How To Get Tattoo Ink Out Of Clothes | 7 methods to clean ink stains

There’s nothing like the feeling of getting a new tattoo. You walk out of the tattoo parlor and head home, ready to show off your fresh ink!

However, what often ends up happening is that in addition to showing off your new tattoo, you end up showing off a couple of tattoo stains on your clothes, too. Those pesky stains can be an eyesore that’s tough to get out.

Obviously, the best thing is to wear old clothes for your tattoo session, but when damage is done, not all is lost!

If you notice your tattoo ink has leaked on your clothes, try washing the ink off immediately. You can also use rubbing alcohol, toothpaste, vinegar, nail polish remover, hairspray, or baking soda.

Method 1: Wash the Ink Off Right Away

The best method for getting tattoo ink out of clothes is to use plain old soap and water. For this method, all you have to do is apply a 50/50 soap and water solution to the tattoo ink stain and allow it to sit for about ten minutes. 

Once the time is up, gently scrub the area with a clean cloth. Then, rinse off the remaining residue and hang dry your clothes. 

Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol

If soap and water don’t work, you can try using rubbing alcohol. For this method, just soak the tattoo ink stain in rubbing alcohol for about five minutes. 

Once the time is up, wash the clothes on a cold water cycle. Allow the clothing to dry completely before you wear them again. 

Method 3: Use Toothpaste

Another method for getting tattoo ink out of clothing is toothpaste. For this method, squeeze a quarter-sized blob of toothpaste onto the tattoo ink stains. 

Then, massage the toothpaste into the stain. If you notice a faint residue on the clothing you can soak it in vinegar and water for a few minutes. 

Rinse the clothing with water once you’re done to remove the toothpaste. Remember that you may also need to repeat the process a couple of times.

Method 4: White Vinegar

We’ve already mentioned white vinegar to help out in the other methods, but white vinegar alone can help get tattoo ink out of your clothing!

To use vinegar to remove the stains, start by filling a spray bottle with a mixture of one part water and one part vinegar. Then, spray the mixture onto the stain and allow it to sit for two to three minutes. 

You’ll notice that the stain slowly starts to fade, usually from the bottom up. With a cotton ball swap, gently dab away the remaining ink. 

Once you’ve got all the ink out of the clothes, rinse the garment with water. Then, hang dry the clothing before you wear them again. 

Method 5: Nail Polish Remover

If you want to get tattoo ink out of your clothes you can use nail polish remover to do so. Nail polish remover breaks down the pigment particles making it easier for you to get them out of your fabrics. 

To clean tattoo ink out of your clothes using nail polish remover, all you have to do is soak the article of clothes in nail polish remover. We recommend adding a drop or two of acetone to help get the ink out more quickly. 

After about ten minutes, gently scrub the stain with a toothbrush. Then, wash the clothing in the laundry machine with your regular washing. 

Method 6: Hairspray

Another tried and true method for getting tattoo ink out of clothing is to use hairspray. For this method, spray the tattoo ink stain with hairspray. 

Then, take a toothbrush and gently scrub the stain. You’ll need to scrub the stain but shouldn’t work it too hard as you don’t want to damage the garment.

After scrubbing the stain and getting the ink up, put the garment into the washing machine and add your favorite eco-friendly laundry detergent. When the clothes come out of the washer, you can put them in the dryer and then wear them as usual. 

Method 7: Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most natural ways to get tattoo ink out of your clothes, which is why we love it! If you’re going to use this method, just make sure to scrape as much of the tattoo ink off the clothing BEFORE you apply baking soda. 

Once you’ve got the majority of the ink off the clothes, sprinkle the stain with baking soda. Then, dampen the stain with a little bit of water and use a towel to gently blot the tattoo ink stains. 

Let the baking soda and water solution rest on the stain. After about ten minutes, wash the baking soda with your regular laundry. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have a few questions about getting tattoo ink out clothes? We’ve got some answers!

What can dissolve tattoo ink?

There are several different substances that can dissolve tattoo ink. However, acetone-based products like nail polish remover tend to be one of the easiest ways to dissolve the pigment.

Does vinegar remove tattoo ink?

Yes! If you need to get tattoo ink out of clothing, vinegar is a great and natural way to remove the stain. Just make sure to dilute the vinegar with water so that it doesn’t damage your clothes!

Can you get black ink out of clothes?

Regardless of which color ink your tattoo consists of, any of the above methods work well for lifting the pigment out of clothing.