Don’t throw away clothes with ink stains: A simple vinegar hack could save them from the bin.

Ink stains on clothes can be frustrating, especially when they appear on a favourite shirt, pair of trousers or school uniform. The good news is that you do not always need an expensive stain remover to get rid of them. Several household products can help loosen ink and make the stain easier to remove. The key is to treat an ink stain as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing it aggressively, as this can spread the ink and push it deeper into the fabric. Before trying any stain-removal hack, check the garment's care instructions. Delicate materials such as silk, wool and some synthetic fabrics may require specialised cleaning. For expensive or delicate clothing, it is safer to consult a professional dry cleaner rather than experimenting with household remedies.

Here are some easy ways to remove ink stains from clothes at home.

Use white vinegar

White vinegar can be useful for treating certain washable fabrics. Mix a small amount of white vinegar with liquid laundry detergent and apply the mixture to the stained area. Allow it to sit briefly before gently blotting and rinsing with cold water. Always test the mixture on a hidden section of the garment first, particularly if you are dealing with coloured clothing.


Ink removal from cotton

In an interview with Vogue, fashion designer and author Courtney Barriger shared an easy hack for removing ink stains from cotton fabric. She recommends first blotting fresh ink with a dry paper towel or clean cloth to absorb the excess. Then, “blot the stain with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, then dab with white vinegar,” she said. For stubborn marks, Barriger suggests trying a paste of baking soda and water. After treating the stain, rinse the fabric in cool water and wash it at a cold or room temperature setting. Make sure the stain is completely gone before drying the garment. Barriger also advises to always test in an inconspicuous area first before applying any stain-removal solution.

Removing ink from silk

Silk requires extra care because of its delicate nature, and Barriger recommends leaving such stains to professional cleaners. However, for those attempting to treat an ink stain at home, she suggests using “a solution of white vinegar and cornstarch” and applying it very gently with a cotton swab. Barriger also cautions that you should “never rub silk fabric,” as doing so could damage the delicate material.

Use rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is one of the commonly used methods for tackling ink stains, particularly on washable fabrics. Place a clean cloth or paper towel underneath the stained area. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain using a cotton ball or clean cloth. As the ink transfers to the material underneath, replace it with a fresh section. Once the stain has faded, rinse the fabric with cold water and wash it according to the care label.

Try liquid laundry detergent

For fresh ink stains, liquid laundry detergent may be enough to loosen the mark. Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the stain and gently work it into the fabric with your fingers. Leave it for around 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Wash the garment normally and check the stain before drying it. If the mark remains, repeat the process instead of putting the garment in a dryer.

Try hand sanitiser

Many alcohol-based hand sanitisers can help loosen ink because of their alcohol content. Apply a small amount to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently blot the area with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain towards the centre. Rinse the garment thoroughly and wash it as usual. Check the label of the hand sanitiser before using it, and test it on an inconspicuous area first.

According to Courtney Barriger, rubbing alcohol can help tackle with ink stains on polyester. She suggested applying rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball and work it from outside to inward. Then she adviced to rinse it off with cold water and repeating till the stain comes off. She also recommends using hand sanitizer or acetone-free nail polise remover.

Use baking soda carefully

Baking soda can be combined with liquid detergent to create a mild cleaning paste.

Mix a small amount of baking soda with liquid laundry detergent and apply it to the stain. Gently work the mixture into the fabric and leave it for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly before washing.

This method is better suited to sturdy, washable fabrics. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can damage delicate fibres.

Try milk for a fresh stain

Milk is an old-fashioned home remedy sometimes used for ink stains. Soaking the stained portion of a washable garment in milk for several hours may help loosen some types of ink. After soaking, rinse the garment thoroughly and wash it with detergent. However, this method may not work equally well on every type of ink or fabric, so patch-testing is recommended. It works well on denim material.

Things to avoid when removing ink stains

-Do not rub the stain aggressively: Rubbing can spread the ink and drive it further into the fibres.

-Do not use hot water immediately: Heat can make some stains harder to remove. Start with cold or cool water unless the garment's care label says otherwise.

-Do not put the garment in the dryer too soon: Heat from the dryer can set any remaining stain. Make sure the ink has disappeared before drying the garment.

-Do not mix cleaning chemicals: Combining household cleaning products can create harmful fumes or damage the fabric.

Final tip

The sooner you treat an ink stain, the better your chances of removing it. Blot the affected area, avoid spreading the ink, test your chosen cleaning method on a hidden part of the garment and wash the clothing according to its care instructions. With a little patience, many everyday ink stains can be tackled using products already available at home.