How to Get Ink Out of the Dryer Safely and Effectively

Uh-oh, you left a pen in the pocket of your jeans and put it in the dryer. And now the inside of your dryer is splattered with ink (and, not to mention, your pants). Don’t panic—regardless of how bad the stain looks, you’ll likely be able to remove it using soap and water. Check out these methods for how to clean ink out of a dryer. 

Preparing to Remove the Ink From the Dryer

Before attempting to eliminate ink stains from your dryer, warm up the dryer’s drum. This step will help soften the ink so you can more easily remove it. 

Run the dryer on a hot setting for at least 20 minutes, unplug it, and then wipe everything clean with a damp or soapy cloth. (Cleaning the drum is an important part of dryer maintenance anyway.) 

1. Scrub With Dish Soap

One of the most effective methods for cleaning a dryer is simply using soap and water. Before doing so, be sure to unplug the dryer to prevent electrical shock. 

Then, dip a clean rag into soapy water (hot or warm water is best for ink stains) and use the rag to wipe away the ink spots. This step should take care of most mild stains. But if the stain is still there after a few minutes, it’s probably time to try something stronger.

2. Make a Laundry Detergent Paste

You can make a paste with powdered laundry detergent—for texture—and warm water to clean the ink from your dryer. To do this, mix a bit of the detergent with water until it's a pastey consistency. Then, spread it over the areas with ink stains and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe off the paste in small circular motions and rub a damp cloth over the area. 

3. Try a Melamine Sponge

Is the ink stain particularly stubborn? Try using a sponge made with melamine foam, which is an abrasive that acts like sandpaper. When it’s activated with water, the sponge lifts away dirt and removes stains—no harsh chemicals necessary.

When you’re using one of these sponges on your dryer, always wear gloves (the sponge’s abrasiveness can damage your skin). Never use this sponge dry—water is needed to activate it. Always test a small, hidden spot first to ensure the eraser won’t damage the dryer (it won’t because your dryer drum is made of metal, but it never hurts to do a test run first). 

4. Apply an Adhesive Remover Spray

A powerful adhesive remover spray (available at most hardware stores) can be used on a variety of surfaces to get rid of everything from masking tape residue and gum to wax. It can also be used to safely clean your dryer. 

To use adhesive remover spray on your dryer, apply it to a cloth or rag and gently wipe the stain away. Reapply the spray as needed, and finish by cleaning the drum with soapy water and a clean rag. This is also the most effective method for removing gum from your dryer.

5. Spray With a Lubricant

Try applying a lubricant like WD-40 to remove the ink stains. To do this, spray a small amount of lubricant onto a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Next, use the cloth to wipe the ink stain until it's gone. Use a warm, soapy water mixture to wash the area and remove the lubricant. Finally, let the dryer air dry with the door open or run an empty cycle.

6. Clean With White Vinegar

White vinegar is probably one of the most versatile cleaning solutions for your home. So, it’s no surprise that you can use it to remove ink from the dryer. Create a solution of equal parts vinegar and hot water. Then, use a damp cloth or sponge and scrub the surface. If you’re worried about the vinegar smell, you can use a fresh damp cloth to wipe up the dryer.

Note that this trick only works if the stain is new and still wet. 

7. Use Bleach as a Last Resort

If none of the above products and methods do the trick, you can try using bleach to get the job done. But note that this technique isn’t ideal and should only be used as a last resort—bleach can leave residue, which can damage your clothes or irritate your skin.

Mix a small amount of bleach (no more than 2 tablespoons) with a gallon of water. Wearing rubber gloves, dip a rag or washcloth in this solution to scrub down the spots that need deep cleaning. Be very careful as the bleach can easily stain your clothing or the surrounding area. It’s also a good idea to wash a load of old rags after using bleach on your dryer so that the rags can pick up any residue or remaining stains.

What Not to Use to Remove Ink From the Dryer

Search “how to clean ink out of a dryer” and you’ll come across some questionable advice, such as using rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, and other flammable cleaners. Let’s be clear: Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) works wonders if you’re trying to get ink stains out of your carpet or your favorite T-shirt. 

However, if you're trying to get ink out of your dryer, don’t use flammable products like the ones mentioned above. That method could cause a dryer fire, so it’s not worth taking the risk. 

DIY Dryer Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service

If you’re still unable to remove the ink, you may want to hire a local house cleaning service. A professional cleaner will be able to help you remove even the most stubborn of ink stains from the inside of your dryer as well as tackle other dirt and grime in your laundry room. Professional house cleaning costs $175 per visit, on average.

Finally, while a stained dryer is typically not a call for repairs or replacement, diving deeper into your dryer may bring to light some minor damage. Keep an eye out for a malfunctioning heating element, belt, or motor and call a local dryer repair pro if you notice any issues. The average dryer repair costs between $100 to $250.