Think Before You Treat Stains From Ink
Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
by Kate Whitely
Ink stains cause headaches, but removing them can be even more problematic. You may find that what helps get rid of one type of ink stain doesnt do a thing for anotheror actually makes it worse. Heres a guide to ink stain removal by type of ink that should help you troubleshoot your laundry basket.
Ballpoint Pen and Dry-Erase Marker Stains:
1. Place the stained fabric on a clean white cloth.
2. Using another clean white cloth, blot the stain with either rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (make sure the nail polish remover contains acetone). This should remove most of the stain.
3. RINSE the garment thoroughly with cold water in a sink or tub.
4. Soak the stain with your usual laundry detergent for 10 minutes.
5. Wash as per instructions in the warmest water the fabric will tolerate.
Water-Based Marker Ink Stains:
Most childrens art class markers, even the ones that change colors, are made with water-based ink thats designed to be washed out of clothing and carpets. All you need to do is blot the stained area with water until the stain fades, apply your usual laundry detergent for up to 10 minutes, and then launder according to instructions.
Permanent Marker Ink Stains:
A permanent marker stain is a major problem. If your garment is delicate, patterned, or otherwise unbleachable, youre going to have to take it to a dry cleaners and hope for the best. For less tempermental fabrics, try one of the following three attacks, making sure to test an inconspicuous spot first to ensure you wont further ruin the garment:
Rubbing Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover: Blot the stain with either substance on a clean white cloth. There will be bleed-through onto the cloth below; youll have to keep moving the stained garment around as you blot and fade the stain. Make sure you rinse the garment with water, then apply detergent or a stain stick before washing the garment in the warmest water it will tolerate.
Acetone: This is strong stuff and should be used in a well-ventilated room as a last resortit will harm or melt many synthetic fabrics, so be sure to test for damage before you try this. Use it as you would rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, and be extra-sure to rinse well before you put any garment treated with acetone in a washing machine.
Baking Soda Paste: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a gritty paste. Rub a little at a time into the stain, rinsing with water after each application soaks up some of the ink. Treat with a stain stick once all the baking soda paste is gone, and launder as usual. Repeat if necessary.
Commercial Ink Removers:
As with any laundry product, not all ink stain removers are created equal. Make sure you treat them as you would a home remedy, and test a hidden area before applying to the stain. Avoid harsh solvents or fragrancesas with some laundry detergents, specialized stain removers can cause reactions in people who wear the treated garments. More eco-friendly removers, such as Gonzo Stain Remover (available at www.gonzocorp.com), that dont lack stain removal power show up on the market every dayif all of the above fails, try your luck with whats at the shop.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)hi kate,this was a well written, interesting and helpful article. thanks for sharing,i hope you continue writing,welcome to Searchwarp,best regards,sue thom
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