How to Remove Ink Stains from Jeans

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Everyone has a favorite pair of jeans. That sinking feeling when you get an ink stain on your best pair doesn’t mean that you’ll have to retire the great look. Ink stains on jeans can be easily removed allowing you to rock your favorite pair another day. The sooner you are able to treat the stain the easier it is to remove, but even stains that are days old can still be taken care of.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol or Hairspray

1
Place a clean white towel inside the jeans under the stain. Using a white towel will ensure that no additional color will be transferred to the fabric during the stain removal. The towel placed inside the jeans will prevent the ink from spreading to other areas of the jeans.^{[1]
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2
Pour a small amount of 90% isopropyl alcohol or spray the hairspray directly on the stain. For small stains, the alcohol can be applied with a cotton ball or cotton swab.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist
Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.} Be careful to pour the alcohol slowly and just on the ink so the stain doesn’t bleed and spread.

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3
Blot the stain with a clean absorbent cloth or cotton ball. Each time you blot, use a clean cotton ball or a new spot on the cloth as the ink will be drawn out of the jeans with the alcohol or hairspray.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist
Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
4
Rinse the jeans with cold water to remove the alcohol or hairspray after the ink is no longer visible. Be sure to use cold water as hot water may set any remaining ink and make the stain much harder to remove.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist
Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
5
Launder the jeans in cold water in a washing machine. Check to be sure that all of the ink is gone before drying the jeans because the heat from the dryer will make the stain set in. If any ink remains repeat the process of blotting with alcohol and wash the jeans again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Removing Ink with Commercial Stain Remover

1
Test the stain remover in a discreet location, such as inside the waistline, to ensure that the jeans won't lose their color. Prior to using any stain removal product on fabric it is a good idea to make sure that you won't bleach or discolor the fabric with the stain remover. The inner waistband or a rolled cuff are good places to test that aren't seen by others.
2
Apply a commercial stain remover to the stain. Depending on the type of ink that you are removing from your jeans different stain removers may have more success. One of these stain removers should help get the ink out of your jeans^{[5]
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- Rub on stain sticks
- Spray on pre-wash stain removers
- Oxygen bleach cleaners
3
Give the enzymes in the stain remover time to work on the ink. Read the label directions on your stain remover and wait the designated time prior to washing the jeans according to the care instructions on the label.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Removing Ink Stains Using Vinegar

1
Mix a solution of vinegar and water using a 1:1 ratio. Make sure the water is cool and not hot. Heat will set the stain making it much more difficult to remove.
2
Soak the stain in the vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes to fully saturate the stain. Place the portion of the jeans that contains the stain in the vinegar solution. The jeans will absorb the water and vinegar and may wick the liquid onto other surfaces. You may want to place a towel under the vinegar and water solution and under the jeans.^{[6]
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EXPERT TIP

Try soaking lighter jeans in a milk bath overnight to help dissolve ink stains!

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
3
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Mix 3 parts of baking soda with 1 part water. The paste will be thick.
4
Rub the paste into the stain using an old toothbrush. Apply the paste gently and rub it into the stain using a circular motion. Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the stain.^{[7]
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5
Gently rub the stain with a toothbrush to work the baking soda into the fabric and remove the ink. Rinse the toothbrush in a clean vinegar solution while cleaning the jeans.
6
Rinse the jeans in cold water and check to make sure the stain is gone. If the stain remains try spot treating with commercial stain treatment and launder the jeans in a washing machine.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Washing Jeans After a Spot Treatment

1
Remove as much ink as possible using alcohol, a stain remover, or vinegar. Follow the directions listed above to get the majority of the ink out.
2
Wash the jeans separately with detergent and cold water. It is best to wash the jeans by themselves so the ink does not transfer to any other clothing items during the wash cycle.
3
Check to make sure the spot is gone before drying the jeans. If any ink remains, re-treat the spot with a commercial stain stick or spray on spot treatment. Only dry the jeans once the ink stain has been completely removed.

Community Q&A

Question

Do you have any more suggestions if the ones here did not help me remove the stain?

Community Answer

Apply eucalyptus oil directly to stain, leave it a few hours, then wash.
Question

How do I get grease stains out of white shirts?

Community Answer

I use Swarfega (original) on grease stains. It works on most fabrics, but test it on a hidden area first. Just rub on a small amount and either hand wash the item or put it in the machine.
Question

What if the stain has already spread? Is there still hope?

Community Answer

Possibly. If the stain spread, use the ingredients above, but a little more of each - and carefully cover the area.