Laundry Stains
How to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Ink Stain from a Cotton Shirt
Ballpoint pen ink on a cotton shirt can leave a stubborn blue mark, but you can lift it with rubbing alcohol and dish soap. Here's a practical guide for fresh and dried stains, with cotton-specific precautions.
Ballpoint pen ink on a cotton shirt can leave a stubborn blue or black mark. The good news is that most fresh ink stains come out with rubbing alcohol and a little patience. Dried ink takes more work, but it is still possible to remove.
Cotton is a sturdy, absorbent fabric, which means it soaks up ink quickly. That also means you can use stronger solvents like rubbing alcohol without worrying about melting fibers. Still, you need to test any product on a hidden seam first to make sure the color stays put.
Readers may also find How to Remove Hard Water Spots from a Chrome Faucet, How to Remove a Set-In Blood Stain from a Cotton Mattress, and How to Remove Hard Water Stains from a Glass Shower Door useful. For more stories like this, browse our Surface Safety section.
What to Do First
Act as soon as you notice the stain. Fresh ink is much easier to lift than dried ink. If the ink is still wet, blot it gently with a clean white cloth or paper towel to soak up as much as possible. Do not rub, because that spreads the ink deeper into the fibers.
Place a clean cloth or paper towel under the stained area. This prevents the ink from transferring to the back of the shirt as you work.