How to Get Ink Out of a Dryer (9 Step Guide)

by Nick Evans | Last Updated: October 4, 2021

So you accidentally washed a pen, forgot about it, and it made its way into your dryer. It happens! The question now is how to get ink out of your dryer.

The good news is, it’s doable! We show you exactly how in this 9 step guide.

There are a few things you will need to make the process easier and we lay those out below. Note that some of these supplies will only be needed if others fail to do the job!

Supplies Needed to Get Ink Out of a Dryer

• A clean towel
• A bowl of warm water
• Dish soap
• Magic eraser (only needed if dish soap doesn’t work)
• Bleach (only needed if the magic eraser doesn’t work)
• Acetone (nail polish remover – only needed if bleach eraser doesn’t work)

How to Get Ink Out of a Dryer (9 Step Guide)

Step 1: Heat the dryer up

Run your dryer on a hot setting for 15 to 20 minutes. This is a great way to warm up and soften the ink so it is easier to remove when scrubbing.

Step 2: Unplug your dryer

After you have run your dryer on a heat setting, make sure you unplug it.

Anytime you are working on an appliance, especially one with a risk of electrocution, it is always wise to unplug the appliance.

Step 3: Use hot water and dish soap

The first cleaning agent to try is dish soap. Something like Dawn dish soap will do the trick. Mix this with warm water and use a clean towel to scrub the ink stains.

Step 4: Try a magic eraser

If step 3 does not provide expected results, try a magic eraser.

These are great at removing just about anything, including ink from dryers. All you need to do is have the magic eraser in hand and scrub the affected spots.

Step 5: Bring in the bleach

If steps 2 and 3 are not enough to remove the ink from the inside of your dryer, try using bleach.

The best approach is to mix 1 cup of bleach with 3 cups of warm or hot water.

Dip a clean towel inside the bleach/water solution and rub the ink stains using force.

Step 6: Use acetone

If all of the above hasn’t removed your ink stains, try using acetone.

The most common household item that contains acetone is nail polish remover.

Dip a small rag or a few cotton balls in nail polish remover and scrub the ink stains as hard as you can.

Nail polish is highly flammable. Make sure to follow steps 7 and 8 to ensure the acetone is completely removed from your dryer prior to regular use.

Step 7: Run a load of damp towels

After you have removed the ink from inside your dryer, run a load of damp towels through it. This is an important step in the process as the damp towels can help soak up and remove any left over chemicals still in the dryer. Do this prior to cleaning the inside of your dryer with

Step 8: Use vinegar and water

After you have successfully removed the ink from your dryer, make sure to spend a solid amount of time cleaning it.

This is very important as there could be lingering chemicals still in your appliance that need to be cleaned before regularly using your dryer again.

To do this, make a solution of equal parts vinegar and warm water, and thoroughly wipe down the inside of the dryer.

Step 9: Plug your dryer back in

Finally, and perhaps most obviously, once you have successfully removed the ink from your dryer, make sure you plug it back in.

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Last Resorts

If all of the above fails, you can replace your dryer drum. To figure out which dryer drum you need, contact your manufacturer.

If you need help replacing your dryer drum, you can utilize our contractor search page or fill out the form below to be connected with pre-screened contractors who service your local area. You will get free estimates from up to 4 qualified contractors, and compare the bids to find the best price!

Your Are Spending Too Much on Your Electricity

10 appliance hacks to help you save up to $100 per month on your electric bill.

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