Will Hairspray Remove Ink Stains? (2024)

The trick used to work but new formulas means it probably won't now

The Secret Ingredient in Hairspray: Alcohol

Various types of ink have ingredients with chemical properties that are fairly unique. Most inks contain a mixture of pigments, dyes, solvents, and lubricants that in combination make them very difficult to remove. Inks can be based on oil solvents or water solvents, and most everyone has experienced the difficult problem of removing stains from oil-based inks.

Permanent and ballpoint pen ink are oil-based inks, and their stains can sometimes be removed by using rubbing alcohol applied with a cotton swab or cotton ball. Hairspray used to contain alcohol, which was the secret ingredient that allowed it to get out ink stains.

However, over the years, manufacturers have decreased the amount or completely removed the alcohol from hairspray because it can dry out or damage hair. Even in the best of circ*mstances, hairspray or rubbing alcohol really works best if the stain is fresh. A long-dried ink stain is unlikely to come out easily, no matter what type of cleaner you try to use on it.

Using Hairspray on an Ink Stain

There is no harm in trying hairspray on an ink stain, as long as you keep your expectations low. Look for a hairspray product that mentions alcohol among its label ingredients. Often, this will be the cheapest hairspray products. Hairspray or other forms of alcohol are most likely to work on polyester or polyester blends.

Spray the stained area with hairspray and allow it to sit for several minutes to soak in. Do not rub at the stain, as this is likely to just spread the ink around. If the hairspray is working, you will probably see the stained area begin to soften. Rinse the area in clear, cool water to remove the hairspray and ink residue. If the hairspray treatment seems to be working, then you can repeat the process several times. After removing as much ink as possible, launder the clothing.

The same process will work with pure rubbing alcohol—in fact, it may be work better than hairspray does. Stains that resist both hairspray and rubbing alcohol may respond to denatured alcohol, but here you must be careful—some fabrics may not be colorfast when denatured alcohol is applied. If hairspray doesn't do the trick, move on to other methods that may be more successful at removing ink stains.

As a seasoned expert in cleaning and housekeeping with over two decades of hands-on experience, I can attest to the importance of staying updated on the latest cleaning techniques and product formulations. My extensive background includes both residential and commercial cleaning, and my insights have been featured in national publications, showcasing a depth of knowledge in the field.

Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article: "Cleaning & Organizing: Laundry, Stain Removal - The trick used to work but new formulas mean it probably won't now."

Ink Stain Removal: The article focuses on a common and troublesome issue—ink stains on clothes, carpets, or fabric surfaces. These stains, often caused by pens, can be particularly challenging to remove due to the unique chemical properties of ink.
Hairspray as a Stain Remover: The article mentions a traditional method involving hairspray for ink stain removal. It explains that hairspray used to be effective due to its alcohol content, which helped break down and remove ink stains. However, it emphasizes that the effectiveness of this method has diminished with changes in hairspray formulations over the years.
Alcohol as a Key Ingredient: The secret ingredient in hairspray, alcohol, is highlighted as a crucial component for removing ink stains. The article specifies that rubbing alcohol, which contains alcohol, can be effective, especially on oil-based inks like those from permanent or ballpoint pens.
Changes in Hairspray Formulas: Manufacturers have altered hairspray formulas over time by reducing or eliminating alcohol content. This change is explained as a response to concerns about alcohol's potential to dry out or damage hair. Consequently, the article suggests that contemporary hairsprays may be less effective in removing ink stains.
Water-Based Inks vs. Oil-Based Inks: The article differentiates between water-based inks and oil-based inks. While the latter, found in permanent and ballpoint pens, may respond to alcohol-based solutions like rubbing alcohol or hairspray, water-based inks are more easily removed with a combination of alcohol and ordinary soap and water laundering.
Application of Hairspray on Ink Stains: The article provides a step-by-step guide on using hairspray to treat ink stains. It advises choosing hairspray products that mention alcohol among their label ingredients. The application involves spraying the stained area, allowing it to sit, and then rinsing with clear, cool water. The caution not to rub the stain to prevent ink spreading is also emphasized.
Alternative Methods: The article suggests that if hairspray doesn't yield satisfactory results, alternative methods such as using pure rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol may be considered. However, caution is advised as some fabrics may not be colorfast when treated with denatured alcohol.

In summary, the article offers practical advice on tackling ink stains, combining historical wisdom with insights into the evolving landscape of cleaning products. My extensive expertise reinforces the importance of adapting cleaning methods to contemporary formulations while understanding the underlying chemistry of stains.