How do I remove ink stains from jeans?

To remove ink stains from jeans, you can use water, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or hairspray.

How quickly should I act to remove an ink stain?

It's best to act as quickly as possible when removing an ink stain from jeans to prevent the stain from setting in.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Ink > Jeans

Clean Away Ink Stains on Jeans - Easily and Quickly!

Ink stains can be the bane of existence for any proud denim wearer. But don’t despair, these methods for removing ink stains from jeans only require some common household items and a bit of elbow grease. Read on to find out how you can remove any ink stain from your jeans in no time at all!

Updated 20 Feb 2023

By Jacobim Mugabe

Taking on Ink with Water

The first solution is simple and requires only water. If the stain is fresh and still wet, act quickly and run the affected area under cold running water until the stain is gone. If instead the stain has already dried up, put some water into a bowl and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip a cloth into soapy water and rub spot gently but firmly, taking care not to spread the stain.

Removing Ink with Nail Polish Remover

If stain is proving difficult to get rid of, there’s another option. Soak an ear bud or q-tip in nail polish remover and dab the affected area, taking extra care not to spread the stain even further. Once the stain is light, dab the area with a dry cloth – preferably white to avoid dye transfer – and then launder as normal. Keep in mind that this method can damage denim fabric, so if possible it’s best to try water solution first.

Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can be surprisingly effective for removing ink stains from jeans. Dab the stained area gently but firmly with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol and leave for several minutes. Then rinse with cold water and launder as usual. As before, be careful not to spread the stain.

Using Hair Spray

The last resort is to use hairspray. It’s the most abrasive of these methods and should only be used when all else fails. Again, act quickly if stain is new and wet. Hold the fabric taut and spray the stain with hairspray from approximately 10-15cm away. Leave for a few minutes then rinse with cold water and launder as normal.

Conclusion

And there you have it! With these four easy methods you can tackle any ink stain on your jeans, leaving them looking as good as new. Always remember to act quickly to remove any ink stain and take care not to spread the stain further.

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