As parents, we can all relate to this: your child excitedly grabs their favourite colouring mat and markers, diving into a world of imagination. Moments later, you notice a streak of blue ink on their shirt. Sound familiar?

For parents of little artists, ink stains are an inevitable part of their creative journey. But before you consider that shirt a lost cause, know that with the right approach, removing pen ink from fabric is entirely possible.

Why Pen Ink Stains Are Tricky

Not all ink is created equal. Ballpoint pens, gel pens, colouring textas and permanent markers each contain different formulas - some oily, some water-based, and some designed to last forever. That’s why pen ink removal from clothes can be easy one day and nearly impossible the next. Acting quickly is key: the longer the ink sits, the harder it is to remove.¹

Will Pen Ink Come Out of Clothes?

Yes, pen ink can be removed from clothes, especially if addressed promptly. The success of removal depends on the type of ink and fabric. Water-based inks are generally easier to treat than oil-based or permanent inks.  However, some alcohol-based inks (like those in Sharpie pens and whiteboard markers) may leave a faint mark, especially on light or delicate fabrics.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Pen Ink from Clothes

1. Blot, Don’t Rub

• As soon as you spot the stain, gently blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rubbing can push the ink deeper into the fabric.¹

2. Identify Your Fabric and Ink Type

• Ballpoint ink is oily and may need a degreaser.
• Water-based ink (like washable markers) is easier to remove and may come out with just soap and water.
• Permanent ink is the toughest and may require special removers.³

3. Test Before You Treat

• Always test your chosen cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the fabric.⁴

Effective Methods for Removing Pen Ink from Fabric

At Little Change Creators, we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to - researching a wide range of DIY cleaning options and trusted advice from reputable sources to help you tackle those stubborn pen ink stains. Our goal? To bring together the best tried-and-true methods in one place, saving you hours of Googling. That said, we want to be upfront: we haven’t personally tested every method on every type of fabric, so results may vary depending on the material and the ink involved. Always test any treatment on a hidden or inconspicuous area of your garment first to avoid unexpected damage!

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a go-to solution for many ink stains and is our top choice for removing stains caused by permanent markers, whiteboard markers and Magic Markers.^{5, 6, 7}

Steps:

• Place a paper towel under the stained area to prevent ink transfer.
• Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain using a cotton ball.
• Blot the stain gently, avoiding rubbing.
• Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.

Hand Sanitiser

In a pinch, alcohol-based hand sanitiser can be effective.⁸

Steps:

• Apply a small amount to the stain.
• Let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Blot with a clean cloth.
• Rinse and wash as directed.

Milk Soak

A traditional method involves soaking the stained garment in milk overnight.⁶

Steps:

• Submerge the stained area in a bowl of milk.
• Let it soak overnight.
• Rinse and launder the next day.

Vinegar and Cornstarch Paste

For a natural option, try this solution using everyday ingredients from your kitchen cupboard.⁹

Steps:

• Mix two parts white vinegar with three parts cornstarch to form a paste.
• Apply the paste to the stain and let it dry.
• Brush off the residue and wash the garment.

Hairspray

This technique used to work when hairsprays were loaded with alcohol.  However, nowadays, most hairsprays are alcohol-free since alcohol dries out your hair.¹⁰

• Spray the stain.
• Blot the fabric.
• Launder as usual.

Dishwashing Detergent

For cotton fabrics, apply dishwashing liquid or a degreaser before a normal wash at 30°C.¹¹

Nail Polish Remover

The acetone in nail polish remover can dissolve oil, paint, and marker stains, plus other organic substances from almost any surface.¹²  To try this method, follow the steps we recommended for using rubbing alcohol to remove stains from clothes.

Commercial Stain Removers

If DIY doesn’t cut it, consider a commercial stain remover specifically designed for ink.

Expert Tips For Success

According to a study by the University of Illinois, alcohol-based solutions are among the most effective for ink removal (Source: University of Illinois).

“Alcohol will take the ink out of fabric, your hands, or even tabletops!” — Nicole Jaques, cleaning expert⁴

What Most Guides Don’t Tell You

• Don’t Use Heat: Never put ink-stained clothes in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Heat sets the stain, making removal nearly impossible.
• Natural Alternatives: Lemon juice and baking soda can sometimes lift fresh ink stains, but always test first.
• Stain Lifespan: Even if a faint mark remains, repeated gentle treatments can fade it over time.

Little Change Creators: A Helping Hand

At Little Change Creators, we know creative messes are part of growing up. Our reusable silicone colouring mats are designed for endless creative fun without the mess. Used with supervision (to avoid stained sleeves!), they're perfect for kids aged 3-12, providing a sustainable and clean way to express their imagination. Simply wipe clean and reuse, giving your child a screen-free, creative outlet at home or on-the-go.

Here are just a few comments our customers have shared:

“Thanks to Little Change Creators, my kids love their creative time, and I don’t worry about the mess!”

“I love how easy it is to clean the Little Change Creators colouring mats. My daughter accidentally drew on her shirt, but following the ink removal tips from their blog, her top looks as good as new!”

“These mats are amazing! My kids love them, and I love that I can just wipe them clean. No more ruined clothes!”

“Love the idea that they’re reusable and not single-use – less mess, less waste, less guilt!”

We believe in nurturing creativity while caring for our planet. Our products are designed to be reusable, reducing waste and promoting sustainable play.

For more insights on eco-friendly play, visit our blog on sustainable creative play.

Turning Your Child’s Stained Clothing Into Wearable Art

Image credit: Worthy Threads

If you’ve tried our stain-removal tips without success, why not repurpose the stained clothing as a unique piece of wearable art?  This encourages your child to be sustainably-minded and is another opportunity to connect and create together.  Here’s how to use non-washable markers to create a tie-dye effect on fabric:

1. Lay the stained garment flat (white clothing such as t-shirts and singlets work best).⁠
2. Pinch the centre and twist the fabric to form a spiral shape.⁠
3. Place 3-4 rubber bands around the fabric to create triangular sections.⁠
4. Colour each section with your markers, including underneath the rubber bands and between the folds of fabric (unless you want some white patches in your design).⁠
5. Once the fabric is coloured completely, place it inside a lined baking dish.⁠
6. With help from an adult, gently pour rubbing alcohol all over the fabric. Ensure each side is covered.⁠
7. Place the fabric on a plate lined with baking paper or foil. Leave to dry outside for 1-2 days.⁠
   
   

Final Thoughts

As frustrating as it may be when your child stains their clothes, they need to have the freedom to express themselves through art and creative activities.

Removing pen ink from clothes doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right know-how, a little patience, and mess-free activities like reusable colouring mats, you can keep your child’s creativity flowing - and their clothes looking great.

For more helpful tips and creative solutions, join our community of parents making small changes for big impact.  Look for the sign-up button below!

References:

1.    Vanish – How To Remove Ink From Clothes

2.    Better Homes & Gardens – How To Get Ink Out Of Clothes

3.    Tide – How To Remove Pen Ink From Clothes

4.    Yahoo – Expert Cleaner Shares Genius Tip

5.    Martha Stewart - How to Get Ink Out of Clothes (Using Common Household Materials)

6.    Vogue – How To Get Ink Stains Out Of Clothes

7.    Reader’s Digest - How To Get Ink Out Of Clothes Like A Cleaning Pro

8.    Southern Living – How To Get Pen Out Of Clothes

9.    Beanstalk Mums – The Ultimate Guide To Removing Ink Stains Without Damaging Fabrics

10.Good Housekeeping – Does Hairspray Remove Ink? A Cleaning Myth Busted

11.Hoover Home – Back To School, How To Remove Pen And Paint Stains From Clothes

12.Grove – The Easiest Ways To Get Sharpie Out Of Clothes