How to Get an Ink Stain Out of a Nylon Jacket

Ink stains are a common issue that unfortunately, many cannot seem to conquer. There are several home remedies that involve the use of hairspray or other alcohol-containing products. However, these can often cause even more damage to a nylon coat. Regardless if your nylon coat is machine washable or not, it's important to pretreat a black or blue ink stain correctly before tossing it into the washer or scrubbing the jacket by hand in the kitchen sink.

Test any cleaning products on a small, unnoticable section of the jacket. (Image: Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images)

Step 1

Lay the nylon coat on a flat surface. Place a piece of paper towel or washcloth under the stain to prevent any bleeding.

Step 2

Dampen a paper towel or white washcloth with dry cleaning solvent. Place over the affected area and gently blot at it to lift up the stain. Once the dampened paper towel or washcloth begins lifting up the stain and changes color, put it aside.

Step 3

Dampen a second paper towel or white washcloth with dry cleaning solution. Continue to blot at the stain until it's completely eliminated. Change out the dampened paper towel or washcloth as it becomes saturated with the stained liquid. If you continue to use the same paper towel or cloth, the stain will simply transfer back to the nylon coat.

Step 4

Allow the dry cleaning solvent to dry and evaporate fully once the stain is completely eliminated.

Step 5

Rinse the affected area with cool or lukewarm water, then launder according to the label's directions.

Things You'll Need

Paper towels or white washcloths

Dry cleaning solvent

Tip

Test the dry cleaning solvent on an inconspicuous area of the nylon coat, such as near the seam. If no damage or discoloration occurs, continue to use the product. If damage or discoloration does occur, purchase a different brand of dry cleaning solvent.

If the nylon coat is labeled “dry clean only,” do not attempt to treat the stain at home and instead take the jacket to a professional.

Treat a red ink stain with a mixture of 1 tablespoon liquid laundry soap and 1 cup warm water and two to three drops ammonia. Dab the mixture at the stain until it's completely removed.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES Cornell University College of Human Ecology: Removing Stains at Home University of Missouri Extension: Stain Removal from Washable Fabrics