How to Get Ink out of Clothes
As the saying goes, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” However, sometimes, the ink is mightier than the soap. It is annoying enough when we get ink stains on our hands, because ink stains can be one of the toughest stains to remove from shirts, pants, and jackets. However, you should not write off proven methods for getting out stubborn ink stains. Many of them are quite effective.
Required Materials
Acetone
Baking soda (For other uses of baking soda, read 75 extraordinary uses for baking soda)
Cotton swabs
Denatured alcohol
Fingernail polish remover
Hairspray (Want to know other uses of hairspray, see 18 Hair-raising uses for hairspray)
Paper towels
Sponges
Stain gel
Stain removers
Stain spray
Stain sticks
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Instructions to Remove Ink from Clothes
Ink Stain Tips. When ink from a pen stains your clothing, it is vital that you take action quickly. The longer your clothing remains untreated, the less likely it is that you can remove the stain. In addition, some clothing can only be treated by expensive dry cleaning and only professionals should handle certain fabrics.
Ballpoint Pen Basics. When ballpoint pens create an ink stain on clothing, certain steps should be taken to remove it. Use a clean wet sponge to blot the stain. Do this until the sponge is no longer lifting ink from the stain. Next, let the stain on the clothing air-dry. Afterwards, spray the ink stain with some hairspray. Then use two paper towels to sandwich the soiled fabric. Next, dab the ink-stained clothing’s backside, to blend the stain into the second paper towel. Perform this procedure repeatedly until the stain has been removed. The next step is to place a pre-treatment stain remover onto the stain. Finally, wash the clothing in warm water and then air-dry it.
Felt Tip Tips. A different procedure should be used when a felt tip pen stains your clothing. First, press a paper towel onto the stain to remove most of the ink. Next, use a cotton swab to add denatured alcohol to the stain. Denatured alcohol is alcohol that has been made toxic or undrinkable. Finally, clean the fabric in the normal manner.
Making Permanent Temporary. Permanent inks and markers create some of the most difficult stains to remove and require a special approach. Keep in mind that if a cloth or pattern cannot be bleached, removing the ink stain will be nearly impossible to accomplish. Your first option is the method using two towels, mentioned in the ballpoint pen section. If the stain remains, use fingernail polish remover. When using the “two-towel” method previously described, use fingernail polish remover as a substitute for the denatured alcohol. Transfer the stained section to a clean, dry towel. Then completely rinse the affected area of the clothing. You could also use acetone, although this chemical does not function well on several types of fabrics. Use the same “two-towel” procedure. Again, remember to rinse the section completely. Another option is to rub a mixture of baking soda and water onto the ink stain. Yet another plan of attack is to treat the ink stain with a stain spray, gel or stick. Then wash the clothing. After washing, if the stain remains, repeat the baking soda method, and then rewash and dry the garment.