How to Get Rid of a Ball Point Ink Stain on Plastic

Quck answer

To remove a ballpoint ink stain on plastic, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess ink.

2. Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.

3. Gently blot the stained area with the damp cloth, being careful not to rub or scrub too hard to avoid damaging the plastic.

4. Continue blotting until the ink stain starts to fade.

5. Rinse the plastic with water to remove any residue from the alcohol or nail polish remover.

6. If the stain persists, repeat the process or try using a specialized ink stain remover for plastics.

Remember to always test the alcohol or nail polish remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the plastic before applying it to the stain to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.


It’s bound to happen, and usually on your favorite item. Ballpoint ink always seems to end up in the most inconvenient places, no matter how careful you are in preventing it from spreading beyond the paper. When ink gets on your plastic belongings, there are several methods you can use to remove it.


How to Get Rid of a Ball Point Ink Stain on Plastic
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Gza Blint Ujvrosi / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages

Necessary Tools

If ink has stained a plastic cover, toy, or tablecloth, you will need a few tools before you can begin removing the stain. You will need a toothbrush, rubbing alcohol, a clean cloth to transfer the ink, a can of WD40, hairspray, liquid dish soap, and a soft cloth to wipe away any residue. These tools are important to have on hand for removing ink and other stubborn stains that may occur in your daily life. If you also have some lemons, you will likely be able to remove ink from vinyl or any other surface, including plastic, oilcloth, or urethane-based materials.

How to Remove Ink From Plastic

To remove ink from plastic, you may need to try a few methods before finding the most effective one. Start by testing a small area of the plastic with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth. If the rubbing alcohol works well with the plastic material, continue rubbing until the ink is lifted from the porous plastic surface and onto the cloth. Once the ink is removed, wash the area with soapy water to remove any residue from the rubbing alcohol.

Removing Small Stains

If you have an ink stain on a valuable item, such as a doll or figurine, you need to be careful when removing it. Test a small area first to see which method works best before applying any chemicals or homemade solutions. For plastic doll faces, you can use an alcohol wipe or a solution of vinegar and liquid dish soap. However, be cautious as these solutions may also damage any hand-painted or factory-painted features. Gently move in small circles around the stain to remove it from the plastic.

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