Highlighters are useful tools for studying and annotating documents, but they can also create stubborn stains when they come in contact with clothing. Getting highlighter out of clothes can be tricky, but it is possible with a few simple methods. Here are three easy ways to remove highlighter stains from fabric.
Test For Colorfastness
Before trying to remove a highlighter stain, first check if the fabric is colorfast. Take a small, hidden area of the garment, like an inside seam, and dab it with a bit of rubbing alcohol using a cotton ball or white cloth. If any dye transfers onto the cotton, the fabric is not colorfast. Trying to remove the stain could cause the color to bleed and spread, making the problem worse. If the test area shows no color transfer, it is safe to proceed.
Use Alcohol or Hairspray
One of the most effective methods for highlighter stain removal is using alcohol or hairspray containing alcohol. Both help break down and dissolve the inks in the highlighter.
To use rubbing alcohol, lay the stained fabric flat on a layer of paper towels. Dab the stain directly with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol, pressing down firmly. Check the paper towels underneath for ink transfer to ensure the alcohol is lifting the stain. Continue dabbing and pressing until no more color comes up. Rinse the area with cool water and launder as usual to remove any alcohol residue.
Hairspray can work similarly when sprayed directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a minute or two to penetrate the fabric. Then dab at the stain with a clean cloth, alternating with occasional spritzes of hairspray as needed. Rinse thoroughly before washing. The alcohol content combined with the styling polymers in hairspray help break down the stain.
Use Non-Chlorine Bleach
For tough highlighter stains on white or colorfast fabrics, try using oxygen bleach or non-chlorine bleach. Check the product label to ensure it does not contain chlorine, which can damage fabrics.
Make a concentrated paste of oxygen bleach powder and cool water. Apply it thickly over the stained area and let it sit for up to an hour, keeping the fabric wet. Rinse thoroughly and check if the stain has lifted. Repeat if needed, allowing the fabric to dry in between applications. Launder as usual once removed.
For convenience, look for non-chlorine bleach spray bottles. Simply spray the stain generously and let sit before rinsing and washing. The potassium monopersulfate in oxygen bleach helps lift both stains and dyes without the harshness of chlorine bleach.
Tips for Highlighter Stain Removal
- Act quickly for best results removing dried highlighter stains.
- Avoid using hot water, as heat can set stains. Always start with cool water.
- Place paper towels or cloth underneath to absorb released ink when dabbing stains.
- Turn fabric often and change paper towels as they become saturated.
- Rinse thoroughly after stain removal treatments before washing as usual.
- For delicate fabrics, test removal methods first on inside seams.
- If stains persist, take clothes to a professional dry cleaner for stronger solvents.
- Soaking stubborn stains in rubbing alcohol or non-chlorine bleach may help.
With some patience and targeted treatments, you can get rid of annoying highlighter stains from clothing and save your favorite pieces. Always start gently and increase strength as needed based on the fabric. Avoiding hot water and chlorine bleach prevents damage so stains come out cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get dried highlighter stains out?
For dried or set-in stains, start by soaking the fabric in rubbing alcohol or non-chlorine bleach to loosen the ink. Then dab and press the stain repeatedly with alcohol or spray with hairspray. Act quickly for best results on old stains.
Can I use chlorine bleach on highlighter stains?
Avoid chlorine bleach, as it can damage or discolor fabrics. Instead opt for oxygen bleach or non-chlorine bleach alternatives that lift stains safely. Always check fabric care labels first.
What household products work to remove highlighter?
Rubbing alcohol, hairspray, oxygen bleach, and lemon juice can all help break down and lift highlighter stains without harming fabrics. Avoid acetone or nail polish remover, which may damage fabrics.
How do you get highlighter out of white clothes?
For white fabrics, non-chlorine bleach is highly effective at removing set-in highlighter stains. Make a paste and apply it directly to the stain, letting it sit for up to an hour before rinsing.
Does vinegar remove highlighter stains?
Vinegar is not the best option for highlighter stains, as its acidity can set the stain. Opt for alcohol, hairspray, or non-chlorine bleach instead for the best results removing highlighter.
Conclusion
Removing highlighter stains quickly using alcohol, hairspray, or oxygen bleach can help salvage clothing with this common study frustration. Always test delicate fabrics first and avoid using hot water or chlorine bleach. With some persistence and the right removal methods, you can erase tough highlighter stains and save your clothes.