How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes

A leaking pen in your pocket does not have to mean a ruined shirt. Here is how to remove ink stains from clothes based on the type of ink — and the common mistakes that make it worse.

First, do not do these

• Do not rub — it spreads ink into a bigger stain.
• Do not use hot water first — heat can set many inks.
• Do not throw it in the dryer until the stain is fully gone.

Ballpoint and gel ink

1. Place a paper towel under the stain to catch what lifts through.
2. Dab the stain with isopropyl alcohol (or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser) using a cotton pad.
3. Blot — do not rub. Replace the paper towel as it soaks up ink.
4. Rinse and wash as normal, then air-dry and check before any heat.

Permanent marker

Alcohol still helps, but permanent ink may not fully clear at home. Treat it quickly, and accept that faint traces may remain on some fabrics.

Delicate fabrics

For silk, wool or "dry clean only" garments, skip the alcohol — it can strip dye and damage fibres. Blot up the excess and get it to a professional fast.

The bottom line

Fresh ink on cotton usually comes out with alcohol and patience. Set-in ink, permanent marker, or ink on delicates is a job for a specialist. Our dry cleaning team can often rescue what home methods cannot — book a pickup before the stain sets.