How to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes

First: which type of ink is it?

Ink is not one thing, and the method depends entirely on the type. Once you know the type, you know which route to take:

• Ballpoint (oil-based paste): sets as a dense, glossy line – dissolved by alcohol.
• Rollerball, fountain pen and washable school ink (water-based): often rinses out with cold water and detergent.
• Gel pen, permanent and pigment ink: the hardest group – often a job for professional cleaning.

Ballpoint ink: alcohol is the answer

Oil-based ballpoint ink is best dissolved by neat alcohol. The point is to lift the ink down into a cloth underneath – not to rub it outwards.

1. Place several layers of clean, white kitchen paper or a clean cloth under the stain.
2. Dampen a cotton bud or cloth with surgical spirit, isopropyl alcohol or hand sanitiser, and first test a hidden seam to check the colour can take it.
3. Dab the ink gently from the back so it draws down into the cloth beneath.
4. Move the garment to a clean part of the cloth each time it stains – that lifts the ink instead of spreading it.
5. Rinse in cold water, wash with detergent, and check the stain is gone before you dry it.

Water-based and school ink

Washable school ink, rollerball and fountain pen are water-based and far easier. Rinse the stain from the back with cold water until most is out, work in a little liquid detergent or an oxygen-based stain remover, let it sit a few minutes, and wash as usual. Permanent marker sits closer to the solvent group and needs the same alcohol method as ballpoint – or cleaning.

The hairspray myth and other mistakes

The old hairspray trick only worked because the hairspray of the day was full of alcohol. Modern hairspray contains less alcohol and more oil and resin, which can make the stain worse – go straight for neat spirit instead. Do not rub hard (it drives the ink deeper and spreads it), do not use hot water or the tumble dryer until the stain is gone (heat sets ink), and forget soaking the garment in milk – that is a myth with no effect.

Leather, silk and large stains: send them to us

Ink on leather, suede, silk or garments marked 'dry clean only' is not worth risking at home – alcohol and rubbing can dull the surface and dissolve the dye. The same goes for large, dried-in stains. You can send the garment to us from anywhere in Norway. We clean according to the fabric and care label, and you describe the stain when you order. You order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions