How to remove ballpoint pen stains from white or colored shirts?

Are you having a headache about how to remove ballpoint pen stains from white or colored shirts?

Getting ballpoint pen stains on white or colored shirts is a common situation, especially when you work in an office or have paperwork-related tasks.

These ink stains can make your favorite shirt less attractive.

However, don’t worry too much because there are many effective ways to remove ballpoint pen stains without damaging the fabric of your shirt.

Removing ballpoint pen stains from shirts

Below are the methods to help you easily and safely remove ballpoint pen stains from both white and colored shirts.

Steps to take before removing ballpoint pen stains:

First, examine the ballpoint pen stain on the shirt.

On a fine day, if your or your child’s shirt gets stained with ballpoint pen ink, don’t rush to wash it! Stay calm and determine what type of ink the stain is from.

There are currently three types of ballpoint pen ink on the market: water-based pens, oil-based pens, and gel pens. For oil-based and water-based pens, natural ingredients such as fresh lemon or butter can be used to clean the ink stains.

Gel ink, however, is more stubborn and harder to remove, so you’ll need to use solvents like alcohol for the best results.

Always inspect the ink stain on the shirt before attempting to clean it.

2. Read the care label on the shirt

You should carefully read the washing instructions on the clothing label because not all clothes stained with ballpoint pen ink can be easily washed.

Simple and effective ways to remove ballpoint pen stains from white and colored shirts

1. Using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is one of the most common and effective ingredients for removing ballpoint pen ink. It works well for both white and colored shirts.

How to use:

• First, place a clean cloth or tissue under the stained area to prevent the ink from spreading.
• Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the stained area. The alcohol will dilute the ink and make it easier to remove.
• Use cotton or a soft cloth to gently dab at the stain as the ink begins to dissolve. Avoid scrubbing harshly, as this may cause the ink to penetrate deeper into the fabric.
• Then, wash the shirt with mild soap and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. For colored shirts, you may want to test the alcohol on a small hidden area to ensure it doesn’t cause the color to fade.

2. Using lemon and salt

Lemon is a natural cleaning agent due to its acidity. Combined with salt, it can gently and safely remove ink stains from both white and colored shirts.

How to use:

• Squeeze some fresh lemon juice directly onto the stain.
• Sprinkle a little salt over the lemon juice.
• Gently rub the stain with your hands or a cotton pad for a few minutes.
• Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes, then wash the shirt with cold water. This method is simple and won’t harm the fabric’s color.

3. Using toothpaste

Toothpaste is a household item familiar to everyone and is also a simple yet effective way to remove ballpoint pen stains. Make sure to use non-gel toothpaste, as gel toothpaste may not be as effective at breaking down ink stains.

How to use:

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly to the ink stain.
• Gently rub the area with your fingers or an old toothbrush.
• After the ink begins to dissolve, allow the toothpaste to sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse the shirt with clean water and then wash it as usual.

4. Using fresh milk

It may sound strange, but fresh milk is also a very effective method for removing ballpoint pen stains. Milk contains fats and proteins that help soften and dissolve ink.

How to use:

• Soak the ink-stained shirt in a basin of fresh milk for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• After soaking, gently brush the stain with a soft brush. The ink will gradually disappear.
• Rinse the shirt in cold water and soap to completely remove any remaining ink and milk.

5.

Acetone, also known as nail polish remover, is a strong cleaning solution that can quickly remove ballpoint pen ink. However, be cautious when using acetone on colored fabrics, as it may cause the color to fade.

How to use:

• Dampen a cotton ball or soft cloth with acetone and dab it gently onto the ink stain. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damaging the fabric fibers.
• Once the ink dissolves, wash the shirt with cold water and soap.
• For colored shirts, test a small inconspicuous area with acetone first to ensure it doesn’t affect the color before treating the entire stain.

6. Using hair spray

Hair spray contains alcohol and other ingredients that freeze the ballpoint pen ink, making it easier to remove. This method is quick and useful in emergency situations.

How to use:

• Spray a generous amount of hair spray directly onto the ink stain.
• Immediately blot the area with a cloth or cotton to absorb the ink.
• Continue blotting until the stain fades.
• Wash the shirt as usual to remove any leftover hair spray residue.

Notes when removing ballpoint pen stains from colored shirts

When treating colored shirts, you need to be more cautious to avoid fading the fabric. Before applying any method, test it on a small hidden area of the shirt to check if the color is affected. Also, avoid using harsh cleaning agents or high temperatures, as they can cause color fading and fabric damage.

Conclusion

Removing ballpoint pen stains from white and colored shirts isn’t difficult if you know how to use readily available household items effectively. From isopropyl alcohol, lemon, salt to toothpaste or fresh milk, each method has its own advantages. The key is to be patient and careful to avoid damaging the shirt during the process. Hopefully, with these suggestions, you’ll be able to easily clean your favorite shirt without any worries.