They seem impossible to remove, but there is hope: what to do in case of an ink stain?

An ink stain on a shirt can be a real disaster – with the immediate thought being, "It's ruined!". However, the stain left by a marker or pen isn't always permanent. While it's true that cleaning away these stains poses a challenge, it's worthwhile exploring some remedies before giving up, no?

White clothing provides better odds of being treated effectively, while colored items present a greater challenge. Acting promptly is crucial because the sooner you treat the stain, the greater the chances are of removing it. Let's explore some methods you can try:

Ink stains: what to do as soon as we notice them

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The first thing to do is check the washing instructions for the item: if it has to be dry-cleaned, take it to the cleaners as soon as possible. In other cases, however, you can try a treatment at home.

Here are the (emergency) steps to take (note: they do involve some risk):

• For white items, use bleach with chlorine. You can pour a small amount directly onto the ink stain, and wait to see if it works. If the garment is synthetic, use very little bleach - just a drop or two at the most. As soon as the stain fades, rinse out thoroughly.
• For colored items, things are more complicated, but if you have caught the stain in time, you can try using isopropyl alcohol. Pouring this directly onto the stain is one option, but you can also try pouring it onto a clean white rag and then dabbing the stain. However, be aware that there is always a risk that the alcohol can cause certain fabrics to discolour.

A method to try when the stains are not fresh

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If you need to remove a slightly older stain, then equip yourself with the following:

• One or two old clean towels;
• Isopropyl alcohol (alternatively, pure vodka will do);
• Several cotton swabs;
• Mild oxygen bleach;
• A basin of water.

Before inadvertantly causing any damage, rub a cotton swab soaked in the alcohol on a hidden spot of the garment to see if it discolors the item. If it does, don't proceed and seek the help of an expert. If nothing "bad" happens, proceed as follows:

• Place the towels on a flat surface (like a shelf) or inside the garment, ready to absorb any dissolved and dripping ink;
• Dip a cotton swab in the alcohol and then dab (don't rub) the stain. Slowly, the cotton swab should pick up the ink as it dissolves. When the tip gets dirty, switch to using a new cotton swab;
• Continue like this until you've erased the ink stain;
• Fill the basin with warm water and add half a glass of mild oxygen bleach;
• Immerse the garment in the basin and leave it there for at least two or three hours.
• If every trace of the stain has disappeared after this time, rinse out. Otherwise, empty the basin, refill it, and repeat the process.
• Wash your garment as usual.
• Air dry the garment.

What if nothing seems to work?

If professionals tell you there's nothing to be done, or if home remedies have failed, before getting rid of the garment, consider these options:

• Dye it a different color at home.
• Embroider something over the stain.
• Sew a patch over the stain (or use iron-on patches).

This way, you could give the garment an entirely new look and continue wearing it in the future!