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How to Effectively Remove Ink Stains from Business Attire

Q: What is the best cleaning agent to use with each fabric type?

For cotton, use laundry detergent and cold water. For polyester, use a diluted solution of dishwashing liquid and cold water. For wool, use a mild detergent. And for silk, use a mixture of mild detergent and cold water.

When you’re wearing formal attire for work, the last thing you want to worry about is a pesky ink stain. Whether you accidentally dropped your pen, or the ink smudged onto your clothes during a long day, it’s important to know how to properly remove the ink stain — and fast. Read on to learn our top tips and tricks on successfully removing ink stains from business attire.

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Mateuzs Kowalski

Step 1: Identify the Fabric Type

The first thing to do when trying to remove an ink stain is to identify what type of fabric it’s on. Different fabrics require different cleaning techniques, and it’s important to get this right. Common types of fabric that could be stained include cotton, polyester, wool, and silk.

Step 2: Treat it Quickly

Once you’ve identified the fabric, you must treat the stain as quickly as possible. The longer the ink is left on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove. In some cases, leaving the stain too long can cause it to set and become impossible to remove.

Step 3: Choose a Cleaning Agent

Different fabrics require different cleaning agents. If you’re dealing with a cotton item, use laundry detergent and cold water. For polyester, use a diluted solution of dishwashing liquid and cold water. For wool, use a mild detergent. And for silk, use a mixture of mild detergent and cold water.

Step 4: Apply the Cleaning Agent

Using a clean white cloth or sponge, gently and carefully apply the cleaning agent to the stain. Start at the edges and work your way in. Be careful not to rub or scrub too hard – this could damage fabric further.

Step 5: Rinse & Repeat

If the stain isn’t gone after the first application, repeat steps 3 and 4 until the stain is completely gone.

Step 6: Let it Air Dry

Once the stain has been removed, let the item air dry. Do not put it in the dryer as this could cause stain to set.

Step 7: Spot Test

Before you wear the item again, it’s important to spot test it. To do this, dab a small amount of cleaning agent onto an inconspicuous area of the fabric and wait for it to dry. If there’s no discolouration or damage, then it’s safe to wear again.

Conclusion

Ink stains can be difficult to remove from business attire, but following these simple steps can help ensure that they come out easily and that the fabric remains undamaged.

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