Easiest ways to get pen ink out of clothes

12/08/25 7:56pm

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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: How to Get Ink Out of Clothes.

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Francesca Ortega
Cleaning & Organization Expert

12/08/25 7:59pm

One household remedy is to scrub the stain with a paste made of laundry detergent, lime, toothpaste, and baking soda. First, mix all the ingredients together. Then, with a toothbrush, apply it to the stain, and start scrubbing to loosen up the ink. Start absorbing the ink that starts coming out with a rag, then continue to apply more of the paste until you start to see the stain disappearing. Proceed to wash the fabric in the washing machine, so that any leftover residue is washed away. Depending on the fabric and the amount of ink in the fabric, you might have to repeat the process a few times until the ink is completely out. Always read all clothing and fabric labels to make sure you follow the safety precautions.

Another old household remedy that seems to work very efficiently is applying either hair spray, because of the alcohol in it, or just straight rubbing alcohol. First, apply the hairspray or rubbing alcohol directly to the stain. Then, dab it gently with a rag in order to absorb the ink from the fabric. Repeat this process until you notice the stain starting to disappear. Once you notice very little to no ink left behind, you can wash the fabric in the washing machine to get rid of the rest, since the alcohol already made the ink looser and easier to wash off. Depending on the size of the stain, you might have to repeat this whole process a few times until it’s completely gone.

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