How to Get Ink Out of a Cotton Shirt: Fresh & Dried Stains

How to Get Ink Out of a Cotton Shirt

Ink stains on a cotton shirt can be frustrating, but you can often remove them with common household items. The key is to act quickly and use the right method for fresh versus dried stains. This guide covers both, using mild dish soap and baking soda—safe and effective for cotton.

What to Do First

If the ink is fresh, blot the stain gently with a clean white cloth or paper towel to absorb as much ink as possible. Do not rub, as this can spread the ink and push it deeper into the fibers. If the ink has dried, scrape off any excess with a dull knife or spoon.

Readers may also find How to Get Ink Out of a Wool Rug: Fresh & Dried Stains, How to Get Tea Stains Out of a Wool Rug, and How to Get Tea Stains Out of a Cotton Tablecloth useful. For more stories like this, browse our Surface Safety section.

Fresh Ink Stains

For fresh ink on cotton, follow these steps:

1. Blot the stain with a clean white cloth to remove excess ink.
2. Rinse the stained area with cool water from the back of the fabric to push the ink out.
3. Apply a small amount of mild liquid dish soap directly to the stain.
4. Gently work the soap into the fabric with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
5. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
7. Launder the shirt as usual, using the warmest water safe for the fabric.

Dried Ink Stains

For dried ink, the method is slightly different:

1. Scrape off any dried ink with a dull knife or spoon.
2. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water.
3. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Gently rub the paste into the stain with a soft cloth or brush.
5. Rinse with cool water.
6. Follow the dish soap steps from the fresh stain method.
7. Launder as usual.

What Not to Do