The RIGHT Ways to Remove Ink Stains from Clothes & Fabric

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VIDEO CREDITS:
→ Script: E.J. Daniels
→ Camera & Editing: Lukas Mooney
→ Supervision: Preston Schlueter
→ Science

Preston's Watch: Delray Watch Supply

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#removestains #inkstain #stains

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Gentleman's Gazette

00:00 Removing Ink Stains Introduction

While we find writing with a fountain pen or simply writing by hand enjoyable, we wouldn't want any ink in our hands and clothes! But the worst can happen sometimes, and we're here to help.

01:00 Removing Ink from your Hands

Whether you've only stained your hands or you've gotten ink on both your clothes and your hands, you'll need to get the ink off of your hands first before you do anything else. If the ink is still wet, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and may require the use of more serious solutions like isopropyl alcohol or acetone.

And after washing and cleaning, if stubborn stains still remain on your hands, don't worry. After two to three days, as you naturally shed your skin cells, the rest of these stains will disappear.

02:00 Pre-treat, If Possible

Wet ink is easier to remove than dry ink, so try to remove as much of the wet ink as you can right after a stain is made. Using a clean, dry cloth or a paper towel, blotch the stain, but don't rub it as this could press it further into the fibers.

02:40 Determine Washing Instructions 

Determine how the fabric in question is usually washed. In other words, if they're available on a tag, follow the garment care instructions. Unique fabrics like silks and leathers will require specialty cleaners for any type of stain.

05:24 Phase I: Water-Soluble Stains

You will need a towel, a clean cloth, water, a spray bottle, eyedropper or cotton balls, liquid laundry detergent, hand soap, or stain remover, and, optionally, a soft brush like a toothbrush for instance.

06:40 Phase II: Non-Water-Soluble Stains

You will need a towel, a clean, dry cloth, an eyedropper or cotton ball, a jar, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and a bleach alternative. To dissolve ink stains, we need to use a solvent, and the best of these is isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. In a pinch, though, you could also use hairspray, hand sanitizer, or even vodka.

08:20 Dedicated Ink Stain Removing Products

If the methods we've outlined here don't work, you can always turn to the pros - as in professional stain removal products.

And if those methods don't work, you can always turn to the pros - as in professional dry cleaners.

09:01 Conclusion

Ink stains can take a lot of the fun out of writing, especially if you're writing with a fountain pen. But we hope that today's guide has provided you with useful information on how to remove stains if and when they do occur.

09:30 Outfit Rundown

The GENTLEMAN'S GAZETTE is your go-to ONLINE MAGAZINE and SHOP for timeless men's clothing, luxurious accessories, craftsmanship, men's style, & savoir vivre.

Prepare to embark on a sartorial journey like no other, where we unlock the secrets to help men look their best, covering every facet of the modern gentleman's living.

Dive into our treasure trove of How-To Guides, Primers, Reviews, and hands-on advice. We're here to equip you with the knowledge to not only look your best but also become more successful in every facet of your life.

We're your style mentors, teaching you everything from tying a bow tie in 4 different ways to in-depth guides on polo shirts, collar pins, scarves, pocket squares, gloves, socks, & much more!

[gentlemansgazette]

A note for our viewers: as we mention products from The Laundress a few times in this video, we should state that we're aware of the brand's recent recall prior to this video's premiere. Assuming production issues are sorted out by the brand, our opinions on the efficacy of their products remain the same as what we claim here. If you'd like more information on recalled products, you can find a list at the link below. Of course, this video is 100% NOT sponsored (by The Laundress or any other brand). -Preston

[jasontsimnujyang]

Never in my life did I ever think I'd look up an ink stain removal video, but I just bought a new pair of cute pants and my clumsy self rolled a pen right over the thigh area!! Phase 1 was a pants saver!!! The ink literally dissolved in front of my eyes!! Thank you!!

[leonieconti]

Wow. I had a pair of pants with OLD dry stains of ink . I used Isopropyl Alcohol method and it removed it. Thanks so much . Never thought I would ever get it out!!!

[necurrence]

A channel with actual content, no clickbait, no misleading bs or social media brag ? I'm totally subscribed

[crazyboarderboy]

As a professional tattoo artist, I do appreciate a stain removal video. It doesn't happen often but is a bummer when it does. I've had pretty good luck with fels-naptha bars, but need to be better about not pushing the ink deeper when scrambling to get it off

[sondraortiz]

My dog got hold of a gel ink pen and decided to see how it tasted. Needless to say she had inked her new $200 bed your info saved the day, nothing left but clean doggie bed. Thankyou😂

[francescharteris]

This was SO helpful—I followed your directions and also used a jar and rubber band. Took a while but so relieved to have succeeded thanks to your expert, clear suggestions!

[glynisthomas]

TIP, : For small ink stains, like a pen line, use a cotton swab (ie Q-tip) dipped in your remover of choice. Limits spread and amount of remover used on fabric.

[brushemteeth]

I have always wondered and how to remove ink stains from my clothes. Barely anyone I know uses fountain pens, so no one could give me advice. Luckily, the GG staff does, just as I do, so I can count on them to finally tell me the way to go!

[badger]

When my hands got dirty from ink I use a pumice stone under running water. This always did the job very well.

[adeniranm]

As an avid fountain pen user, some water, Dawn dish soap, and the scrubbing side of a sponge will quickly remove most any ink from your hands.

[catherineelliott]

Pulled out an antique quilt my MIL started to finish but could not before she passed. Someone used pen ink and what I think is black felt tip marker. I've put off working on it as I had no clue where to start cleaning w/o ruining the muslin. I'll start with the IPA first and go forward (holding my breath). Most informative video I've seen (several recommened bleach). Thank you.

[spellsave]

I'd love to see a Gentleman's Gazette guide on wearing suspenders and how to deal with weight loss/gain and getting your garments adjusted. I think the later they probably have already approached in one or a few of their videos. Thanks for the amazing content!

[peterrebhahn]

I've had good results with the old advice to use hairspray on ink stains, but those stains were the type you get from ballpoint pens, rollerballs, or fine-tipped markers. I've never tried it on the the monster-sized stains featured in this video. But I don't walk around with vintage (read 'leaky') fountain pens while wearing straw boater hats, either, so consider the source.

[kikiiwu]

I used nail polish and it worked. Thanks for
the detailed video.

[bradpeterson]

Worst pen leak of my life this morning. It’s like y’all read my mind. I’m off to give your advice a try.

[joejustice]

I have always used AmWay LOC on fountain pen inks with excellent results.

[gavindadds]

We have a product in Australia called Napisan which was created for washing babies dirty diapers. I've found that if you give just about any stain of any kind a good soaking spray of a pre-wash stain remover and let it soak in Napisan overnight then wash as usual, it will remove just about anything.

[jamesgray]

Thank you for the great information on removing ink stains. Preston, I like the new look!

[ebdaniels]

That is a gorgeous watch, I love the script of the cardinal numbers!