Ink Stain SOS
Ethan Sullivan
| 06-06-2025
· Lifestyle team
Hey Lykkers! Have you ever had that moment where you’re wearing your favorite colorful shirt and—bam!—an ink stain crashes the party? Total nightmare, right? But don’t sweat it. I’ve got your back with two super effective hacks to zap that ink out without ruining your bright clothes. Let’s dive in!

Hack #1: Dish Soap + Baking Soda Paste

Okay, first up: dish soap + baking soda paste. This stuff is like a ninja when it comes to breaking down ink stains, especially those pesky ballpoint pen marks.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mild dish soap
- Baking soda
- Water
How to tackle the stain:
1. Mix equal parts dish soap and baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste directly to the ink stain and gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft toothbrush.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse with cold water and wash normally.
Why it works:
The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda combined with dish soap breaks down the ink and lifts it from fabric fibers.
Pro tip: Always test on a small hidden spot first to avoid any color fading.

Hack #2: The Surprising Milk Soak

This one sounds a bit weird, but trust me—milk isn’t just for cereal. It actually has gentle enzymes that help loosen ink stains without fading your colors.
Here’s what you need:
- A bowl of milk (full-fat works best)
- Mild detergent
Here’s the plan:
1. Pour some milk into a bowl and submerge the ink-stained part of your clothing.
2. Let it soak overnight. Yes, patience is key here.
3. Next morning, gently rub the fabric around the stain and rinse it off with cold water.
4. Finally, wash it with your usual mild detergent.
Why it works: Milk’s natural enzymes gently break down the ink pigments, lifting the stain without harsh chemicals that can damage your colorful clothes.

Quick Heads Up Before You Start

Always do a quick test on a small hidden part of your fabric first, just to make sure the colors don’t bleed or get damaged. Better safe than sorry!

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! Two easy, effective hacks to rescue your favorite colored clothes from those annoying ink stains. Whether you go dish soap + baking soda route or try the milk soak, these tricks will save your day—and your wardrobe.
Got any stubborn stains that just won’t quit? Hit me up! I’m always here with more hacks and tips to keep your clothes looking fresh and fabulous.