How to Get Highlighter Out of Clothes

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: April 13, 2022 References

Stains are minor mishaps, but they can sure put a damper on your day! Whether you've stained your clothes with highlighter ink or highlighter makeup, never fear– you can likely get those stains out with a little work. Try rubbing alcohol or a commercial ink stain remover to get out highlighter ink. For makeup, try things like shaving cream or a makeup remover wipe to get the stain out.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Rubbing Alcohol on Highlighter Ink

1
Place paper towels or a rag behind the stain. Make sure the rag or paper towel is positioned directly underneath the stained part of the fabric so it can absorb any ink that might bleed out of the stain during the removal process. It's also important to back the stain while you're trying to remove it so that it doesn't spread.^{[1]
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- If possible, place the stain face down against the paper towel or rag by turning the garment inside out.
2
Dab around the stain with rubbing alcohol.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.} Dip a clean rag or sponge in rubbing alcohol.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 April 2021.} Pat around the outside of the stain with the rag. That way, when you apply alcohol to the stain, it will spread into an area that's already soaked with alcohol and it won't set.^{[4]
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- Hand sanitizer can work in a pinch!
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3
Pat at the stain with rubbing alcohol. Add more rubbing alcohol to your rag or sponge. Instead of focusing on the area around the stain, rub at the stain itself, applying a generous amount of rubbing alcohol to the area. The goal of this process is to flush the stain out of the fabric and into the paper towels behind it.^{[5]
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- If the paper towels get soaked with the highlighter ink, move them around to a clean spot or replace them.
- Rubbing alcohol dries very quickly, so there's no need to let the stain soak in it.
4
Wash the clothing as you normally would once the stain is mostly gone. When you can't really see the stain anymore, spray the area with a stain remover and put the item in the wash by itself. Use a warm setting to wash and dry the clothing.^{[6]
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- Check the item before putting it in the dryer. If the stain is still there, try the process again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Trying an Ink and Stain Remover on Highlighter Ink

1
Avoid wetting the garment first. Read the directions for your particular stain remover, but typically, you need to start with dry fabric. The stain remover will be more effective if it's not diluted.^{[7]
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- One popular ink remover is Amodex.
- Some stain removers will need time to sit in, while others need to be washed out right away. Read the directions that come with your particular product and follow them carefully.^{[8]
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2
Massage the stain remover in with a brush or washcloth. Pour a little of the stain remover on the area. Rub it in thoroughly with the brush or part of a washcloth, using a circular motion. Keep rubbing it in until you see the ink start to disappear.^{[9]
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- Apply more stain remover as needed.
3
Wash the garment as you normally would. Put the garment in the washer by itself or with another treated item. Run a small load with detergent. Once it's done, check to see if the stain is gone. If it is, put the item in the dryer on the appropriate setting for the fabric.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Highlighter Makeup Out of Clothes

1
Dab at a fresh stain with a makeup remover wipe. If you're getting ready, this trick may save you if the stain is fresh. As soon as you see it happen, grab a wipe and dab gently at the stain until it comes up.^{[11]
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- Don't rub too hard, as you could push the makeup into the fabric.
2
Pick up powdered highlighters with clear tape. Apply a piece of tape over the area with the sticky side down. Once it's adhered, lift the tape up to remove the color. Use a clean piece of tape to try a second time if you don't get it all up the first time.^{[12]
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- If any makeup is left behind, rub at it with a clean, dry sponge.
3
Pat at liquid makeup with dishwashing soap and water. Mix a few drops of dishwashing soap into a cup of water. Dip a clean rag or sponge into the mixture and apply it to the stain. Dab at it until the stain comes up.^{[13]
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4
Apply a dollop of shaving cream for an older stain. Squirt the shaving cream on the stain; use enough to cover the stain completely. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wipe the shaving cream away with a clean cloth dipped in cool water. The stain should be gone.^{[14]
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- If it doesn't work, try the shaving cream again, or this time mix it with a bit of rubbing alcohol.^{[15]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susan Stocker
  Green Cleaning Expert
  Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.} Otherwise, move on to a different method.
- Avoid doing it with or fabrics that are dry clean only.^{[16]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susan Stocker
  Green Cleaning Expert
  Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
5
Pre-treat the stain and wash as you normally would. Apply a spray stain remover to the area or simply pour a little detergent directly on the stain. Let it sink in for a few minutes and then wash the garment as you normally would. Check it when it comes out of the wash before drying it. If the stain isn't gone, try another stain removal technique before putting it in the dryer, which may set the stain.^{[17]
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- Alternatively, rub the area with a little bar soap.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can ink stains be removed after drying?

Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification.

Rani Gorgis

Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

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Rub over the dried stain with either rubbing alcohol or a mixture of baking soda and hot water, using your fingers or a small bristle brush to work the treatment into the fabric. If that doesn't work, use bleach mixed with hot water.
Question

Is highlighter ink toxic?

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According to the Illinois Poison Control Center, highlighter ink is unlikely to cause serious symptoms if you swallow a small amount of it. You might experience a mildly upset stomach and some temporary staining in and around the mouth. However, if you’re worried, call your doctor or your local poison control center and ask for advice.
Question

Does lemon juice get rid of highlighter?

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Lemon juice is great for fading highlighter marks in books. Carefully rub a small amount onto the marks with a cotton swab. You might also be able to use it on clothing stains, but take care not to leave it on too long, or you could accidentally bleach your clothing.