Spilled highlighter on your clothes? Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a permanent disaster. With a few simple steps, you can remove highlighter from clothes quickly and easily. However, it’s important to act promptly as the longer the stain stays, the more difficult it will be to remove. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and take action as soon as possible.
Before attempting any removal methods, it’s crucial to determine the type of highlighter used. Highlighters come in two main types: water-based and oil-based. Identifying the type will help you choose the most effective removal method. If you’re unsure of the type, it’s usually safe to assume it’s water-based. Once you’ve identified the highlighter type, you can proceed with the appropriate removal technique.
For water-based highlighters, the simplest and most commonly used method involves rubbing alcohol. Simply apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and gently dab at the stain. Avoid scrubbing, as this can spread the stain. If the stain persists, you can try using a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water. Alternatively, you can use hairspray as a substitute for rubbing alcohol, as it contains similar ingredients.
Removing Highlighter From Washable Fabrics
Removing highlighter from washable fabrics can be a bit tricky, but it is possible. The key is to act quickly and use the right cleaning agents. Here are a few steps you can follow:
1. Act Quickly
The sooner you start removing the highlighter, the better your chances of success. Time is of the essence to prevent the color from setting into the fabric.
Before attempting any cleaning methods, blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth. AVOID rubbing, as this can spread the stain further.
Rinse the stained area with cold water to remove surface highlighter. Test an inconspicuous area of the garment with the cleaning agent before using it on the stain.
2. Select the Right Cleaning Agent
Depending on the type of highlighter and fabric, different cleaning agents may be effective. Here are some options to consider:
| Fabric Type | Cleaning Agent |
|---|---|
| White Cotton | Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (diluted with water) |
| Colored Cotton | Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) |
| Synthetic Fabrics | WD-40 or hairspray (test on an inconspicuous area first) |
| Silk or Wool | Use a professional dry cleaner |
3. Apply the Cleaning Agent
Apply a small amount of the chosen cleaning agent to a clean cloth or cotton swab. Blot the stain gently, working from the outside in. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. Avoid over-saturating the fabric.
Using Commercial Highlighter Removers
Commercial highlighter removers are specifically designed to remove highlighter ink from fabrics. They are available in both liquid and pen form, and are typically applied to the affected area and left to sit for a few minutes before being washed away. Follow the specific instructions on the product for best results. Here are some popular commercial highlighter removers:
| Product | Type |
|---|---|
| Tide Stain Remover | Liquid |
| Shout Triple-Acting Spray | Liquid |
| Mr. Clean Magic Eraser | Sponge |
| Goo Gone | Liquid |
| OxiClean MaxForce Spray | Liquid |
It’s important to note that commercial highlighter removers may contain harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area of the garment before using it on the entire stained area. Additionally, always rinse the garment thoroughly with water after using a commercial highlighter remover to remove any remaining chemicals.
Pre-Treat the Stain
1. Apply a small amount of the commercial highlighter remover to a clean white cloth.
2. Blot the stained area with the cloth, applying gentle pressure to work the remover into the stain.
3. Allow the remover to sit on the stain for the amount of time specified on the product instructions.
Wash the Garment
1. Rinse the stained area thoroughly with cold water to remove the remaining highlighter remover.
2. Launder the garment according to the care instructions on the label.
3. Check the garment to ensure the stain has been completely removed before drying. If the stain persists, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process.
Dry the Garment
1. Dry the garment according to the care instructions on the label.
2. Avoid using high heat, as this can set the stain.
3. If the stain is still visible after drying, repeat the entire process.
Removing Fresh Highlighter Stains
Fresh highlighter stains can be removed with a few simple steps:
1. Blot the Stain
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot up as much of the highlighter ink as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Dip a cotton ball or swab into rubbing alcohol and gently dab it onto the stain. Work from the outside of the stain towards the center to avoid spreading it.
3. Rinse with Cold Water
Once the rubbing alcohol has had time to work, rinse the stained area with cold water. This will help remove any remaining ink and rubbing alcohol residue.
4. Apply Detergent
Apply a small amount of laundry detergent to the stained area and rub gently. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
5. Repeat Steps 2-4 if Necessary
If the stain persists, repeat steps 2-4 until it is completely removed. It may take several applications to remove all of the highlighter ink. Refer to the table below for additional tips for specific types of fabrics:
| Fabric Type | Additional Tips |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Can withstand higher temperatures. Use hot water for rinsing and apply bleach if necessary. |
| Silk | Delicate fabric. Use cold water and mild detergent. Avoid using bleach. |
| Wool | Can shrink if exposed to heat. Use cold water for rinsing and avoid harsh detergents. |
| Synthetic Fabrics | Can be damaged by heat. Use cold water for rinsing and avoid using bleach. |
Preventing Damage to Delicate Fabrics
Delicate fabrics, such as silk, wool, and lace, require special care when removing highlighter ink. Here are some additional tips to minimize damage:
Use a Gentle Touch
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fabric vigorously, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, gently dab or blot the stain.
Test the Solution
Before applying any solution to the entire stain, test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it does not cause discoloration or damage.
Rinse Thoroughly
After treating the stain, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water to remove any residual solution. Repeat the rinsing process several times to prevent the solution from setting in the fabric.
Do Not Over-Dry
Avoid exposing delicate fabrics to excessive heat, as this can cause the fibers to shrink or weaken.
Use a Hairdryer
If the stain is still visible after rinsing, you can try using a hairdryer on a low-heat setting to gently dry the fabric. This can help to break down the ink particles.
Vinegar Solution
For stains on delicate fabrics, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can be effective. Apply the solution to the stain and allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Hydrogen Peroxide
For white fabrics, hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove highlighter ink. However, it is important to test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the fabric.
How To Remove Highlighter From Clothes
Highlighter is a type of writing instrument that is used to mark or emphasize text. It is typically made up of a fluorescent or phosphorescent dye, which can be difficult to remove from clothes if it gets on them.
There are several methods that you can try to remove highlighter from clothes. One method is to use rubbing alcohol. Apply the rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and then gently rub the stain. Another method is to use white vinegar. Apply the white vinegar to a cotton ball or cloth and then gently rub the stain. You can also try using a commercial stain remover. Apply the stain remover to the stain and then follow the instructions on the package.
If the stain is still visible after you have tried the above methods, you can try using a bleach solution. Be sure to test the bleach solution on a small area of the garment first to make sure that it does not damage the fabric.
People also ask
How do you get highlighter out of clothes without ruining them?
The best way to remove highlighter from clothes without ruining them is to use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Apply the rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to a cotton ball or cloth and then gently rub the stain.
How do you get permanent highlighter out of clothes?
Permanent highlighter is more difficult to remove from clothes than regular highlighter. You can try using a bleach solution to remove permanent highlighter, but be sure to test the bleach solution on a small area of the garment first to make sure that it does not damage the fabric.
Can you use acetone to remove highlighter from clothes?
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can damage some fabrics. It is not recommended to use acetone to remove highlighter from clothes.
