My khakis have a ballpoint pen stain. Should I take them to the dry cleaners?

Question

I've already tried hairspray and rubbing alcohol. Didn't work.

Answer 1

i would try to use StainStick first. That is the brand name. If that doesn't work do not stick them in the dryer (that sets the stain) try some hairspray, seriously. I have used both of these methods to remove ink stains, and they work well...If you have already dried them, you may not have much luck, though...you may have to go the dry cleaner route :( try my methods first, though.

Answer 2

Perhaps you did not do the rubbing alcohol method properly, maybe you was instructed wrongly, Pour on a white cloth Rubbing alcohol and blot till the stain lightens then wash with White Vinegar about one cup in your wash water without detergent put it through the cycle then dry on delicate or medium dry, your ink stain should of disappeared by now, if not then you must of dried those khakis on high. Good Luck !

Answer 3

Lets see- my best suggestion was that rubbing alcohol. It didnt work? Hmmm-maybe it was too diluted, off the counter or in your medicine cabinet for god knows how long.
It should dissolve in alcohol, so use something stronger, like the drinking ones, vodka comes to mind.
It may have been felt marking pen and not just ballpoint pen stain.
Ballpoint pen stains generally are gone with even handwashing and scrubbing. Felt markers are more challenging since they are permanent.

Answer 4

I worked in a dry cleaner for 3 years. Using hairspray only makes it worse. The sooner you bring in the pants the better. Tell them what you already treated it with. The longer you wait and the more things you try yourself the harder it is for them. It only costs 4 -5 bucks! Just take them in.