For red ballpoint ink stains, soak for 30 minutes in detergent and ammonia, then 1 hour in vinegar before laundering

A classic mishap is dropping a red ballpoint pen from the kitchen counter onto a favorite shirt. The impulse to reach out for a damp cloth and scrub the mess out usually aggravates matters. According to the University of Georgia Extension textile care website, red ink stains are best treated patiently and in stages.

Why using the soaking process is more effective than scrubbing

As per the extension, the stain-removal method uses two soaking steps rather than one aggressive scrub. In the first soak, combine a quart of warm water, half a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap, and a tablespoon of ammonia, then soak the garment for 30 minutes. After rinsing, soak the fabric for an hour in a quart of warm water mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar. After rinsing with water, dry the garment.


If any red remains, apply alcohol and cover the stain with a pad dampened with alcohol, changing the pad as it picks up the stain. Continue as long as the stain is being removed, then rinse with water. Only then should the item be bleached using a bleach appropriate for that fabric type.

Treating felt tip, stamp pad and India ink

However, not all markers should be treated the same way, because using the wrong method can cause more damage than the stain itself. According to the extension’s fabric-care tips, felt-tip marker ink and non-red stamp pad ink should be sponged continually with acetone, rubbing alcohol, or a pre-wash soil-and-stain remover until all bleeding stops. The fabric should then be allowed to dry, with the treatment repeated if necessary, before laundering. Note that acetone should never touch acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic fabrics. The guide also notes that laundering may set the stain, so these inks should be treated while fresh.

India ink stains, on the other hand, require different treatment because they can become difficult to remove once they dry. According to the textile guide, force water through the stain until all loose pigment is removed, then let the fabric dry. The next step is to sponge the stain with a commercial cleaner and wash it repeatedly with a light-duty liquid detergent. If needed, soak the stain in warm water containing 1 to 4 tablespoons of ammonia per quart of water, rinse, and repeat until the stain is removed. Dried stains may require soaking overnight. The guide notes that India ink may be impossible to remove if allowed to dry.

Some helpful tips on stain removal

Before trying any treatment, check the garment care label to make sure the fabric will not react badly to ammonia, vinegar, or alcohol. Test the treatment on a hidden seam or inside hem first; it takes less than a minute and can prevent discoloration or fading. The University of Georgia Extension specifically advises reading the care label and pretesting each cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area to determine colourfastness.

Ammonia has a strong odour and can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, so it is best to work in a well-ventilated area. Opening a window can help bring in fresh air while using ammonia. Store these products properly and keep them out of reach of children, especially in homes with curious kids. The UGA guidance also advises adequate ventilation when using caustic or commercial cleaning solutions and keeping cleaning products out of children's reach.

It also helps to keep expectations realistic rather than assuming every ink stain can be completely removed. The American Cleaning Institute notes that some ballpoint, felt-tip, and liquid inks may be impossible to remove, while University of Georgia Extension guidance says permanent inks can be particularly difficult to remove.

The process may take time, but following the recommended steps gives the stain treatment a better chance of working without immediately resorting to harsher methods. For red ballpoint ink on apparel, the University of Georgia Extension recommends the staged detergent, ammonia, vinegar, alcohol, and fabric-safe bleach treatment described above.