Get Ink Out of Clothes with Hairspray: Quick and Easy Tips

July 19, 2023

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Accidents happen, and one of the most frustrating accidents is when ink ends up on your clothes. Whether you’ve accidentally left a pen in your pocket or a pen exploded in your bag, getting ink stains out of clothes can be a real challenge. However, there’s a simple solution that you might not have thought of – hairspray!

Using hairspray to remove ink stains from clothes is a quick and easy method that can save your favorite shirt or pair of jeans. Hairspray contains alcohol and other solvents, which can help dissolve the ink and lift it from the fabric. It’s a tried and tested method that has been used by many people over the years, and it’s worth giving it a try before resorting to more expensive stain removers or professional cleaning.

To use hairspray for removing ink stains, all you need to do is spray a generous amount of hairspray directly onto the stained area. Make sure to cover the entire stain with hairspray, and then let it sit for a few minutes. After that, use a clean cloth to gently blot the stain, working from the outside in. You’ll start to see the ink transfer from the fabric to the cloth, so make sure to use a clean part of the cloth or switch to a new cloth as needed.

Once you’ve removed as much of the ink stain as possible, it’s time to wash the garment as usual. Before washing, make sure to check the care label to ensure that the fabric can be washed. If the care label advises against using heat, it’s best to wash the garment in cold water. After washing, check the stain again – if there are any remnants of ink, repeat the hairspray method until the stain is completely gone.

Choose the Right Hairspray

When it comes to removing ink stains from clothes using hairspray, it’s important to choose the right hairspray for the job. Not all hairsprays are created equal, and some may not be effective in removing ink stains.

Look for an Alcohol-Based Hairspray

To effectively remove ink stains from clothes, you’ll want to make sure you’re using an alcohol-based hairspray. Alcohol is known for its ability to break down ink stains and lift them from fabric.

When shopping for hairspray, check the ingredients list and look for keywords such as “alcohol” or “ethyl alcohol.” These indicate that the hairspray is alcohol-based and will be effective in treating ink stains.

Avoid Hairsprays with Oils or Silicones

While alcohol-based hairsprays are great for removing ink stains, hairsprays that contain oils or silicones may actually worsen the stain. Oils and silicones can set the ink into the fabric and make it more difficult to remove.

When choosing a hairspray for ink stain removal, avoid products that contain ingredients like “dimethicone” or “cyclomethicone,” as these are typically silicone-based.

Consider a Clear Hairspray

If you’re dealing with a lighter coloured fabric, you may want to consider using a clear hairspray instead of a coloured one. Coloured hairsprays can potentially leave behind a residue or stain on lighter fabrics, so it’s best to opt for a clear formula.

Clear hairsprays are also less likely to leave behind any additional residue or marks on your clothes, ensuring that the ink stain is the only thing you need to worry about.

Check for Testimonials or Reviews

Before purchasing a specific hairspray for ink stain removal, consider checking for testimonials or reviews from other users. This can give you an idea of how effective the product is at removing ink stains, and help you decide if it’s the right option for you.

If possible, look for testimonials or reviews specifically from people who have used the hairspray to remove ink stains from clothes. Their experience can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Summary:

Choose an alcohol-based hairspray for removing ink stains.
Avoid hairsprays with oils or silicones, as they can worsen the stain.
Consider using a clear hairspray for lighter coloured fabrics.
Check for testimonials or reviews before purchasing a specific hairspray.

Pre-Treat the Stain

The first step in getting ink out of clothes with hairspray is to pre-treat the stain. This will help loosen the ink and make it easier to remove.

Here are some steps you can follow to pre-treat the stain:

Blot the stain: Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to blot the ink stain. Be careful not to rub it, as this can spread the ink and make the stain worse.
Test the hairspray: Before applying the hairspray to the stain, it’s important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric. This will ensure that the hairspray does not damage or discolor the fabric.
Apply the hairspray: Once you have confirmed that the hairspray is safe to use, spray a small amount directly onto the ink stain. Make sure to fully saturate the stain, but be careful not to overspray onto surrounding areas of the fabric.
Let it sit: Allow the hairspray to sit on the stain for about 5-10 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the ink and help break it down.
Blot and rinse: After the hairspray has had time to work, use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain again. You should start to see the ink transferring onto the cloth. Once you have removed as much ink as possible, rinse the fabric under cold water to remove any remaining hairspray.

Following these pre-treatment steps will help increase the effectiveness of the hairspray in removing the ink stain from your clothes. Now that you have pre-treated the stain, you can move on to the next step in the process.

Blot the Stain

If you notice an ink stain on your clothing, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the stain from setting in. Blotting the stain is the first step in the process of removing ink from clothes.

Here’s how you can blot the stain:

Grab a clean white cloth or paper towel: It’s important to use a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent any additional stains from transferring onto your clothes.
Place the cloth or paper towel under the stained area: Lay the cloth or paper towel on a flat surface and put the stained area of the clothing on top of it. This will help absorb the ink and prevent it from spreading further.
Blot the stain gently: Using another clean cloth or paper towel, gently press down on the stain. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread. Blotting will help lift the ink from the fabric.
Change the cloth or paper towel: If the cloth or paper towel becomes saturated with ink, replace it with a fresh one. This will help ensure that you’re effectively absorbing the stain.

Remember, it’s important to blot the stain rather than rubbing it, as rubbing can push the ink deeper into the fabric and make it harder to remove. Once you’ve blotted the stain, you can move on to the next step in the ink removal process.

Wash and Rinse the Fabric

After treating the ink stain with hairspray, it’s time to wash and rinse the fabric. Follow these steps to thoroughly clean the stained area:

Check the fabric care label to determine the appropriate washing method and temperature.
If the fabric is machine washable, set the washing machine to the recommended settings.
If the fabric is not machine washable or if the stain is on a delicate garment, prepare a basin or sink with lukewarm water.
Add a small amount of laundry detergent to the water and mix until it forms a soapy solution.
Place the stained fabric in the water and gently agitate it to ensure that the detergent penetrates the fibers.
Let the fabric soak for about 15 minutes to allow the detergent to work on the ink stain.
After soaking, rinse the fabric thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
If the stain persists, repeat the washing and rinsing process, or consider using a stain remover specifically designed for ink stains.
Once the stain is completely removed, wring out any excess water from the fabric.
Hang or lay the fabric flat to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight if possible.

By following these steps, you can effectively wash and rinse the fabric after using hairspray to remove the ink stain. Remember to always check the fabric care label and test any products or methods on a small, inconspicuous area before treating the entire stained area.

Repeat if Necessary

If the stain is still visible after using the hairspray method, don’t worry. There are a few more techniques you can try to remove ink stains from your clothes.

Vinegar

Vinegar is an effective and natural solution for removing ink stains. Soak a clean cloth or sponge in white vinegar and gently blot the stained area. Continue blotting until the ink stain starts to fade. Rinse the clothing with cold water and repeat if necessary.

Milk

Milk can also help remove ink stains from clothes. Soak the stained area in milk for a few hours. Then, gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat if necessary.

Rubbing Alcohol

If the ink stain persists, you can try using rubbing alcohol. Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently dab the stained area. Be careful not to rub the stain further into the fabric. Rinse the clothing with cold water and repeat if necessary.

Commercial Stain Removers

If the above methods don’t work, you can also consider using a commercial stain remover specifically designed for ink stains. Follow the instructions on the product and repeat the process if necessary.

Remember to always test any stain remover or cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.

Final Thoughts

Getting ink out of clothes can be a frustrating task, but with the right techniques and patience, you can successfully remove even stubborn ink stains. Remember to act quickly, avoid heat, and repeat the process if necessary. With these tips, you’ll be able to salvage your favorite garments and keep them looking their best.

FAQ

How can I use hairspray to get ink out of clothes?

To use hairspray to remove ink from clothes, first, lay the stained garment on a clean towel. Then, spray a generous amount of hairspray directly onto the stain. Using a clean cloth, gently dab the area, being careful not to rub the stain further into the fabric. After that, launder the garment as usual.

Does hairspray really work to remove ink stains?

Yes, hairspray can be an effective remedy for removing ink stains from clothes. The alcohol content in hairspray helps break down the ink, making it easier to remove. However, it is important to remember that results may vary depending on the type of fabric and the severity of the stain.

What type of hairspray should I use to remove ink stains?

When using hairspray to get ink out of clothes, it is best to choose a hairspray that contains a higher alcohol content. Look for hairsprays that have “extra hold” or “maximum hold” formulas, as they usually have a higher alcohol concentration.

Can I use hairspray to remove ink stains from all types of fabric?

Hairspray can generally be used to remove ink stains from most types of fabric. However, it is always a good idea to test the hairspray on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before treating the entire stain. Some delicate fabrics may be sensitive to the alcohol content in hairspray and may be damaged by its use.

What should I do if the ink stain doesn’t come out with hairspray?

If the ink stain doesn’t come out with hairspray, don’t panic. There are other methods you can try to remove the stain. One option is to soak the stained garment in a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent for about 30 minutes before laundering as usual. You can also try using rubbing alcohol or a commercial stain remover specifically designed for ink stains.