Marker pen on fabric
Short answer: Water-based ink comes out with cold water and detergent. Permanent ink needs spirit and rarely comes out completely, especially on light fabric. First find out which kind of ink it is, because that decides the whole approach.
Two kinds of ink
Ink comes in two main types, and they behave very differently in fabric. One is dissolved in water and can be rinsed out again. The other is dissolved in an organic agent and bonds to the fibre straight away. So you always start by working out what you are dealing with.
How to tell them apart
Water-based ink rubs off on a damp finger if you press lightly on the stain. Permanent ink does not. Also check the pen if you can find it, because the barrel usually says what it is meant for. If you are unsure, treat it as water-based first and see what happens.
Water-based ink
Water-based ink is dissolved in water and can therefore be rinsed out, as long as it has not dried in. Treat the stain quickly. The sooner you start, the better the chance that it comes out completely. Do not wait for the next wash, because drying makes it harder.
How to rinse
Rinse the stain cold from the wrong side so the ink is pushed out of the fabric and not further in. Then add a little liquid detergent and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse again and check the result. Water-based ink usually comes out completely. Also see bamboo shirts for women.
Permanent ink
Permanent ink is dissolved in an organic agent and bonds to the fibre straight away, so water is not enough here. You need an agent that can dissolve the ink again, and the most accessible one is household spirit. Expect patience and several rounds, and that the result is not always perfect.
How to use spirit
Dab household spirit onto the stain from the wrong side while a piece of kitchen roll lies under the fabric. The ink then moves into the paper. Change the paper often so the ink does not wander back. Dab instead of rubbing, or the stain spreads. Also see bamboo tennis socks for women and bamboo sweatshirt for men.
Expect a shadow
Permanent ink rarely comes out completely, and on light fabric a faint shadow often remains. It does not mean you did anything wrong. The ink has bonded to the fibre, and part of the colour stays put. Dark fabric hides what is left of the stain better than light fabric does.
Avoid acetone
Some people suggest acetone because it seems strong. It can damage the fibre, though, and leave the fabric rough or discoloured. Use household spirit instead, which is milder, and always try a hidden spot first, for example inside a seam. That way you see how the fabric reacts before you treat the stain itself.
After the treatment
Once the stain has lightened as far as it will, rinse the spot cold and wash the garment with liquid detergent following the care label. Check the stain before you hang the garment up or dry it. If something is left, repeat the treatment. Drying can set a remnant so it is harder to remove.
Frequently asked questions
How do you know which ink it is
Water-based ink rubs off on a damp finger if you press lightly on the stain. Permanent ink does not, and then you need household spirit instead of water.
Does permanent ink come out completely
Rarely. Expect a faint shadow, especially on light fabric. Repeated treatments with spirit can lighten the stain, but it does not always disappear entirely.
Can you use acetone
It can damage the fibre and leave the fabric rough or discoloured. Try household spirit first, and always test a hidden spot before you treat the stain itself.
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