Pen Explosion? Here's How to Remove Ink From Your Clothes Dryer

We've all been there: You open the dryer door only to find that someone forgot to empty their pockets. Lip balm or crayons melted all over everything, paper pulp smashed into the fibers of clothing, or, perhaps worst of all, a load of stained clothes and a drum smeared with ink from a rogue pen. Losing one load of clothes is hard enough, but ink inside the dryer can spell disaster for every load that follows if not properly cleaned.

Ink is designed to be permanent, and the heat of a dryer can bake it right onto the drum’s surface. Unfortunately, detergent and hot water won’t help much here, but we consulted a cleaning expert to find the best solution.

Here's how to get ink out of the dryer without damaging your appliance. With the right products and a little patience, you can restore your dryer and prevent future stains.

Getting Started

Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s important to take the following safety precautions:

• Unplug the dryer before beginning any cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. 
• Because you'll be using flammable products (e.g., rubbing alcohol), make sure the area is well-ventilated. 
• Give the drum plenty of time to dry before turning the dryer back on.

How to Get Ink Out of a Dryer

Here's how to safely and effectively remove ink stains from the inside of your dryer. But remember: prevention is always best. “There’s a reason Ben Franklin and our grandmas all said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” says cleaning professional Stephanie Phillips. 

A quick pocket check can save you hours of cleanup and a whole lot of frustration.

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Materials Needed:

• Clean cotton rags (preferably white)
• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, at least 90% preferred)
• Nonflammable household cleaner (optional)
• Melamine sponge (such as a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) 
• Rubber gloves

Instructions:

1. Wipe down the ink ASAP: If you catch the ink before it’s fully set, use a damp cloth or paper towel to blot up as much as you can. Avoid scrubbing at this stage to avoid smearing the ink around.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol: Dampen a clean rag with rubbing alcohol and gently scrub the stained areas. "Alcohol is one of the most effective solvents for breaking down ink," explains Phillips. "I almost never have to move onto anything else, especially on solid surfaces."
3. Scrub to break down the stain: Continue applying the rubbing alcohol in small sections, refreshing the rag as needed to prevent the stain from spreading. You will almost certainly need to go over stubborn areas more than once, which is why Phillips recommends using a white-colored rag. "This will ensure that you don’t reuse the same spot and spread the ink," she says.
4. Try a melamine sponge on stubborn spots: If rubbing alcohol alone doesn’t do the trick, use a melamine sponge to target any lingering marks. Dampen the sponge and gently rub in circular motions. These spongy scrubbers are especially helpful for grooves or textured surfaces inside the drum. “Often, that little bit of abrasion is enough to get the job done,” says Phillips. 
5. Wipe clean: Once the ink is gone, use a clean cloth dampened with water to wipe down the entire inside of the drum. This removes any remaining cleaner or alcohol residue, which could be flammable or irritating to skin and clothes.
6. Let the drum dry completely: After cleaning, leave the dryer door open and allow the drum to air out for at least an hour. You want to be sure all alcohol has evaporated before plugging the dryer back in and using it again. You cannot safely rush this step. 
7. Perform a test run: “Every time I clean a washer or dryer, I run old towels or sheets before I put my clothes in the machines,” Phillips shares. Before returning to your regular laundry routine, run the dryer on a short cycle with a few old towels or rags to make sure no ink or cleaning residue remains. “If they come out clean, you’re good to go!”