How to Get Highlighter Out of Clothes: Easy & Effective Stain Removal Guide

Highlighter stains can be a real pain, whether it’s a neon streak across your favorite shirt or a misplaced swipe of makeup highlighter. But don’t worry, they’re often removable with a few simple techniques. This guide will walk you through how to get highlighter out of clothes, covering everything from quick fixes to tougher treatments.

Table of Contents

Identify Your Highlighter Type

Before you start, it’s important to know what kind of highlighter caused the stain:

Ink-Based: These are the classic highlighters used for studying and note-taking. The ink is designed to be vibrant and long-lasting, which unfortunately means it can be a bit stubborn on clothes.
Makeup Highlighter: These highlighters add shimmer and shine to your skin. They often contain oils or waxes, requiring a different approach than ink stains.

Ink-Based Highlighter Stain Removal

Here are some effective methods for tackling ink-based highlighter stains:

Rubbing Alcohol: This is probably your best bet. Dampen a clean white cloth with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and gently blot the stain, working from the outside inwards. Place a clean cloth or paper towel underneath the stained fabric to absorb the lifted ink.
Hairspray: An alcohol-based, unscented hairspray can sometimes work wonders. Blot excess ink, saturate the stain with hairspray, let it sit for a few minutes, and then launder as usual.
Commercial Stain Remover: For stubborn stains, a commercial stain remover designed for ink may be necessary. Carefully follow the product instructions.
Dish Soap: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain, gently rub it in, and then launder as usual. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
White Vinegar: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, apply to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, gently scrub, rinse, and wash.
Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste of baking soda and water (or vinegar for extra strength). Apply to the stain, let it sit (possibly overnight), scrub, rinse, and wash.
Lemon Juice (Use with Caution): Mix ⅓ cup lemon juice with ⅔ cup water, apply to the stain, let it soak for 15 minutes, then rinse and wash. Always test in an inconspicuous area first, as lemon juice can bleach fabrics.
Hand Sanitizer: In a pinch, hand sanitizer can help due to its alcohol content. Dab some onto a paper towel and blot the stain. This is best for small, fresh stains.

Makeup Highlighter Stain Removal

Makeup highlighter stains require a gentler touch:

Tape: For loose powder highlighter, use sticky tape to lift off the excess.
Makeup Remover Wipes: For cream or liquid highlighters, gently wipe the stain with a makeup remover wipe, taking care not to spread it.
Shaving Cream: Apply a thin layer of color-free shaving cream to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the garment as usual.

General Tips for Highlighter Stain Removal

Act Fast: Fresh stains are always easier to remove.
Blot, Don’t Rub: Rubbing can spread and set the stain.
Test in a Hidden Spot: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first.
Check Before Drying: Heat sets stains. Ensure the stain is gone before putting the garment in the dryer.

Highlighter Stain Removal Quick Guide

Method	Ink Highlighter	Makeup Highlighter	Fabric Type	Estimated Time
Rubbing Alcohol	Excellent	Good	Most	5-15 mins
Hairspray	Good	Good	Most	5-15 mins
Commercial Stain Remover	Excellent	Good	Most	Varies
Dish Soap	Good	Fair	Most	10-20 mins
White Vinegar	Good	Fair	Most	15-30 mins
Baking Soda Paste	Good	Fair	Most	30+ mins
Lemon Juice	Good	Fair	Colorfast Only	15-30 mins
Hand Sanitizer	Fair	Fair	Most	5-15 mins
Tape	N/A	Excellent	N/A	< 1 min
Makeup Remover Wipe	N/A	Excellent	N/A	< 1 min
Shaving Cream	N/A	Good	Most	15-30 mins

Why Do Highlighters Stain?

Ink-based highlighters stain because the dyes are designed to adhere to surfaces. They bind to the fibers of your clothing, making them difficult to remove with just water. Makeup highlighters, on the other hand, often contain oils and pigments that can cling to fabric.

FAQs

What if the stain is old? Older stains are more challenging. Try repeating the methods, soaking the garment longer, or using a stronger stain remover. Some experts suggest a salt water soak may help.
Can I use bleach? Bleach can be effective, but it’s risky, especially on colored fabrics. Always test it in a hidden area first. Lemon juice is a milder natural alternative, but it too can bleach, so caution is advised.
What if my fabric is delicate? For delicate fabrics, always test any solution in an inconspicuous area. Choose gentler methods like dish soap or diluted rubbing alcohol. For valuable or delicate items, professional dry cleaning is often the safest bet.

While these methods are generally effective, results may vary depending on the fabric, the highlighter type, and the age of the stain. Some research suggests that the composition of certain fabrics can make them more susceptible to staining, while ongoing studies are exploring new, eco-friendly stain removal techniques. With a little patience and the right approach, you can likely conquer those highlighter stains and keep your clothes looking their best.

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Mark Soldy

Aficionado of interior design with a keen eye for style and innovation. As a guy deeply passionate about crafting captivating spaces, he blends creativity with functionality to breathe life into every room