That old hairspray trick for removing ink stains may no longer work – here's what changed

A pen leaks in your shirt pocket, leaving an ugly mark on the fabric. Or perhaps you discover an ink stain on the sofa or a favourite pair of trousers. For years, there was one household trick people swore by: reach for the hairspray, give the stain a quick spray and dab it away.

But if you've tried this recently, you may have noticed that the results aren't quite what you expected. The trick is still widely shared, but there are a few things worth knowing before you try it on your clothes. And if hairspray isn't doing the job, there's another product that may be more useful.

Why the old hairspray trick became popular

The original trick wasn't entirely a myth. Older hairsprays often contained alcohol, which helped dissolve the ink and made it easier to lift from fabric. That was the key ingredient behind the method, rather than the hairspray itself.

However, hairspray formulas have changed over the years. Some products now use different ingredients to hold hair in place, and not all contain the same amount of alcohol. Cleaning expert Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, has explained that some modern hairsprays may no longer be effective for removing ink stains.

That doesn't mean every hairspray has stopped working. Some formulas still contain alcohol, so it's worth checking the ingredients. But there is a more straightforward way to approach an ink stain.

What to use instead of hairspray

A product often recommended for ink stains is rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol.

The American Cleaning Institute recommends using rubbing alcohol on certain ink stains. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension also includes alcohol in its stain-removal advice, while stressing the importance of testing a cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first.

Before treating the stain, check that the fabric can tolerate alcohol. Apply a small amount to a hidden section and see whether the colour changes or the material is affected. If it is, don't proceed.

How to remove an ink stain with rubbing alcohol

Start by placing the stained section of fabric face down on a few layers of clean, white kitchen paper. This helps absorb the ink as it comes out of the material.

Dampen a clean white cloth or cotton pad with rubbing alcohol, then gently dab the back of the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the ink further into the fibres. As the ink transfers onto the kitchen paper, replace it with a clean section so that it doesn't transfer back onto the fabric.

Continue blotting carefully, adding a little more alcohol when needed. Once you've lifted as much ink as possible, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and wash the garment according to its care label.

The American Cleaning Institute also suggests holding the stained section over a jar or glass and applying alcohol from the back, allowing the ink to drip into the container.

A few things to remember before you start

Not every ink stain can be removed completely. Some permanent inks, felt-tip marks and older stains can be particularly difficult to treat. The University of Kentucky's guidance warns that certain types of ink may be impossible to remove.

Avoid putting the garment in the tumble dryer until the stain has disappeared, as heat can make some stains harder to remove. If the item is delicate, expensive or labelled dry-clean only, it's safer to consult a professional cleaner.

Finally, remember that rubbing alcohol is flammable. Use it in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from flames, sparks and heat.

The old hairspray trick may still work with certain products, but it isn't the reliable solution many people remember. If you have an ink stain to deal with, checking the fabric first and using the right cleaning method could save you from making the mark even worse.