Ink stains can be one of the more difficult types of stains to tackle at home. If you get ink on a dry-clean only garment, do  not attempt to remove this stain, you will need a great dry cleaning company.

The issue with ink stains is that there are many formulations of ink. Ink can be water based, oil based or permanent. Water based inks are the easiest to remove. Permanent ink (like a Sharpie) almost impossible.

These tips are for washable garments only, please check the garment care label and if it only has symbols, consult this link. Jeeves Care Label Poster (http://drycleaningtips NULL.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Jeeves-Care-Label-Poster NULL.pdf)

To remove ink from your garment:

• Check the care label for washing instructions, then follow the instructions below.
• If dry clean only, bring your garment to the best dry cleaner you can find.
• You will need a solvent to treat the ink before washing. Rubbing alcohol, high-proof vodka or hand sanitizer are good choices.
• With an ear swab, in an unexposed part of your garment, dab a bit of the solvent on the fabric. Let sit for five minutes, if this area did not discolor, you are safe.
• Put a folded paper towel under the ink stain, and apply the solvent to the ink stain using an ear swab. Do not rub the stain.
• Apply a folded paper towel to the top of the stain. You want to absorb as much of the ink into the paper towel so that it does not spread. Repeat this procedure with clean paper towels until the ink no longer transfers.
• Remove the paper towels and discard, wait five minutes.
• Put a small amount of laundry detergent directly on the ink stain, allow to sit for five minutes.
• Wash the garment according to the care instructions.
• At the end of the wash cycle, check to see if the ink was removed. If the ink remains, do not put your garment in the dryer, it will set the stain. Repeat the steps above.
• If a small amount of ink remains, treat the stain with hydrogen peroxide*. Allow to sit for 30 minutes before re-washing.
• If the ink still has not come out, it may be permanent, if this is a garment you love, consult the best dry cleaner in your area as they have ink removal solutions that are for professional use only.

If you have an garment that is dry clean only with an ink stain and live in the NYC area, Jeeves New York (https://www NULL.jeevesny NULL.com/) maybe able to assist you. Not every ink stain can be removed from every garment. Ink stain removal even for Jeeves is difficult and the success rate depends on the type of ink and the fabric/dye of the garment.

If you need the services of Jeeves New York, we are at your service. (https://www NULL.jeevesny NULL.com/contact/)

*3% hydrogen peroxide can be purchased in your local drug store and it is usually in the First Aid aisle; a bottle is inexpensive and it works like magic. Sometimes you can find hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle, which makes applying even easier.

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