Clearing Ink Stains from Oxford Shirts with Ease
Oxford shirts are a wardrobe staple for many people, but handling ink stains can turn into a real challenge. Thankfully, there are several tried and tested methods for removing ink stains from Oxford shirts that don’t require harsh chemicals.
Updated 17 Feb 2023
By Noemi Denker
Removing ink stains from Oxford shirts is as simple as understanding which method is best to use, depending on the kind of ink used and how long the stain has been sitting. The first thing to do is to determine whether the stain is water-based or oil-based.
Removing Water-Based Ink Stains
For water-based ink stains, the quickest way to remove them is to immediately rinse the fabric in cold water, then treat it with an enzyme-based detergent like OxiClean. Enzyme-based detergents work by breaking down proteins in ink into smaller pieces, which makes them much easier to remove. If you notice the stain has started to set, you can pre-treat the area with a liquid laundry detergent or fabric softener before washing.
Removing Oil-Based Ink Stains
Oil-based ink stains, like permanent marker or ballpoint pen, can be trickier to remove. Start by treating the area with rubbing alcohol. Place a cloth on the backside of the stain, then dab the area with rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab, working from the outside in. Once the ink has been lifted, soak the area in a solution of warm water and oxygen bleach for about 30 minutes, then rinse clean and wash as normal.
When All Else Fails
If these methods fail to remove the stain, try a commercial ink remover. Spot Shot and Shout are two popular brands. Follow directions on the label for best results. Keep in mind that these products may lighten the color of the fabric, so test it on a hidden part of the shirt first.
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