Understanding the Content of Ball Point Pens Ink
Ball point pen ink has a different composition than other inks. Generally, it’s made up of dye, resin, and pigment particles. The resin and pigment give it the ability to easily adhere and dry on fabric and other surfaces. Because of this, it is notoriously difficult and challenging to remove.
However, with the right steps and techniques, it is possible to remove ball point pen ink from clothes. It is recommended to begin the removal process immediately for the highest chance of success. Waiting could cause the ink to deeply penetrate the fabric, becoming impossible to remove.
What You Will Need for the Cleaning Process
The more supplies you have before beginning the cleaning process, the easier and more likely the process will be successful. Recommended materials and products are as follows: white cloth or towel, clean sponge, white vinegar, dish soap, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, nail polish remover, and laundry detergent.
Steps for Removing Ball Point Pen Ink from Clothing
Follow these instructions for the best chance of success in removing ball point pen ink from clothes:
1. Use the white cloth or towel to immediately and gently dab the stained area. Do not rub in circular motions.
2. Blot the stain with a damp cloth or sponge and a non-bleach laundry detergent.
3. Apply white vinegar, gentle dish soap, rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or nail polish remover to the stain. Depending on the fabric, one product or another will work better.
4. Rub the stain gently with a cloth or sponge.
5. Gently rinse with cool water.
6. Soak the garment in a mixture of laundry detergent and cold water for at least 20 minutes.
7. Wash the garment following the care instructions on the garment’s label.
8. Check the garment after washing to ensure the stain has been removed.
Using Mechanical Devices for Stain Removal
New devices are being created to help people in the removal of ball point pen ink from clothes. There is an ultrasonic cleaner that is used to help. Ultrasonic cleaners effectively reduce the energy of sound waves into heat which helps to rapidly penetrate and soften the dirt that is embedded on the fabric, and help to erase the ink marks.
The mechanical action then removes dirt particles and ink from most fabrics. Different cleaners have different power levels are suited for removing different kinds of stains.
Cleaning with ultrasonic devices are ultimate solutions for all kind of paints and inks stains, even in delicate fabrics like silk. Moreover, this cleaning process does not use any detergents or bleach that may spoil the fabric and its color. It is also a much faster cleaning process than traditional hand cleaning.
This lets users to save time and effort with great success. Before using an ultrasonic cleaner, it is important to read and follow the instructions provided.
Cleaning Ball point Pen Ink with Art Materials
Another addition to the tool box for ink removal is art materials. To save clothes from a potential disaster, use paint thinners and commercially available spot removers. Always start with the milder solutions first as these may be gentle enough to remove the ball point pen ink without damaging the material.
If you have a light-colored fabric, use an eraser or rubbing alcohol. For dark-colored fabric, use an alcohol-based cleaner containing acetone or paint thinner. Some of these products might bleach the fabric, so be sure to test it first on a hidden area.
Using Shaving Cream
Shaving cream can also be used to remove ink from fabric and other surfaces. This is a common method for removing such stains, as shaving cream contains lanolin, which works as an absorbent.
To use, squirt the cream directly onto the stain and let it sit for around 30 minutes. Afterward, use a wet cloth to wipe away the cream and the stain should go with it.
If the stain is still present, the same process can be repeated a few more times until it is completely gone.
Using Baby Wipes
Baby wipes make the job of cleaning up ball point pen ink considerably easier. Especially if there’s no detergent or cleaning product in the house or at hand.
This method works best on freshly spilled ink. It is recommended to take a baby wipe and gently blot the affected area as quickly as possible.
This method will be more effective if the ink is not yet fully dried and is still on top of the fabric. In such cases, the baby wipe will be able to remove the ink quite easily.
Using Laundry Stain Removers
Laundry stain removers are also effective for cleaning ball point pen ink. This method can be done after washing the affected item. Take a paper towel or a piece of tissue and gently scrub the ink stain with it.
Once done, take the accidentally stained item and put it through another round in the washer, this time adding laundry stain remover to the wash. This will help remove residual stain from the fabric.
If the stain is still visible, the item should be put back in the washer and the process repeated.
Additional Tips for Finding Ball Point Pen Ink
When removing ball point pen ink one should take the following into consideration:
– Before attempting any cleaning method, it’s particularly important to look at the fabric’s label. Some fabrics may require special handling.
– If the stain has already dried, try to soften it up by moistening it with a bit of water before rubbing it with a cloth or sponge.
– Never rub the stain directly as this might damage the fabric or make the stain worse.
– Be careful with the products you’re using. Some might cause discoloration or weaken the fabric.
– For best results, test the product in an inconspicuous area of the fabric beforehand.
– It is important to keep the stained item separated from other items when washing. Doing so will help avoid further stains.
Using the Freezer
An interesting way of removing ball point pen ink from clothes is the use of a freezer. Due to the cold temperature of the freezer, clothing stained with ink is more likely to come off without further damage. All that’s necessary is for the stained fabric to be aired out in the freezer in a plastic bag.
Once frozen, chip the frozen bits of ink from the fabric with a knife. After that, put the item in the washing machine. This method is also used for removing ink from leather and upholstery.
