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Does Highlighter Come Out of Clothes: Proven Removal Tips

March 3, 2025
Home » Recent » DIY Projects » Does Highlighter Come Out of Clothes: Proven Removal Tips

does highlighter come out of clothes

Does Highlighter Come Out of Clothes?

This is a common question, especially for those who deal with highlighters daily in school or the workplace. When bright neon hues accidentally mark your favorite shirt or dress, it can seem like catastrophe. Fortunately, various effective methods exist to tackle the pesky highlighter stain. From natural solutions like vinegar and lemon juice to household staples like baking soda and rubbing alcohol, each remedy offers a chance to rescue your garment. This table provides a brief overview of the methods you can try to remove highlighter stains from clothing.

Vibrant rainbow-colored markers placed on a blank canvas, ready for creativity.

Method Ingredients Instructions
Vinegar White Distilled Vinegar, Water Mix 1:2 ratio, soak overnight, then rinse.
Lemon Juice Lemon Juice, Water Mix 1:1 ratio, apply for 15 mins, then rinse.
Baking Soda Baking Soda Sprinkle on stain, let dry, then rinse.
Rubbing Alcohol Rubbing Alcohol Apply, wait 5-10 mins, then wash.
Dish Soap Dish Soap, Water Spritz, rub gently, wash.

Why Highlighter Stains Can Be a Nightmare

Highlights
"Highlights" by andreasnilsson1976 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. .

Ever accidentally stained your favorite shirt with a bright highlighter? You're not alone. Highlighter stains are notoriously stubborn due to their vibrant, oil-based ink. The longer the stain sits, the more it sets, making removal a real challenge. But don't worry—there are several effective methods to tackle these pesky marks and save your beloved garments.

Man highlighting text while studying with a book and tablet on a desk.

Top Home Remedies to Remove Highlighter Stains

When it comes to highlighter stains, household items can often be your best allies. Here are some tried-and-true remedies that you likely already have in your kitchen or bathroom:

  • Vinegar: Mix one part white distilled vinegar with two parts water. Soak the stained area overnight and then rinse with warm water. The acidity in vinegar helps break down the ink, making it easier to lift the stain.
  • Lemon Juice: Combine equal amounts of lemon juice and water. Apply this mixture to the stain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then rinse. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleach, fading the highlighter ink effectively.
  • Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain and let it dry completely. Once dry, rinse with cold water. Baking soda’s mild abrasive properties help lift the ink from the fabric fibers.
  • Rubbing Alcohol: Pour rubbing alcohol onto the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. Alcohol breaks down the ink, making it easier to remove. Remember to act quickly, as it evaporates fast!
  • Dish Soap: Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution onto the stain, gently rub with a soft cloth, and then wash as usual. Dish soap is designed to cut through oils, making it effective against highlighter ink.

Person wearing yellow gloves cleaning a glass surface with a spray bottle.

Alternative Solutions for Stubborn Stains

Sometimes, home remedies alone aren't enough to completely remove highlighter stains. Here are some additional methods you can try:

Toothpaste: Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse before washing. The mild abrasives in toothpaste help lift the ink.

Laundry Detergent: If home remedies fail, directly applying a liquid laundry detergent with enzymes to the stain can break down the highlighter ink. Gently rub it in and launder as usual.

Goo Gone: This commercial stain remover is effective against various ink stains. Spray it on the affected area, wipe immediately, and then launder normally.

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resolve stain remover
"resolve stain remover" by danna § curious tangles is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. .

Hairspray: Surprisingly, hairspray can help remove highlighter stains due to its alcohol content. Spray it on the stain, blot with a dry cloth, and wash the garment.

Preventing Highlighter Stains in the Future

3 ways to remove highlighter stain from fabric clothes, couch and skin

Prevention is always better than removal. Here are some tips to keep your clothes free from highlighter mishaps:

  • Secure Your Markers: Always ensure that highlighters are tightly capped to prevent leaks.
  • Use Protective Layers: Place a paper towel or cloth underneath when marking on surfaces near your clothing.
  • Choose Wisely: Opt for highlighters with water-based inks if you’re prone to staining.

Share Your Highlighter Survival Stories!

Close-up of hands cracking an egg into a flour well on a wooden board during baking preparation.

Have you tried any of these methods to remove highlighter stains? Or maybe you have a secret trick that works wonders? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—let's help each other keep our favorite clothes looking fresh and stain-free!

3 Ways to Remove Highlighter Stains

To effectively tackle highlighter stains on your clothes, couch, or even your skin, watch the video by Cleaning Solutions titled "3 ways to remove highlighter stain from fabric clothes, couch and skin." This guide provides practical steps to help you eliminate those bright neon marks and restore your favorite items.

Does highlighter come off easily?

Highlighter stains tend to get tougher to remove the longer they stay on fabric. If you’re facing a dried stain, rubbing alcohol is often your best bet for breaking down the pigment. If the stain is still fresh, rinse the area with cold water as soon as possible to stop the color from setting in. Quick action is key—treating the spot right away usually leads to a much easier cleanup.

Does highlighter makeup come out of clothes?

A “liquid detergent cocktail” can be a perfect fix for cream makeup stains like blush, highlighter, foundation, and concealer. To make it, mix one ounce of liquid detergent with one ounce of water and add a few drops of nail polish remover. Gently dab the solution onto the stain, let it sit briefly, then rinse thoroughly. This method often lifts stubborn product stains and helps keep your wardrobe looking fresh.

Accidents with highlighters happen to the best of us, but the good news is that most stains can be effectively removed with the right approach. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh spill or a set-in mark, acting quickly and using the appropriate cleaning methods can save your favorite clothing from lasting damage. Remember to always test any stain removal technique on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t affect the fabric.

Stay Connected for More Tips!

If you found these tips helpful and want to explore more cleaning hacks and lifestyle advice, be sure to follow us on Instagram. We love sharing practical solutions and creative ideas to make everyday challenges a little easier. Let’s stay connected and keep those stains at bay together!

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JJ

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