Clorox.com | Remove Ballpoint Ink Stains

The pen is mightier than the sword, but you don’t have to let tough ink stains defeat your favorite shirt.

On the go
- It’s hard to remove ink stains on the go, but you can make it easier to deal with later. Try rubbing in a little hand sanitizer, working from outside in to help prevent stain from spreading. Blot to lift up the ink, repeating as needed. Then rub with regular bar soap and rinse in cold water.
At home
- Pretreat with a good solvent, then wash on the hottest recommended water setting along with your favorite detergent.
- Use Clorox® Regular-Bleach for whites, repeat as needed, and check for success before drying.

On the go
- It’s hard to remove ink stains on the go, but you can make it easier to deal with later. Try rubbing in a little hand sanitizer, working from outside in to help prevent stain from spreading. Blot to lift up the ink, repeating as needed. Then rub with regular bar soap and rinse in cold water.
At home
- Pretreat with a good solvent, then wash on the hottest recommended water setting along with your favorite detergent.
- Use Clorox 2® Stain Fighter and Color Booster for colors or Clorox® Bleach Pen® Gel for striped clothing. Repeat as needed, and check for success before drying.