Effective Methods to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes and Leather

Ink stains on your clothes or leather goods can be a real nuisance, especially when they’re from your favorite pen that just happened to leak. Whether you’re dealing with a mishap from a ballpoint pen or a felt-tip marker, there are effective methods to remove those stubborn ink stains. Here’s how you can get ink out of clothes and leather, ensuring that your items are restored to their former glory.

Removing Ink from Clothes

Ink stains can vary based on the type of pen, but here are two common scenarios:

Ballpoint Pen Ink

Blot the Stain: Place a paper towel under the stained area to absorb the ink.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Sponge rubbing alcohol using an eyedropper directly onto the stain to start breaking down the ink. For larger stains, immerse the area in a dish of alcohol for about 15 minutes.
Launder: After treating with alcohol, apply a pre-wash stain remover like Shout Advanced Gel. Wash the garment in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Before drying, ensure the stain is completely removed to avoid setting it.

Felt-Tip Pen Ink

Rinse in Cold Water: Flush the stain under cold water to remove excess ink.
Soak and Treat: Mix hot water with a bleach-free liquid laundry detergent and a little ammonia. Soak the stained garment, rubbing the stain periodically, for 30 minutes to an hour. For persistent stains, an overnight soak might be necessary.
Wash and Air Dry: After the stain has faded, rinse the garment, apply a bit more detergent, and wash as usual. Always air dry the garment after treatment to ensure the stain is fully removed.

Removing Ink from Leather

Ink stains on leather require gentle handling to avoid damage:

Light Cleaning: For light stains on a glossy or coated leather, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stain.
Use a Specialized Cleaner: Apply a leather cleaner like Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner for tougher stains or more delicate leather.
Professional Help: If home remedies do not work, consider taking the item to a professional cleaner who specializes in leather.

What About Hairspray?

While hairspray used to be a popular remedy for ink stains due to its alcohol content, many modern formulations contain less alcohol and might not be effective. It’s better to stick with methods proven to work specifically for ink removal.