How to Get Ink Out of Clothes (Ballpoint, Gel, and Permanent Marker)

Most pen ink is made to resist water, so a water rinse alone often just spreads it. Rubbing alcohol dissolves ballpoint and permanent marker ink. The trick is to blot it through the fabric into a towel underneath.

In this guide

1. Ballpoint pen and permanent marker
2. Gel pen ink
3. Delicate fabrics
4. Ink on a couch or car seat
5. FAQ

Ballpoint pen and permanent marker

1. Set up: turn the garment inside out and lay the stain face-down on a folded paper towel.
2. Dab rubbing alcohol (70% or higher) onto the back of the stain. The ink will move into the towel.
3. Shift the towel to a clean spot often so the ink doesn’t go back into the fabric.
4. Repeat until no more ink transfers.
5. Rub in dish soap, rinse with cool water, and wash as usual.
6. Air-dry and check before using the dryer.

No alcohol? Hand sanitizer with a high alcohol content or an alcohol-based hairspray can work in a pinch. Afterward, wash out the sticky residue they leave.

Gel pen ink

Gel ink is more water-based. Flush it with cool water, rub in liquid laundry detergent, and let it sit 15 minutes before washing. If color remains, try the alcohol method.

Delicate fabrics

Alcohol can damage silk, acetate, and some dyes. Test on a hidden seam first, or take the item to a dry cleaner and point out the ink stain.

Ink on a couch or car seat

Dab with alcohol on a cotton ball, blotting with a dry cloth. Work from the edge toward the center. Check the cleaning code on the furniture tag first. On leather, use a leather cleaner instead of alcohol.

FAQ

Ink went through the dryer, is it ruined? Not always. Repeat the alcohol method several times, then soak the item in an oxygen booster.

Does milk remove ink? It’s an old trick that sometimes works on fresh ink, but alcohol is faster and more reliable.