Tips for Removing Ink From Clothes
Q. I got ink on the sleeve of one of my favorite shirts. Can it be saved?
A. Removing ink from clothes is surprisingly easy if you catch it early enough. You’ll need Amodex, our top-rated stain remover ($14 for a 4-ounce bottle at Amazon.com). Lay paper towels under the garment and work a small amount of Amodex into the affected area using an old toothbrush or by rubbing the stained section of clothing against itself. Blot with a white cloth. When most of the ink is gone, give the garment a quick rinse and the remainder should come right out.
In a pinch, to remove ink from clothes you can try using a little rubbing alcohol instead, says Pat Slaven, a textile chemist in Consumer Reports’ technical group. “And the sooner you act, the better,” she adds. “Older stains are tougher to remove, and those that have been through the washer and dryer will set and be almost impossible to get out.”
For more tips read "How to Remove Stains Like Mustard, Red Wine, and Ink." Plus check our laundry detergent ratings and reviews.
Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the October 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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