Understanding the Process of Removing Pen Ink from Clothes
Disasters happen. That’s the truth of life, be it small stains or huge spills. When you accidentally get pen ink on your clothes, it might seem like the situation is hopeless. Fortunately, the right strategies and products can often help you save a garment from a pen ink disaster.
Before you attempt to remove pen ink from your clothes, it’s important to understand the process. Not all pen-ink removing methods are the same, and the wrong method could cause permanent damage to your fabric. If you rush into the process, you could end up with worse results than when you started.
Identify the Fabric
Before you start, identify the fabric of the clothing. Different fabrics will require different practices when it comes to removing ink. For example, the process for removing ink from cotton garments is different from the process used when removing ink from silk garments. Each type of fabric has specific properties that will determine the most suitable ink-removing solution or technique.
Attempt to Remove the Stain with Alcohol
If the ink is still wet, it might be possible to remove it using a cotton ball doused in rubbing alcohol. Avoid using the same cotton ball on multiple parts of the fabric, as you could spread the ink further. After you’ve applied the alcohol to the area, rinse it with cool water and observe to see if the ink remains.
Pre-treating with a Stain Remover
If the ink stain has already dried on your clothes, it can still be tricky to remove. To start the process, you should pre-treat the stain with a strong fabric stain remover that’s appropriate for the fabric. Let the treatment sit on the item for a few minutes, and then use a toothbrush to rub the stained area.
Wash It Out
Once you’ve pre-treated the stain, you’ll need to wash it out. Do this by soaking the stained portion of the item in cold water overnight. Then, the next morning, wash the cloth in a gentle cycle. Once the fabric has been thoroughly rinsed, air-dry your garment and observe the results.
Using Professional Products
If the pre-treatment and overnight soaking fail to move the stain, it might be necessary to use a professional product. This is where you should use caution, since these products are much stronger than those available to the general public. These products should be used sparingly and after you’ve tried a few more mild treatments first.
Selecting the Right Products
When it comes to using professional products to remove pen ink from clothes, there are a few options. Acid-based products can be used for the removal of ink, but they can also cause discoloration of colored fabrics. It’s important to spot check a fabric before trying to treat a stain, to make sure the product won’t damage the clothing.
Discolorations and Fading
Although it’s possible to remove most ink stains, discolorations and fading of the fabric may remain. This is especially true if the stain has been set in the fabric due to heat or excessive laundering. Unfortunately, if the fabric is too damaged, the only option remaining may be to replace the item.
Baking Soda and Soy Sauce
If you are dealing with an already dried stain, you can try baking soda and soy sauce. Combining equal parts of both—baking soda and soy sauce— to create a paste, and then applying the paste to the stained area. Let the paste sit for about 30-minutes or so, and then rinse the clothing in cold water.
White Vinegar and Borax
White vinegar and borax are commonly used together to form a paste that can help remove ink stains. To start, create a mixture of one teaspoon of borax and one cup of warm water. Once the borax is dissolved, combine a teaspoon of white vinegar in the mix while stirring gently. Apply the paste to the ink stain and let it sit until the paste is dry. With a damp cloth, rub off the paste before rinsing the item off.
Summit 4x
Another option for removing ink from clothes is the Summit 4x Stain Remover. This product is a professional ink remover, but it can also work on other stains such as blood or wine. The Summit 4x is non-toxic and can be used for most types of fabrics.
Vinegar and Dish Soap
Vinegar and dish soap are two common ingredients in many households. A mixture of one tablespoon of vinegar and two tablespoons of dish soap can be used as a pre-treatment for removing ink stains. After you’ve mixed the two ingredients together, apply the mixture onto the ink stained area. Let the mixture sit for several minutes before rinsing the item in cold water.
Ink Erasers
An ink eraser is a special tool designed specifically for removing ink stains from clothing. Ink erasers can be found in most stain-remover products that are specifically designed for ink removal. However, before using an ink eraser, always read the manufacturer’s instructions, as all erasers work differently.
Prevention
Sometimes, the best method of removing ink from clothes may be prevention. Keep your pen carefully tucked away in a pocket or other safe place so you won’t be faced with a spilt ink disaster in the first place. Additionally, if you find yourself in the middle of a pen-ink emergency, lay a rag or paper towel over the stain immediately to reduce the amount of ink that’s absorbed by the fabric.
Using Hair Spray
Hair spray is another tool that can help you remove pen ink from clothes, but it should be used with caution. After spraying the area with hairspray, use a damp fabric to gently rub the stain away. This is best used as a spot cleaner, and should not be sprayed directly onto the garment in large quantities.
Using Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can work as a spot cleaner for ink stains. Simply spray the item down with a small amount of hand sanitizer. Then, use a rag to rub the fabric gently, and rinse the stain with cool water afterwards. Depending on how set the stain is, you may need to repeat this several times.
Salt and Isopropyl Alcohol
Salt and isopropyl alcohol can be combined to form a paste that will help to remove ink stains. Mix equal parts of salt and isopropyl alcohol and then apply the paste to the stained area. Once the paste has dried, use a brush to rub off any remaining particles. Finally, rinse the item with cold water and air-dry for best results.
Freezing the Stain
In some cases, it might be possible to freeze the stain off your clothes. While freezing isn’t as reliable as some other methods, it may be your best option. To freeze the stain off, place the stained portion of the item into a sealed plastic bag. Put the bag in the freezer and let it freeze for 2-3 hours. With a dull butter knife, scrape off the frozen ink. Afterwards, wash the item in a gentle cycle and air-dry.
