How to Remove Ink Stain from Clothes

Ink Stains: Know Your Ink Type First

Not all ink is the same — and the treatment depends on the type. Ballpoint pen ink is oil-based, fountain pen and printer ink are water-based, and permanent marker is alcohol-based. Knowing which you're dealing with helps you choose the right solvent. Here's how to tackle all types.

What You'll Need

• 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
• Carbona Liquid Stain Devils
• Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Cotton balls or cotton pads
• Cold water

Step-by-Step: Ballpoint Pen Ink (Oil-Based)

1. Place a clean cloth under the stain to absorb ink as it lifts.
2. Apply isopropyl alcohol. Dab 99% Isopropyl Alcohol onto the stain with a cotton ball. Work from the outside in to prevent spreading. The alcohol dissolves the oil-based ink.
3. Blot — don't rub. Use a clean section of cloth to blot the dissolved ink. Replace the cloth underneath as it absorbs ink.
4. Apply Dawn dish soap. A few drops of Dawn Ultra Dish Soap helps cut through any remaining oil residue. Work in gently and rinse.
5. Machine wash cold. Check before drying.

Step-by-Step: Fountain Pen / Printer Ink (Water-Based)

1. Rinse immediately with cold water from the back of the fabric.
2. Apply Carbona Stain Devils. Carbona Liquid Stain Devils works well on water-based inks. Apply and let sit 10 minutes.
3. Blot and rinse. Repeat if needed.
4. Machine wash cold.

Step-by-Step: Permanent Marker / Alcohol-Based Ink

1. Apply isopropyl alcohol generously. 99% Isopropyl Alcohol is the most effective solvent for alcohol-based inks. Dab repeatedly with a cotton ball.
2. Blot continuously with a clean cloth, replacing as it picks up ink.
3. Follow with Carbona Stain Devils for any remaining stain. Let sit 10 minutes, then rinse.
4. Machine wash cold. Check before drying — heat sets ink stains permanently.

What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don't rub — rubbing spreads ink and pushes it deeper into fibers
• ❌ Don't use hot water — heat sets ink stains
• ❌ Don't put in the dryer until the stain is completely gone
• ❌ Don't use hairspray — modern hairsprays no longer contain enough alcohol to work

Frequently Asked Questions

Does isopropyl alcohol remove all types of ink?

Isopropyl alcohol works best on ballpoint pen (oil-based) and permanent marker (alcohol-based) inks. For water-based inks like fountain pen or printer ink, cold water and Carbona Stain Devils are more effective.

Can old ink stains be removed from clothes?

Yes, though it takes more effort. Apply isopropyl alcohol and let it soak into the dried ink for several minutes before blotting. Multiple treatments are usually needed for set-in ink stains.

Will ink stains come out in the washing machine?

Not without pre-treatment. Always treat ink stains with the appropriate solvent before washing — the washing machine alone won't remove ink, and the dryer will set it permanently.