Tips For Removing Stubborn Ink Stains Out of Your Clothing…

You may find that removing the ballpoint pen stain you got on your blouse can be more difficult than the stain on your pants made by a leaky fountain pen. One of the main stain-removal challenges comes from the fact that not all ink types and fabrics are the same, so some ink spots will be easier to remove than others. Luckily, it is possible to remove ink stains from clothing using common household products. Always treat the stain before washing or drying clothing with a stain. In this blog, we would like to give a few ways to remove ink from clothes.

Determine the Type of Ink That Caused the Stain

So before you begin to remove the stain follow the first step of deciding which type of ink you are dealing with…

• Ballpoint Ink – Thick and oily, these stains are a combination of dyes and grease.
• Water-based Ink – Perhaps the easiest to remove, stains from fountain pens and gel pens are thinner and non-greasy.
• Permanent Ink – These are the hardest ink stains to remove, and you often need a special, permanent ink remover to tackle.

How to Remove Ballpoint Pen Ink

Ballpoint ink is the easiest type of ink to remove from clothes. Follow these instructions to make your clothes look new again…

1. Place a paper towel under the stain and sponge it with rubbing alcohol.
2. Use an eyedropper to apply alcohol directly onto the stain or, for a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes. The ink should begin to dissolve almost immediately.
3. Continue sponging and blotting the stain until no further ink is released from the fabric.
4. Rinse under cool water, apply a pre-wash stain remover, like Shout, and wash the garment in the hottest water with a bleach that’s safe for the fabric. Check that the ink is completely removed before tossing the item in the dryer.
5. If there are still stains repeat the process.

How to Remove Water-Based Ink Stains

Perhaps the easiest to remove, stains from fountain pens and gel pens are thinner and non-greasy.

1. Blot the Stain.
2. Lay the stained clothing on top of a clean, dry towel or cloth.
3. Add Detergent to the Spot.
4. Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent onto the ink stain and allow the fabric to sit for three to five minutes.
5. Wash the Garment in Hot Water

How to Remove Permanent Ink Stains from Clothes

There are many different options you can use to remove permanent ink from clothing. However, the process may not remove the stain completely (it is called “permanent ink” for a reason.) You may only be able to fade the mark. If the fabric can be bleached, you may have a better chance of removing the stain with bleach. For delicate fabrics like satin or silk, it’s best to trust those to be dry cleaned. Make sure to show them where the stain is when you drop the item off for cleaning. Here are a few suggestions if you would like to try some household remedies…

1. Test the fabric by putting a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a hidden seam.
2. If the fabric doesn’t seem damaged, move on to the next step.
3. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to blot rubbing alcohol on the stain.
4. If the ink comes through to the towel move the garment to a clean section of the towel to prevent the area from reabsorbing the ink.
5. When the ink has disappeared rinse the rubbing alcohol completely from the garment.
6. After the garment is completely rinsed, apply regular liquid detergent onto the area and let it sit for three to five minutes.
7. If the stain is gone wash the garment using the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
8. If the stain remains and the fabric can be bleached soak the garment in bleach and cool water for 8 hours.
9. Remember to check that the stain is completely removed before drying the garment.

Look for us behind Jimmy Johns and Speedway on Leestown Rd or Contact us (859-227-5757) for more information
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About 24 Hr Meadowthorpe Laundromat

24 Hr Meadowthorpe Laundromat is a self serve coin laundry, with a variety of washing and drying options. We have large capacity equipment, perfect for blankets, comforters, sleeping bags, and more. We are owned and operated by a Meadowthorpe resident and have better washers and more drying capacity than ever before. We offer customers a clean, safe, and dependable place to get your laundry clean. We also have Free WiFi, snacks, drinks, and laundry supplies available for your convenience.
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