Methods for RemovalInk Stain on Clothes
When you forget to take your pen out of your pocket or you’ve placed it in an awkward position and some ink spills onto your clothing, you might be confused.
Fortunately, there’s no need to panic; there are many ways to remove ink stains from clothes, many of which use household products. However, the first thing to remember is to never wash the clothing before removing the stain, as washing and drying make it much harder to get rid of the stain later on.SelMagzHere, we will introduce some of these home remedies.
Before You Start
The first step is to identify the type of ink that has spilled on your clothing. Water-based inks, like washable markers, are the easiest to clean. Permanent ink, like that from regular markers and highlighters, can be more challenging to remove.
Solutions for Removing Ink Stains
Fresh ink stains are easier to remove than dried ones. Thus, if you’re lucky enough to notice the stain before it dries, sprinkle a little salt on it and gently dab it with a damp cloth. Then, use a toothbrush to brush away the salt until the stain is completely gone.
Removing Fresh Ink Stains
Required Materials:
- Clothing detergent
- Clean, dry towel or cloth
- A shallow bowl
Instructions:
- Place the clothing on a dry towel or cloth. Then, dampen the stained area and wipe it with a clean cloth; this will transfer the stain from the fabric to the cloth.
- Next, apply some clothing detergent to the inked area and let it sit for three to five minutes.
- Wash the garment in hot water, using the hottest setting for fabric. Check the clothing before drying to ensure the ink is completely removed. If any ink remains, repeat the washing step.
Removing Permanent Ink Stains
Apply some alcohol to the permanently stained area; this is typically effective, but it may not completely remove the stain. However, it helps in the cleaning process, and if you can whiten the fabric, you’ll have an easier time removing the stain.
Required Materials:
- Alcohol
- Clothing detergent
- Oxygen bleach
- Clean white towel
Instructions:
Test the fabric:
Take a clean towel and place the stained fabric on it. Check the area where you applied the alcohol; if it shows no damage, proceed to the next step.
Transfer the alcohol-soaked area to a clean cloth:
Use a paper towel or clean cloth to dab the alcohol-stained area, making it easier to lift the stain. The bottom towel might get wet with ink; if this happens, switch to a dry section and continue until no ink remains, then rinse the stained area thoroughly.
If the ink is from a pen, after using alcohol, apply some clothing detergent to the area and wait three to five minutes.
At this stage, check the area:
If the ink has come out, set the water to the hottest temperature and wash the clothing as usual. If any stain remains, mix it with oxygen bleach and cold water; you can also refer to the instructions on the cleaning products for guidance.
Sometimes, you might need to let the ink-stained clothing soak in water for at least eight hours. If the stain persists, repeat the process with fresh materials, ensuring the stain is completely removed before drying.
Other Methods to Remove Stains from Clothes
RemoverNail Polish Remover
This method is suitable for permanent inks, but it may damage your clothing. To test for damage, try it on an inconspicuous area. If it works, use the same instructions as for alcohol and make sure to wash out all nail polish remover with clothing detergent, usually indicated on the label.
Milk
Fill a shallow bowl or container with enough milk to submerge the stained part of the garment, and then remove it from the milk the next day.
Hair Spray
Most hair sprays contain alcohol which helps dissolve ink and its stains. Just try to choose a hair spray that has a high alcohol content, which tends to be more expensive. To do this, place a clean towel under the clothing and spray the hair spray on it, then wipe the clean towel over it to transfer the ink onto the towel.
Vinegar and White Flour
First, soak the stained area with vinegar until the fabric gets pasty. Then, make a mixture of two parts vinegar to three parts white flour and apply it to the fabric, letting the paste set until completely dry before washing it off.Vinegarand white flour mixture should be allowed to dry completely before rinsing.
Note:If no trace of ink remains, use the same method next time.
If you are using a homemade cleaning mixture, make sure the stain is completely gone before drying the clothing.
