers, which can leave a sticky residue. Rubbing alcohol is a better choice.

Fabrics to Be Careful With

Silk, wool and acetate can be damaged by alcohol. Blot gently and take them to a dry cleaner.
Leather: Use a leather cleaner made for ink, and never soak leather in alcohol.
Brightly dyed fabric: Test alcohol on a hidden seam first to make sure the color doesn't run.

FAQ

Can I use nail polish remover? Acetone can remove some inks, but it can also damage synthetic fabrics like acetate and some blends. Only use it on fabrics you've tested first.

How do I remove ink from a couch? Check the cleaning code on the tag. For W or W/S codes, gently dab with rubbing alcohol on a cloth and blot. For S or X codes, call a professional.

Is old ink still removable? Often, yes. It may take several rounds of alcohol and an oxygen bleach soak, but many old ink stains can be lifted.