Removing Water-Based and Permanent Ink Stains
How to Remove Ink Stains
Removing Ink Stains
Removing water-based and permanent ink stains can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they appear on your favorite or most expensive items. Pens have a knack for leaking at the worst possible moments, leaving behind ink stains that seem impossible to remove.
My First Ink Stain Experience
I vividly remember the first time I dealt with an ink stain. It appeared on one of my favorite silk blouses. I was carrying a notepad with a pen attached, and the pen must have leaked, leaving a noticeable mark. When I sought advice, most people suggested throwing the blouse away. But I was determined to save it.
Understanding Ink Types
Before diving into the removal process, it’s essential to understand the two main types of ink: water-based and permanent.
Water-Based Ink
Water-based inks are generally easier to remove because plain water is usually sufficient. Examples of water-based inks include:
- Most highlighters
- Magic markers
- Calligraphy ink
- Ink stamps
Permanent Ink
Permanent ink is more challenging to remove. It often contains binding agents like gelatin and shellac, making it much harder to dissolve. Examples of permanent ink include:
- Standard ink pens
- Sharpies
- Permanent markers
Removing Water-Based and Permanent Ink Stains from Non-Washable Fabrics
Non-washable items like silk, wool, furniture upholstery, and carpet might seem impossible to clean, but it’s not hopeless.
What You Need
- Paper towels
- Clean terry cloth
- Alcohol-based hairspray
Cleaning Process for Carpet/Upholstery
- Saturate the ink-stained area with hairspray. The hairspray acts as a solvent, loosening the ink. Do not let it dry.
- Dab and Blot: Use clean paper towels or a terry cloth to dab and blot the stain. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the ink.
- Repeat: Continue the process until the stain is lifted.
Cleaning Process for Silk/Wool
- Place a clean paper towel under the stain.
- Saturate the stain with hairspray without letting it dry.
- Dab and Blot: Use another paper towel to dab and blot the stain.
- Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.
Removing Water-Based and Permanent Ink Stains from Washable Fabrics
Even “easy-to-wash” fabrics like cotton, linen, and nylon require special attention to remove ink stains.
What You Need
- Hairspray
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon dish washing liquid
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
Cleaning Process for Washable Fabrics
- Spray hairspray on the stained area and let it dry.
- Soak the stained fabric in the mixture of water, dish washing liquid, and vinegar for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Rinse with water and let the fabric air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Wash as Usual once the stain is removed. Do not use a dryer until the stain is completely gone, as heat can set the stain permanently.
Removing Water-Based and Permanent Ink from Hard Surfaces
Ink can stain a variety of hard surfaces like brick, concrete, and grout. Here are two methods to remove ink stains from these surfaces.
Method 1: Baking Soda and Water
- Mix: Combine equal parts of water and baking soda to form a goopy paste.
- Scrub: Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the paste and scrub the stain.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with water and let dry.
Method 2: Dish Washing Soap and Water
- Mix: Combine 1 cup of warm water with a few squirts of dish washing soap.
- Wipe: Wipe the area with the soapy mixture.
- Scrub: For stubborn stains, use an old toothbrush dipped in the soapy mixture.
- Rinse: Rinse with clean water and let dry.
Tackling Tough Ink Stains
Some stains are particularly stubborn. For these, I recommend specialized products like Lift Off and Goop, which are effective on various tough stains, including nail polish, permanent marker, and correction fluid.
Conclusion
These methods are some of the most effective ways to remove ink stains from various surfaces. Before you decide to throw away an ink-stained item or cover a stained carpet, give these tips a try. You might be surprised at how effective they can be.
