How to Get Highlighter Out of Clothes? Remove Stains Like a Pro

To get highlighter out of clothes, apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and blot the stain. Then, wash the garment in cold water with laundry detergent.

Stains from highlighters can be stubborn, but with a few simple steps, you can remove them from your clothes without causing any damage to the fabric. Highlighters are a popular tool for underlining important information in textbooks, but they can be messy and leave stains on your clothes.

Whether you accidentally got highlighter on your clothes or your child was a little too enthusiastic with his or her new set of markers, you can easily remove the stains using common household items. We’ll explore the most effective methods for getting highlighter out of clothes, so you can wear your favorite shirt or dress again without any unsightly stains.

Identifying Highlighter Stains

Getting highlighter stains out of clothes can be a challenge, but there are a few simple steps you can take. First, identify the type of fabric and the color of the stain. Then, apply a stain remover and wash the garment as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting in.

Identifying Highlighter Stains:

Highlighters are popular writing tools with vibrant colors that make texts pop out on paper. However, if some of the highlighter ink gets on your clothes accidentally, it can be tough to remove. The best way to get highlighter stains out of clothes is to identify the type of highlighter and the fabric affected by the ink. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at different highlighter types and the fabrics they affect.

Different Highlighter Types

Not all highlighters are the same. Some have water-based ink, while others are permanent. The type of highlighter in question will determine the removal method to use. Here are some common types of highlighter pens:

• Water-based highlighters – these highlighters have a water-soluble ink that is easy to remove
• Gel-based highlighters – made with gel ink, these tend to leave oily stains on clothes
• Permanent highlighters – these contain solvent-based ink that is difficult to remove and can leave permanent stains

Each of these highlighter types requires a different approach to clean the ink stains from clothes.

Fabrics Affected by Highlighter Ink

Highlighter ink can be absorbed quickly by some fabrics, while it sits on top of others. Therefore, it’s essential to know which fabrics are most affected by highlighter ink to take proper action. Here are some fabrics that highlighter ink can affect:

• Cotton – this fabric absorbs ink quickly and can be challenging to remove the stain
• Polyester – unlike cotton, polyester repels ink, making it easier to remove
• Silk – silk is delicate, and rubbing it can cause damage, so it’s essential to be gentle while removing the stain

Knowing how different fabrics react to highlighter ink is crucial to successfully removing stains. If you’re unsure about the type of fabric, check the clothing label for specific care instructions.

In Conclusion:

Identifying highlighter stains is essential in finding the right method to remove them from clothes. By examining the type of highlighter and the fabric affected by ink, you can choose the appropriate cleaning approach. Remember, fast action is the key to success when it comes to highlighter stains. The longer the ink stays on the fabric, the harder it’ll be to remove the stain.

How to Get Highlighter Out of Clothes? Remove Stains Like a Pro

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Pre-treating Highlighter Stains

To pre-treat highlighter stains on clothes, use a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the mixture directly to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, wash the clothing with cold water and air dry.

Pre-treating Highlighter Stains

Accidentally staining your clothes with a highlighter can be frustrating. The vivid neon colors can be difficult to remove, and if not treated promptly, the stain can become permanent. Thankfully, with some quick action and the right approach, you can remove highlighter stains from your clothes with ease. One of the crucial steps in removing highlighter stains is pre-treating the affected area before washing the garment. In this article, we’ll go over three effective pre-treating techniques: scraping the stain, blotting the stain, and applying a detergent and water mixture.

Scraping The Stain

If the highlighter stain is still wet, the first step is to scrape off excess ink from the fabric. Take a spoon or a knife, and as gently as possible, scrape away any excess ink from the surface of the fabric. Be careful not to push the ink deeper into the fibers of the fabric as this can make the stain harder to remove. Once you have removed as much of the ink as possible, move onto the next pre-treatment step.

Blotting The Stain

Next, blotting is a simple yet effective method to remove highlighter stains. Take a clean white cloth or paper towel and blot the stain working from the outside towards the center of the stain. Make sure to use a white cloth or paper towel to avoid transferring the dye to another section of the garment. Continue blotting until the stain is no longer transferring to the cloth.

Applying Detergent & Water Mixture

This method is great for older or set-in stains. Mix one tablespoon of a gentle liquid detergent with two cups of cool water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and apply it to the stain, gently rubbing the fabric. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool water. If the stain persists, repeat this step until the stain is no longer visible.

In conclusion, removing highlighter stains may not be the simplest task, but it is achievable. Pre-treating the stain is an essential step to tackle it. Start by scraping off any excess ink, blotting the stain, and applying a detergent and water mixture. Take action quickly, and you’ll be able to save your garment from permanent staining.

Using Specific Cleaning Agents

Highlighters are a fantastic invention that makes studying and reading a lot easier. Unfortunately, they can also be a nightmare if you accidentally end up with highlighter stains on your clothes. In such cases, it is important to treat the stain as soon as possible, and one effective way is by using specific cleaning agents. Under this method, there are three agents that can work wonders in cleaning highlighter stains from clothes – rubbing alcohol/surgical spirit, vinegar, and baking soda & hydrogen peroxide.


Rubbing Alcohol/surgical Spirit

Rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit is a versatile cleaning solution that can help remove various stains, including highlighter stains. The alcohol acts as a solvent, breaking down the highlighter ink and making it easier to clean off the fabric’s surface. Here’s how to use rubbing alcohol:

  1. Get a clean, white cloth and dampen it with rubbing alcohol.
  2. Gently blot the stain with the cloth, being careful not to rub too hard. Rubbing too harshly can spread the stain further into the fabric.
  3. Rinse the affected area with warm water and repeat the process until the stain disappears.
  4. Wash the garment as usual but using cold water. Do not use hot water as it can set the stain in the fabric.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another cleaning agent that can effectively remove highlighter stains from clothes. The acetic acid in white vinegar helps break down and dissolve the ink in the fabric fibers. Here’s the process of using vinegar:

  1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Blot the stain with a clean cloth until it disappears.
  4. Rinse the garment with cold water to remove any leftover vinegar solution.
  5. Wash the garment as usual but using cold water.

Read Next: How to get fabric softener stains out of clothes?

Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide form an excellent stain-removing combo. Baking soda breaks down the stain, and hydrogen peroxide eliminates it. Here’s how to use this combo:

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a small bowl.
  2. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Gently rub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush.
  4. Rinse the garment with cold water to remove any leftover solution.
  5. Wash the garment as usual in cold water.

Using specific cleaning agents can effectively remove highlighter stains from clothes. However, it is essential to treat the stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in the fabric. Whether you use rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and wash the garment in cold water.

Spot Cleaning The Stain

To get highlighter out of clothes, spot cleaning is key. Dampen the stain with rubbing alcohol and blot with a clean cloth until the stain disappears. Repeat if necessary and wash as usual.

When it comes to removing stains from clothes, it’s important to act quickly as the longer the stain is left untreated, the harder it is to remove. In this section, we’ll cover the steps to spot clean a highlighter stain using a soft toothbrush and a stain remover.

Brushing The Stain With A Soft Toothbrush

To begin, lay the stained garment on a flat surface and gently brush the stain with a soft toothbrush to remove any excess highlighter ink. Make sure not to scrub too hard as this can result in the stain spreading further and becoming more difficult to remove.

Using Stain Remover

Once you have removed as much of the highlighter ink as possible, it’s time to apply a stain remover to the affected area. There are several types of stain removers available, including enzymatic cleaners, oxygen-based cleaners, and solvent-based cleaners. Choose what works best for you.

First, test a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to make sure the stain remover won’t cause any damage or discoloration. Once you’ve confirmed that it’s safe to proceed, apply the stain remover to the stain, following the instructions on the product label. Let the stain remover sit on the stain for the recommended amount of time to allow it to penetrate the fabric fibres.

Finally, wash the garment in the washing machine on the hottest cycle recommended on the care label. Check the fabric care label to ensure that the garment can be washed at a high temperature.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you should be able to remove highlighter stains from your clothes with ease. Just remember to act quickly, use the right cleaning products, and take care not to damage the fabric.

Machine Washing The Clothes

If you accidentally stain your clothes with highlighter, don’t worry! There are plenty of methods for removing it without having to throw away your favorite shirt or dress. While hand washing is always an option, machine washing can be equally effective, provided you follow the right steps.

Washing Clothes Separately

The first thing you’ll want to do when removing highlighter stains from clothes is to wash them separately from other clothes. Highlighters can be notorious for spreading, so you don’t want to risk the stain spreading to other items in the wash.

Program & Water Temperature

When it comes to machine washing clothes with highlighter stains, it’s important to choose the right program and water temperature. We recommend selecting the delicate or gentle cycle, which will prevent the stain from spreading and minimize the risk of damage to your clothes. In terms of water temperature, use cool water rather than warm or hot water, as high temperatures can set the stain.

Using Appropriate Detergent

Finally, make sure to use an appropriate detergent when attempting to remove highlighter stains from clothes. Opt for a detergent that is designed explicitly for stain removal, or one that contains enzymes that can break down the stain. Alternatively, you can also add some baking soda or vinegar to the wash if you don’t have a specialized detergent on hand.

With these tips, you should be able to successfully remove highlighter stains from clothes in the wash. Just remember to always read the care label on your clothes before attempting to remove any stains and to wash them gently to avoid causing any additional damage.

How to Get Highlighter Out of Clothes? Remove Stains Like a Pro

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Drying The Clothes

After treating the highlighted stain on your clothing, it’s time to dry your clothes. Drying stained clothes is a crucial step to ensure that the stain is entirely removed from your garment. How to dry your clothes significantly affects the stain removal process.

Line Drying Vs Tumble Drying

When drying your stained clothes, always choose line drying over tumble drying. Line drying your clothes is the most effective way to dry them without any damage or discoloration. Additionally, it helps to remove any remaining stains and will not heat set the stain into the fabric.

Tumble drying involves placing your clothes in a dryer, where they spin and dry through the application of high heat. However, this method should be avoided as it can lead to permanent stains, plus the high heat can set the stain into the fabric forever.

Preventing Residue/dye Transfer

To prevent residue and dye transfer when line drying, always make sure to hang the garments appropriately. This can be done by putting them outside on a clothesline or indoors on a drying rack. By hanging the clothes correctly, you prevent possible damage to the fabric caused by using pins or other fasteners that may mark or stretch the material.

Once the clothes have dried, make sure to check the stain carefully. If staining remains, repeat the process from treating with the appropriate method, even before attempting to iron the garment.

To summarize, always choose the best drying method when removing highlighted stains from your clothing. Line drying your clothes is the most effective method to avoid any damage or discoloration. By ensuring no residue or dye transfer while drying, you can guarantee a stain-free result, leaving you with a clean and fresh garment.

How to Get Highlighter Out of Clothes? Remove Stains Like a Pro

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Frequently Asked Questions For How To Get Highlighter Out Of Clothes?

Does Highlighter Come Out Of Clothes?

Yes, highlighter can come out of clothes. You can try removing it with rubbing alcohol, a stain remover, or a mixture of vinegar and dish soap. It’s important to act quickly and blot instead of rubbing to avoid spreading the stain.

How Do You Remove Highlighter Marks?

To remove highlighter marks, you can use rubbing alcohol or bleach. Apply a small amount of either solution to a cotton ball or Q-tip and gently dab the stain. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary. You can also use a white eraser or baking soda mixed with water as an alternative method.

Does Bic Highlighter Come Out Of Clothes?

Yes, Bic highlighter can come out of clothes. You can try using rubbing alcohol or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove the stain. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first and follow the care instructions on the clothing label.

Does Highlighter Come Off Easy?

Yes, highlighter typically comes off easily with the use of wet wipes or a damp cloth. Rubbing alcohol or vinegar can also effectively remove highlighter stains from clothing or surfaces.

Conclusion

Removing highlighter stains from clothes can be a daunting task. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can successfully remove stubborn stains and keep your clothes looking new. Whether you opt for natural remedies or commercial stain removers, it’s vital to act fast and take necessary precautions to prevent irreversible damage to your clothes.

By following the steps highlighted in this guide, you can easily remove highlighter stains from your clothes and preserve their quality. Always remember to test products on a small area first and seek professional help for delicate fabrics.

Hi, I'm Robert Jameson. I'm a textile engineer. As a textile engineer, I design & create fabric. When I'm not busy with my family members, I research, write, and edit content for Fabric Fits.

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