How do I clean marker stains from my ball gown?

Assess the stain, make a cleaning solution, apply rubbing alcohol, wash and rinse in the washing machine, and hang to dry. Consider taking your dress to a professional cleaner for deeper stains.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Marker > Ball gown

How to Easily Remove Marker Stains from Your Ball Gown

Don't let marker stains ruin your special night! Follow this step-by-step guide to quickly and easily remove marker stains from your ball gown.

Updated 03 Mar 2023

By Brane Lukman

Markers can be fun, but they don't always make for the best art supplies. Especially if you find yourself with a bright, streaky stain on your beautiful ball gown. Don't worry, though — getting rid of the mess isn't as hard as it looks. Here's how to clean marker stains out of your fabric in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Assess the Stain

Before you start attacking the stain, you'll want to take a quick look at it. If it's still wet, grab a few paper towels and gently dab to soak up as much of the excess liquid (and ink) as possible. This will help keep it from spreading further into the fabric.

Step 2: Make a Cleaning Solution

Mix together a combination of warm water and mild liquid detergent (or even a specialized stain remover solution). Dip a white cloth or sponge into mixture and carefully blot the stained area.

Step 3: Apply Rubbing Alcohol

Dampen another cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the stain. You may need to do this several times before the stain starts to fade. To avoid pushing the ink further into the fabric, be careful not to rub too hard.

Step 4: Wash and Rinse

Once you've done all you can with the rubbing alcohol, throw your gown into the washing machine. Be sure to select the delicate cycle, and don't forget to add a color-safe laundry detergent. When it's finished, inspect the stain and repeat the steps if necessary.

Step 5: Hang to Dry

Once the wash cycle is complete, lay your dress flat out to dry. Never put your ball gown into the dryer. The heat from the dryer can set the stain, making it much more difficult (or even impossible) to remove.

Conclusion

No matter what type of fabric your ball gown is made from, following these steps should help you get rid of stubborn marker stains. To ensure that your dress lasts longer, we suggest taking it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible.

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