How to Remove Pen Ink From Clothes - Using One Unusual Product!

Maura White
by Maura White
2 Materials
Want to know how to easily remove pen ink from clothing? Check this out!! I was getting pen ink all over my jacket while shopping and crossing items off of my list. Not to panic though b/c I know how to easily remove it!
Now even though I was marking up my new coat with pen ink, I DID NOT PANIC! I know the magic solution of how to remove pen ink from clothing! The answer? HAIRSPRAY!
Get an aerosol spray bottle of hairspray and sprtiz a healthy amount on the ink spot.
Get a damp sponge and rub the hairspray into the ink stain. I believe that the alcohol in the hairspray is the solvent that breaks down the ink and makes it disappear.
Here is my coat after just a minute of spraying with hairspray and rubbing out the ink. You may need to do this a couple of times for the ink to fully disappear.
Here is the fabric after the hairspray and water from the sponge has dried. Now my coat is dry and ink free! Pretty cool, right??


I used to love knowing this trick when I was still teaching high schoolers. Girls would always be so upset if they got pen ink on their shirts or pants. I'd come running out of my back room with a giant bottle of hairspray and save the day. :) :) :)


What other ways do you know how to get ink out of clothing? What other fun stain remover techniques do you use?
Check out this quick video showing removing ink with hairspray in action!
Suggested materials:
  • Aerosol hairspray
  • Sponge
Maura White
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Cheri Campbell Cheri Campbell on Aug 04, 2016
    I have used this hairspray trick for years. Just spray directly on ink with towel under the garment stain. Waited a few seconds and blotted until stain started to dissolve and the ink wipes off easily.
  • Linda porter Linda porter on Sep 14, 2016
    Other marks come off with hydrogen peroxide . Put it on dry and let it sit. You'll see it working .
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