Welcome to the ultimate guide to stain removal, co-created with Pascale Allaert, Linen and Textile Care Expert - Meilleur Ouvrier de France Nettoyeur Apprêteur Teinturerie. Whether you're in the office or at school, small accidents are inevitable! Ink, glue or paint stains on your clothes can happen quickly and seem daunting. But your clothes aren't lost! In this article, we will introduce you to all the techniques to easily and effectively remove stains made in the office or at school.
Brushes, pencils, and pens on a white background to illustrate how to remove stains from ink, glue, paint stains, etc.

How to remove marker or ink stains

You're taking important notes when suddenly, the ink on your pen decides to act up. You've got ink all over your fingers, and worse, it's all over your freshly ironed shirt! Don't panic, here's how to remove ink stains from your clothes:

  1. Immediately dab the ink blot with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much ink as possible.
  2. Using rubbing alcohol, gently dab the stain from the edges toward the centre.
  3. Repeat the process as long as the colour of the stain continues to transfer on the terry towel
  4. If the stain persists, try dabbing the stain with Aleppo soap and cold water.

Rinse thoroughly with cold water.

Don't forget to check the care instructions on the label of your garment before following these steps.

How to remove glue from clothing

Has a glue stain ruined your favourite trousers? Find out how to remove glue from textiles and your pants will be as good as new! To remove glue from clothing, all you need are a few simple tips:

  1. Remove excess glue by gently scraping gently with a spatula or the handle of a cutlery knife.
  2. Dab the stain with a clean cloth soaked in cold water and a drop of dishwashing liquid to remove as much glue as possible.
  3. Repeat the process several times, as long as the stain is still "sticking".
  4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
  5. If the glue stain persists, try dabbing it with a little acetone (be careful and make sure the fabric can withstand it beforehand on a hidden corner).

Tips for removing paint stains from clothing

A spot of paint that has been cleaned immediately generally poses no problem. However, once dry, it can be much harder to remove. Is this the case for you? We have the solution:

  1. If the paint is not yet dry, gently scrape it off with a spatula or the handle of a cutlery knife to remove as much as possible without damaging the fabric.
    • Avoid rubbing vigorously to avoid spreading the stain.
    • If the stain is dry, then proceed directly to the next step.
  2. Then try dabbing the stain with a little acetone.
    • First, test the solution on a small, hidden area of the fabric to make sure it doesn't damage it.
  3. Repeat the process as long as the colour of the stain continues to transfer on the terry towel
  4. If the stain persists, continue with Aleppo soap and cold water.
  5. Sprinkle with talcum powder to prevent a halo from appearing when drying.
  6. When dry, shake or vacuum the garment it to remove the talcum powder without rubbing it.

If the paint stain is particularly stubborn, you can also try using an acetone-free nail polish remover or a specific paint remover.

For gouache (water-based or school paint):

  1. Dab only with cold water and Aleppo soap.
  2. Repeat the process several times if necessary.
  3. Then, rinse with cold water
Paint stains on the sofa? Ink on the curtains? Our article gives you the keys to remove all stains from your textiles efficiently and hassle-free.
Read the article
Living room with a white sofa, beige rug, and coffee tables to illustrate how to remove stains from home textiles: sofas, armchairs, rugs, tablecloths, and more
And there you have it. You now have all the tips to get rid of the most common stains you get in the office or at school! Whether it's a stubborn ink stain, stubborn glue, unruly marker or artistic paint, you're ready to tackle these little everyday annoyances. Don't forget to test the solutions on a small, hidden area of the fabric before treating the entire stain. With our practical and effective tips, say goodbye to stains and keep your clothes spotless in all circumstances. It's up to you to keep smiling in any situation!