Discover simple and affordable home remedies to quickly remove ink stains from clothing and fabrics. From milk and vinegar soaking to using kitchen staples like salt and cornstarch, these DIY techniques are effective for stubborn ink marks. Beauty products such as hairspray and nail polish remover also come in handy for tough stains, while rubbing alcohol and gentle sanding are practical solutions for various fabric types. Learn how to restore your clothes with these easy, cost-efficient stain removal methods.

Top DIY Tricks to Erase Ink Stains from Clothes

Effective household methods to remove stubborn ink marks

Ink stains can be particularly tough to eliminate, especially on fabrics, leaving dark smudges that are hard to clean. Luckily, affordable household items can often do the job when commercial stain removers fall short, making stain removal both simple and cost-effective.

Is milk effective for treating ink stains?

Yes. Milk can help lift ink spots when used properly. By soaking the stained fabric overnight in a mixture of milk and vinegar, the ink fibers can be broken down gently.

Prepare a bowl and submerge the stained cloth in a mixture of two parts milk and one part white vinegar. After soaking, hang the fabric to dry lightly, then wash as usual.

Which common kitchen items are best for ink stain removal?

Many everyday kitchen ingredients can effectively remove ink stains. Useful options include:

Salt can be directly sprinkled on wet ink, then dabbed with a damp cloth and brushed off after a few moments—this simple method works well.

Cream of tartar mixed with lemon juice creates a paste that can be applied directly to stains.

Cornstarch combined with milk forms a paste that, once dried, can be vacuumed away.

Butter, surprisingly, can be spread over the ink and sun-dried for a few days before washing off.

Can beauty products aid in removing ink stains?

If you prefer not to use food items, cosmetic products are handy alternatives.

Hairspray sprayed onto the stain can be wiped off after a short wait.

Applying toothpaste and then gently rubbing can help lift ink marks.

Nail polish remover, used with a cotton ball, can effectively erase stubborn ink stains after traditional cleaning hasn't worked.

Is rubbing alcohol a good stain remover?

Absolutely. Dab rubbing alcohol onto the ink stain, let it sit briefly, then wash. It helps lift ink marks quickly.

How does sandpaper assist in cleaning ink stains?

Fine grit sandpaper can be useful on suede fabrics. Gently rubbing over the stain can reduce or eliminate ink spots. Follow with careful buffing using a nail brush or toothbrush to restore fabric texture.