How to Get Pen Ink Out of Clothes
The short answer
Pen ink on clothing depends on the type of pen. Ballpoint pens use oil-based ink that requires a solvent — rubbing alcohol is the most effective household option. Gel pens and water-based pens may respond to dish soap and cold water first, before trying a solvent. If you are unsure what type of ink it is, start with dish soap and cold water. Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is confirmed out.
Before you start
You need: liquid dish soap (for water-based ink); rubbing alcohol 70–91% isopropyl (for ballpoint/oil-based ink); clean white cloths.
Test rubbing alcohol on a hidden area first (inside seam or inner hem) — dampen a cloth with alcohol, press it against the fabric, and check for dye transfer. If color lifts, use only dish soap and cold water.
Check the care label. Dry-clean only: do not wet-treat.
Steps
- 1Identify the pen type if possible. Gel or felt-tip (water-based): try dish soap first — apply a small amount, work in gently, rinse with cold water, then wash cold. If the stain is gone, air dry and check before putting in the dryer.
- 2For ballpoint ink (oil-based): place a clean white cloth beneath the stained area.
- 3Dampen a second cloth with rubbing alcohol. Blot the stain from the front — do not rub.
- 4Move the backing cloth to a clean area frequently so you are not reabsorbing ink.
- 5Repeat until the stain stops transferring to the cloth.
- 6Rinse with cool water and machine wash cold.
- 7Check the stain while still damp. If any ink remains, repeat from step 3 before drying.
What not to do
- Do not use hot water — heat sets ink into fabric.
- Do not rub the stain — rubbing spreads ink to more fibers.
- Do not assume all pen ink responds to the same treatment — the type of ink matters.
- Do not put the item in the dryer until the stain is confirmed out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my pen uses ballpoint or gel ink?
Ballpoint pens have a small metal ball at the tip and write with a slightly waxy feel — they require pressure and tend to skip or drag slightly on smooth paper. Gel pens write more smoothly and produce crisper, brighter lines. If you still have the pen, check the packaging. If unsure, try dish soap and cold water first — it is safer and handles water-based inks. If that does not work, move to rubbing alcohol.
Can I use hand sanitizer on a pen ink stain?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can work on ballpoint ink stains because it contains isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Apply it in the same way as rubbing alcohol — blot, do not rub, and use a backing cloth to absorb released ink. The alcohol concentration varies by product; higher-concentration formulas tend to be more effective.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool to get a step-by-step plan based on your specific fabric and available supplies.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool