Remove Pen Ink From Everything in Your Home!

Every surface is different, and so is every ink.  Raw or finished wood?  Water-soluble or oil-based ink? Carpets or silk? Ceramic tile or linoleum?  This list goes on, so why don't I just tell you what I've learned.  In some very extensive research on this subject, it seems that the number one ink stain remover is... aerosol hairspray?!?!?  You bet, and the cheaper the better!  Hairspray appeared in nearly every result.  Odd.  I know there is a small amount of isopropyl in many hairsprays (and more in the cheaper ones) which allows them to dry faster.  While I don't necessarily recommend using aerosol sprays for much of anything, this worked exceptionally well, and really...how often are you going to have to deal with pen ink removal?  I guess it can't hurt to pick up a cheap can as a back-up plan, especially if you have budding artists in your home.

This list tells you how to remove pen ink from everything in your home.   We've done the work for you and it's all here, so bookmark this page for future reference to save yourself time!
Hairspray ranked number one for oil-based pen ink removal, not only for effectiveness, but lack of effort.  You rarely need to scrub when you use Hairspray. If you don't have aerosol hairspray or you just don't like that method, then we should delve into the many other fascinating methods.  I will, however, tell you how to use the hairspray method for each that apply.

On Hands: 

Soap: This is likely the most common place you'll see ink.  If you know you've written on yourself accidentally, warm water, soap, a cloth and some scrubbing will do the trick. 

Oil/Salt: If you had no idea there was ink on your skin (this includes permanent marker ink), then there's a good chance it has been somewhat absorbed into your pores.  Grab an oily substance and a salt shaker.  Coconut oil, butter, olive oil (whatever you have works).  Dab a few drops on the ink, shake a bit of salt onto it and use the combination to scrub the skin until you see it has all lifted off. Wipe with a paper towel. From there you might choose to clean the area with soapy water.

On Clothes: 

***The first thing you should know about pen ink on your clothes is that putting them in the dryer will set the stain. Dryer sheets and fabric softener both help the heat of the dryer to set the stains further. Make sure the method you've used has completely removed the stain before putting in the washing machine and dryer.  ***It's always a good idea to protect the rest of the garment before using any of these methods, because the ink can bleed into other layers.  Always fold an old rag or paper towel and put it behind the stain.

Aerosol Hairspray: Saturate with hairspray, dab with a clean old rag or a piece of paper towel. Repeat until stain is gone and launder as usual.

Milk: Soak affected garment in milk overnight, launder as usual the next day. This likely works best with water-soluble ink.

Salt: Wet ink with water, apply salt immediately and dab with wet rag or paper towel.  Brush off salt and repeat until the stain is gone.

Cream of Tartar/Lemon Juice: Make a paste with equal parts of cream of tartar and lemon juice, apply to stain for 4 hours, brush paste off and launder as usual.
Nail Polish remover : Not recommended for silk or other delicate fabrics. Use a cotton ball and wipe affected areas until the stain is gone, then scrub with soap and water to prevent damage to hands and clothes.
Rubbing alcohol: Dip a cotton swab in alcohol to test if the ink will lift. If so, soak stains with this and dab with paper towel. Repeat until stain is gone. Launder as usual.
White Vinegar and Cornstarch: wet with vinegar. Make a paste with these 2 parts vinegar, 3 parts cornstarch and apply. Let dry then launder.
Toothpaste and Baking Soda: *Non-gel toothpaste. Apply toothpaste and two small pinches of baking soda to stain and use a brush or an old toothbrush to scrub. Results depend on ink type and fabric type. Use a soft cloth for more delicate fabric. Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove excess. You may need to repeat several times before seeing results.

In the Dryer:

Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover/Soap and water: Using a cotton ball or pad, apply some remover and rub away the stains. Keep your head out of the dryer as much as possible, the fumes are terrible. When all the ink is removed, wipe out the dryer with a clean damp rag that has a mild soap in it. Go over once more with a clean damp rag to get out soap residue. Leave the dryer door open for about 20 minutes to fully dry.

On Clothes That Were in the Dryer:

Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover: Test a hidden area before removing ink from visible articles of clothing remembering that all fabric is different. Each article of clothing should be tested first. If nail polish remover is working, always follow up with a soapy rinse.

Aerosol Hairspray: Here it is again, saving the day and stuff.

Isopropyl: Used the same way as if the stain was not set in.
Lift Off: This is a commercial product but it is water based. Environmentally friendly and septic safe. If you have a few forgetful family members and exploding dryer pens is a relatively normal part of your life, this is a worthy purchase for your more delicate clothing items. If all else fails or your too afraid to to try removing ink from delicate fabrics, the dry cleaner may be your only option.

On Finished Wood Surfaces, Flooring or Furniture:

Aerosol Hairspray: Saturate ink, leave on for 15 seconds, wipe with clean paper towel. Repeat if necessary. It's the easiest and least time consuming method.

Powdered Laundry Soap and Water: Mix both to make a paste, apply to ink making sure it is completely covered and let it sit for a minute. Wearing gloves, scrub ink with your fingertips until it lifts. Wipe clean with a damp towel and dry.

Dawn Dish Soap: For fresh ink: half teaspoon dawn dish soap to ⅓ cups of hot water, mix and whisk to make suds. Test hidden area to be sure suds (only) won't affect the finish. Dab cotton ball into suds and use on an out of view place.  If suds damage the finish, stop. If not, gather suds only in a soft cloth and gently wipe ink from surface. You may need to repeat and use a clean part of the cloth. Follow up with a clean, well rung out cloth to rinse off suds. Dry well. If the stain is still visible, use superfine steel wool dipped in liquid wax and with very little pressure, rub with the grain until stain is gone. Be very gentle. Wipe away shavings with clean dry cloth.
Baking Soda Paste: ¼ cup of warm water. Slowly mix in baking soda until it becomes thick and paste like. Apply to stain and gently rub it in with your fingers, making sure the ink is completely covered in paste. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes.  With a damp soft cloth wipe away paste. Repeat process until you are satisfied. When done, wipe with a dry soft cloth.

On Unfinished Wood Surfaces or Furniture: 

***If there is any way for you to turn the object so the ink faces the floor and ink can be pulled away from the wood (as opposed to sinking into it) do so. Gravity can be your friend!!

Aerosol Hairspray: Saturate ink, wipe away with a soft, clean old rag or paper towel.  Repeat until stain is no longer visible.  Using a clean damp cloth, wipe off residue. 

Goop Off: A product found at the hardware store. Apply, massage ink with a gloved finger and wipe away using a clean dry cloth or rag (with the grain). Repeat until the stain is gone.

Mineral Spirits:  Use sparingly with an old toothbrush or a cotton swab.  You might find that this sends the ink deeper into the wood or spreads the stain. You also might find that you need to use a lot to make the stain vanish completely.  If you would like to finish the wood after removing the stain with this method, allow to completely dry.  If at all possible, resting the wet area on an old clean rag will help draw out the moisture. Swap out the rag twice a day until dry.

Sandpaper: Using 120 grit, gently rub the stain (with the grain) until it is no longer visible. If you have finer grit than 120 (150 -220), follow up with a gentle buff of the area (with the grain).  It should look as though it never happened.

Insect Repellent (Aerosol) or Sunscreen: Test a hidden area first. Apply, then wipe with a soft, clean old rag or paper towel.  Repeat until stain is gone. Use a clean damp cloth to rinse off residue.

On Carpets:

Aerosol Hairspray: Spray on liberally. Leave on for two minutes. Dab with a clean old rag or paper towel to prevent spreading. Repeat until stain is gone. Use a damp rag and rub the area of all residue. Allow to dry completely, then use a brush or your fingertips to lift the nap of the carpet. Aerosol Hairspray

Glass Cleaner: Spray on liberally. Leave on for two minutes. Dab with a clean old rag or paper towel to prevent spreading. Repeat until stain is gone. Use a wet rag and rub the area until the scent of glass cleaner is gone. Allow to dry completely, then use your fingertips to lift the nap of the carpet. Glass Cleaner Ink Stain Removal

WD-40 and Soapy Water: Spray liberally on the stain and allow to sit for a few minutes. Then use a damp sponge with dish soap and scrub the stain, rinsing the sponge periodically until the stain vanishes. You may need to apply more WD-40 or dish soap to the area to get it all lifted, especially if the stain has set. Once the stain has been completely removed, pour a small amount of hot water over the soapy area and absorb the moisture up with a dry towel as best you can. Allow to dry completely, then use your fingertips to lift the nap of the carpet.

On Painted Walls:

**Always be sure that the wall paint is cured for at least five days before washing, even with water. Hairspray: Aerosol works best, but the video I linked shows her using non-aerosol. Apply liberally and wipe clean with an old rag or paper towel. Use a damp cloth to wipe off residue. Hairspray, To the Rescue! Baking Soda/Water Paste: Make a thick paste out of the two ingredients. Using a brillo pad/sponge combo, apply a small amount of paste to brillo side of a dampened sponge. Gently rub the marks on the wall until they are no longer visible. Wipe away with a clean damp cloth.

Toothpaste: Use the same way as baking soda paste method, only much more expensive. **If you find that the marks are not coming off, substitute vinegar instead of water. Allow chemical reaction to settle before using the paste.

On Plastic/Vinyl Dolls:

Nail Polish Remover (With Acetone): ***DO NOT USE on the doll's face or where there is any detail painted on as this will remove it.Use a cotton swab dipped in remover and scrub marks from doll. Use a soapy sponge to remove residue and rinse with water.

Butter and Direct Sunlight: Apply butter to marks, allow to sit in the sun for four hours. Scrub away any residue with a soapy sponge and rinse with clean water.

10% Benzoyl Peroxide Cream: Apply to marks liberally, leave in direct sunlight for two hours. Marks will literally disappear. Wash with soapy water and rinse clean. This method is pricey, but safe to use on the doll's face, so maybe just use the cream for that? You might find it to be worth the cost as opposed to replacing the doll, as some doll prices are rather high.

There you have it! One list that has you completely covered. We’re pretty amazed by the many places you could use hairspray to remove ink!!! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them here! We hope everyone had a great weekend!