Introduction
Spilling ink or marker on your clothes can be one of those frustrating accidents to happen. As an art enthusiast or creator, you may deal with markers every day, and these stains can be hard to remove if you do not know what to do. With the help of this guide, you’ll learn six effective methods for removing marker stains from clothes.
Why it’s Important to Know how to Remove Marker Stains?
Marker pens contain dyes, pigments, and solvents that allow them to adhere to surfaces for an extended period. While these features make them great for art, they can also make the ink difficult to remove when it gets on your clothes. Knowing how to remove marker stains can help you save money on replacing your wardrobe and increase the lifespan of your clothes.
Methods to Remove Marker Stains from Clothes
There are several ways to remove marker stains from clothes, but these are the most effective methods you can try.
Method 1: Use Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer
One of the easiest ways to get marker stains out of clothes is by using rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer contain high volumes of ethanol that can quickly dissolve the ink stains in your clothes.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Apply rubbing alcohol on the stain by pouring the rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth or cotton ball.
- Place the cloth or cotton ball on the affected area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth to remove the color residue
- Rinse the area with warm water and then wash the clothes normally.
Tips and Precautions:
- Always test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous part of the fabric to ensure that it won’t damage the fabric.
- Wear gloves when working with rubbing alcohol or sanitizer.
Method 2: Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can remove ink stains from clothes. Vinegar’s acid breaks down the ink, making it easier to remove.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Mix white vinegar with water in equal parts.
- Soak the stain in the mixture for 20 to 40 minutes or apply it directly to the affected cloth.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth until the ink comes off.
- Rinse the area with cold water and wash normally.
Tips and Precautions:
- Do not use hot water as it can cause the ink to set into the fabric permanently.
- Test the vinegar solution on an inconspicuous part of the fabric before apply it directly to the stain.
Method 3: Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent solution for getting rid of the toughest ink stains. It works by neutralizing the pH level of the ink and breaking it down for easy removal.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rub the stained area gently, using a clean cloth.
- Rinse the paste with cold water and wash the cloth normally.
Tips and Precautions:
- Avoid using hot water or a dryer to dry the clothes.
- Do not use this method on dry-clean fabrics.
Method 4: Use Lemon Juice
One of the best natural solutions for getting rid of ink stains is lemon juice. Lemon’s citric acid bleaches the stain, making it easy to remove.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on the stain or soak the stain in the lemon juice for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth until the ink is removed.
- Rinse the affected area with cold water and wash as usual.
Tips and Precautions:
- Avoid exposing the dress to heat sources or direct sunlight as it can darken the stain.
- Test the lemon juice solution on the fabric to avoid discoloration before using it on the stain.
Method 5: Use Hairspray
Hairspray is a common but effective remedy for removing ink stains, and it works wonders for permanent markers.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Spray the hairspray onto the ink stain until it is entirely soaked.
- Leave the hairspray to sit for 10-15 minutes or until the hairspray dries completely.
- Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth until the ink lifts from the fabric.
- Rinse the affected area with cold water and wash the cloth normally.
Tips and Precautions:
- Do not rub the stain too hard, or you might cause additional damage to the fabric.
- Test the hairspray on an inconspicuous part of the fabric before applying it to the stain.
Method 6: Use Dish Soap
If you’re looking for a quick solution to remove ink stains from the fabric, dish soap is a great option. The soap can break down the ink, making it easy to clean.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Apply the dish soap directly on the ink stain.
- Gently rub the area with a clean cloth or soft-bristled brush to work the soap into the fabric.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove any traces of soap and ink stain.
- Pour two cups of cold water over the affected area to wash the soap residue thoroughly.
- Wash the clothes in cold water.
Tips and Precautions:
- Do not use hot water to rinse the stain as it can cause the ink stain to set permanently.
- Soak the garment in the soap for some minutes to completely remove the ink and get the best results.
Conclusion
From rubbing alcohol to lemon juice, we have outlined six methods that you can use to get rid of marker stains from clothes. It’s essential to understand that not all solutions work the same on different types of fabrics. Always test the solutions on an unnoticeable area before applying them to the stain. We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in solving your marker stain problems. Share with us your experience in removing stains from clothes.
Final tips and advice
To make removing marker stains from clothes more effective, consider the following:
- Do not use hot water as it sets stains into the fabric.
- Remove the stain as quickly as possible to prevent it from setting.
- Try natural remedies first before going with synthetic cleaning agents.
- Pre-treat stains before washing to increase the chances of removing the stain.
