How to Remove Ink Stains.

Ink Stains and Ink Stain Removal

Removing ink spots and stains can be a real challenge. One mistake is applying a strong solvent first, and then battling the inevitable spreading of the ink. If that occurs, you’ll have more surface area to clean.

Knowing that ink will spread (just a tiny amount of liquid can cause ink to spread and cover a large area) means you can begin the spot and stain removal process with containment in mind.

Let’s take a look at how we can remove ink stains.

Tips for Cleaning and Removing Ink Stains

No matter the type of ink stain you have, there are some things to keep in mind:

1. Place clean, white, absorbent material under the stained area prior to working on the stain.
2. Surround the ink stain with a barrier such as Vaseline petroleum jelly. This is your working area to keep the ink from spreading.
3. Once the ink stain is surrounded with a barrier, apply a solvent to dissolve the ink.
4. Press firmly – dab or blot the stain. Do not use a rubbing motion as this will cause the stain to spread.
5. Replace the item you are using to remove the stain (such as cotton balls, Q-tips, etc) as they get dirty.
6. Keep repeating this process until the ink is gone.
7. Thoroughly rinse then wash when finished.
8. With all stains, wait to put the items in the dryer until you know the stain is gone, let air dry first. The heat from the dryer can set the stain in.

For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, it’s best to take them to a professional cleaner to avoid further damage.

Method 1: Removing Ballpoint Pen Ink Stains from Clothing

1. Wet a cotton ball with Isopropyl alcohol.
2. Press firmly and dab the ink stain, repeat using the isopropyl alcohol until the ink stain is removed.
3. Rinse and if any ink is remaining use a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent.
4. Rinse again then wash with enzymatic laundry detergent.

Method 2: Using Hairspray to Remove Ballpoint Ink Stain

If you don’t have any Isopropyl alcohol, try using hairspray. The thing with hairspray that helps remove an ink stain is the alcohol content, today many hairsprays contain less alcohol as it dries out hair, so look for one that has a fair amount of alcohol in it.

1. Spray the ink stain (liberally) with hairspray.
2. Use a cotton ball (or something similar) and blot the stain. Respray as needed and blot until stain is gone.
3. Rinse under cool water.
4. Apply a laundry pre-treatment stain remover and wash as usual.

Method 3: Remove Ink Stains from Felt Tip Pen

Follow the steps from Method 1.

Method 4: Removing Ink Using Lemon Juice and Detergent

1. Using cool water and a cotton ball, blot up the ink until not much is transferring to cotton ball.
2. Mix together about 2 Tablespoons liquid detergent (like Dawn) and the juice of 1 lemon.
3. Use a clean toothbrush and gently work mixture into remaining stain. Clean toothbrush as need and repeat as needed.
4. Wash as usual.

If you’re still stuck with an ink stain after trying your best to remove it, take the garment in to a dry cleaner (tell him what you’ve tried) or call in a furniture cleaning expert.