How to Get Ink Out of Clothes
How to get ink out of clothes: place the ballpoint stain face-down on a clean white towel, dab rubbing alcohol around it, and press it onto the towel — don't rub. Repeat with clean sections of towel until no more ink transfers, then rinse with cold water, rub in liquid detergent, and launder. Do not dry until the stain is gone; dried or old ink uses the same alcohol method and may take repeated applications. Test first — alcohol can fade some dyes and is flammable — and never use it on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
- Place the stain face-down on a clean white towel.
- Dab rubbing alcohol around the stain, then press it onto the towel — don't rub.
- Repeat with clean sections of towel until no more ink transfers.
- Rinse with cold water, rub in liquid detergent, and launder.
- Do not dry until the stain is gone.
Don’t do this
- Test first — alcohol can fade some dyes and is flammable. Never use on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
Sources: Tide; King University stain removal guide (PDF); The Spruce; Michigan State University Extension (PDF)
These steps are for ballpoint pen ink. Permanent marker is a different stain — see permanent marker.
Silk and wool: Solvents, bleach, and heat can strip dyes or damage silk and wool — take it to a professional cleaner.
Leather and suede: Leather and suede are easily damaged by liquids and chemicals — professional cleaning is the safest option.
Carpet and upholstery: Blot only — don't saturate the fabric or the padding/backing; air-dry completely.
How to get dried ink out of clothes
Dried or old ballpoint ink uses the same alcohol method. It may take repeated applications. Do not dry until the stain is gone.
- Place the stain face-down on a clean white towel.
- Dab rubbing alcohol around the stain, then press it onto the towel — don't rub.
- Repeat with clean sections of towel until no more ink transfers.
- Rinse with cold water, rub in liquid detergent, and launder.
- Do not dry until the stain is gone.
Don’t do this
- Test first — alcohol can fade some dyes and is flammable. Never use on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
Sources: Tide; King University stain removal guide (PDF); The Spruce; Michigan State University Extension (PDF)
How to get ink out of jeans and cotton
Cotton and denim both use the rubbing-alcohol method — see ballpoint ink on cotton and ballpoint ink on denim. Most stain methods apply; always check the care label first. Indigo dye can bleed — always test treatments first. Alcohol can fade some dyes, so test first.
- Place the stain face-down on a clean white towel.
- Dab rubbing alcohol around the stain, then press it onto the towel — don't rub.
- Repeat with clean sections of towel until no more ink transfers.
- Rinse with cold water, rub in liquid detergent, and launder.
- Do not dry until the stain is gone.
Don’t do this
- Test first — alcohol can fade some dyes and is flammable. Never use on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
Sources: Tide; King University stain removal guide (PDF); The Spruce; Michigan State University Extension (PDF)
How to get ink out of clothes after washing
Do not dry until the stain is gone. If ink remains after washing and the item has not been machine-dried, repeat the alcohol steps below — old ink may take repeated applications. Heat sets most stains, so keep it out of the dryer while any ink remains. Never use alcohol on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
- Place the stain face-down on a clean white towel.
- Dab rubbing alcohol around the stain, then press it onto the towel — don't rub.
- Repeat with clean sections of towel until no more ink transfers.
- Rinse with cold water, rub in liquid detergent, and launder.
- Do not dry until the stain is gone.
Don’t do this
- Test first — alcohol can fade some dyes and is flammable. Never use on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
Sources: Tide; King University stain removal guide (PDF); The Spruce; Michigan State University Extension (PDF)
Products that help
Product categories named in the steps above.
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. The ballpoint method dabs rubbing alcohol around the stain, then presses it onto a towel. It is flammable and can fade dyes — test first, and never use it on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
- Liquid laundry detergent. After the cold-water rinse, the method says to rub in liquid detergent and launder.
For other materials, use the lookup tool below.
Look up Ballpoint ink on your material
Pick a stain and material above, then press “Show treatment”.
How to remove ballpoint ink stains from specific materials
Frequently asked questions
Why rubbing alcohol?
Alcohol dissolves the ink's oily base so it can transfer onto a towel instead of spreading through the fabric.
Can I use hairspray on ink?
Modern hairsprays contain little alcohol, so plain rubbing alcohol works far better.
What if the ink stain is old?
Old ink is harder, but the same alcohol method can work — it just may take repeated applications.
How do you get ink out of jeans or cotton?
Place the stain face-down on a clean white towel, dab rubbing alcohol, and press — don't rub — until no more ink transfers. Rinse with cold water, rub in liquid detergent, and launder. Do not dry until the stain is gone. Alcohol can fade dyes, and indigo dye can bleed, so test first.
How do you get ink out of clothes after washing?
Do not dry until the stain is gone. Repeat the rubbing-alcohol method; old ink may take repeated applications. Heat sets most stains, so keep the item out of the dryer while ink remains. Never use alcohol on acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic.
Safety rules for every treatment
- Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
- Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
- Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
- Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
- Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
- Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
- Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
- Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
- Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
- When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.