How to Remove an Ink Stain Naturally

Find out how to remove ink stains from clothes without exposing yourself or your fabrics to harmful and toxic agents. You might already have the solution at home.

We often learn how to remove ink stains through mistakes. Washing and drying the garment before removing the stain itself is the most common error people make when trying to save their destroyed piece of clothing. Drying embeds the stain even further and makes it even more difficult to remove. So, start by determining what caused the stain and then try one of the below methods to remove it before attempting to wash or dry.

Water-based ink stains are the easiest to remove, while a more permanent ink stain might be a bigger challenge — which is why we are providing different methods for you to try. Ballpoint ink responds well to most methods, while other dyes and inks will vary. Regardless of the culprit, do not wash and dry the garment before removing the stain.

How To Remove Water-Based Ink Stains

Water-based ink stains are the easiest to remove.

You’ll need:

• 2 old cloths or towels (clean)
• Hot water
• Laundry detergent — try to make your own laundry detergent without toxins or use liquid castile soap if you want convenience without the chemicals.

Method:

1. Rest the stained garment on top of one of your old clean cloths.
2. Apply hot water to the stain and blot with your other clean cloth until the ink begins to stain the water.
3. Apply a small amount of your natural detergent and dab it in gently with the blotting cloth. Don’t rub too hard or spread the stain.
4. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.
5. Wash at the hottest recommended setting for the garment.
6. If the stain persists, repeat the steps above. Only dry if the stain is gone.

How To Remove Permanent Ink Stains Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective remedy for removing most ink stains — including ink from ball-point pens, ink pens, and permanent markers. Do not use rubbing alcohol on silk, wool, or rayon garments. This product can cause irritation and is highly flammable, so caution is advised.

You might be concerned about environmental effects of using rubbing alcohol, but fear not. Isopropyl alcohol  actually poses minimal risk to the environment and is being studied as a safer alternative to commercial cleaning ingredients.

You’ll need:

• 2 old cloths or towels (clean)
• Hot water
• Laundry detergent
• Rubbing alcohol

Method:

1. Soak a small area of your clean cloth with rubbing alcohol.
2. Dab the stain with the other clean cloth beneath.
3. The ink will run from the stain to the clean cloths with the alcohol.
4. Keep dabbing with alcohol and moving your old cloths to make sure the ink runs into them and is not reabsorbed by the garment.
5. Repeat this process until there is no more visible ink.
6. Rinse the stained area completely free of the rubbing alcohol.
7. Apply a small amount of your natural detergent and dab it in gently.
8. Wash the garment at the hottest suitable temperature.

How to Remove Permanent Ink Stains Using Vinegar

Did you know that vinegar is a versatile and powerful product for more than adding flavor to food? Washing clothes with vinegar has a range of benefits even if the clothes are not stained with ink. You can use it to get rid of fruit flies, unclog your drain, and for many other things around the house without polluting the environment.

You’ll need:

• An old cloth or towel
• White Vinegar
• Cornstarch
• A small bowl
• A spoon

Method:

1. Place the garment on top of your old cloth.
2. Dab and wet the ink stain with the vinegar.
3. You might find that the vinegar alone is enough to remove the stain.
4. If all the ink doesn’t all run out after wetting with the vinegar,  create a paste in your bowl with two parts vinegar and three parts cornstarch.
5. Work into the fabric and allow the paste to dry completely.
6. Wash the item of clothing at the hottest suitable temperature.

How To Remove Permanent Ink Stains Using Baking Soda

We love baking soda. It is one of our favorite natural DIY air fresheners, carpet cleaners and bathtub cleaners. You can even clean your tongue with it! Its cleaning powers make baking soda an ideal way to naturally remove ink stains.

You’ll need:

• 2 old cloths or towels
• Baking soda
• Water
• A small bowl
• A spoon

Method:

1. Mix two parts baking soda with one part water until it forms a paste.
2. Use your clean cloth to dab the paste onto the stain.
3. Continue to lightly rub and dab, allowing the old cloths to absorb the ink as it runs and fades.
4. Wash the garment with your natural detergent in the hottest suitable cycle.

Read more:

• How to Clean & Disinfect Your Laptop Keyboard
• How to Clean Chachos & Other Sandals the Eco-Friendly Way
• Unclog Your Drain Without Harmful Chemicals

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Tags: Cleaning Clothing Guide Practical Tips