Are you looking for ways to remove ink stains? If so, you’ll benefit from the information below! So many people deal with ink stains and often never get them cleaned. Using these tips, you should be able to salvage your favorite fabrics and clothing!
Ink Stain Categories | Wash Dry Fold Raleigh NC
- Water-based ink stains. These are some of the easiest to remove. Washable markers fall into this category.
- Permanent ink stains. Most can be a nightmare to remove. These include most permanent highlighters and markers.
- Ballpoint ink. These stains can be the hardest to remove. However, responds well to stain removal efforts when done properly!
Water-Based Ink Stains
- Begin by laying the stained clothing on top of a clean dry towel or cloth.
- Apply water to the stained area and blot with another clean cloth. As you blot, the stain will begin to transfer onto the cleaning cloth. Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent onto the ink stain and allow the fabric to sit for between 3-5 minutes.
- Using the hottest water recommend for the fabric type, wash normally.
- Before drying, check to make sure the entire stain was removed. If any trace of the stained area remains, repeat the steps above. Drying the stained area before everything is removed will make it nearly impossible to remove later.
Permanent Ink Stains
Permanent ink is a very difficult stain to remove. If the fabric is able to be bleached, there might be a shot at removing the ink with it. Otherwise, the following tips may help to at least fade the stain.
- First, try rubbing alcohol. Grab a clean white towel and put the stained item on top.
- The towel underneath may start to be wet and discolored from the ink leaching out. Try moving the garment to a clean dry section of the towel as this happens to keep from picking back up any of the removed ink. Continue until no more can be removed. Make sure you rinse the stained area completely free of the rubbing alcohol. Rinsing multiple times may be necessary.
- If rubbing alcohol does not work you can try fingernail polish remover. This is very strong and there is a chance that it will damage the fabric. Be sure to test what happens on an inner seam or a hidden area of the clothing. Blot in the same way as you did with the rubbing alcohol making sure you move the stained area to a clean dry section of a towel as the ink stain is removed. Rinse the rubbing alcohol completely from the fabric.
Ballpoint Ink Stains
Ballpoint stains are tricky. Sometimes they’re able to be removed, sometimes not. You may attempt to try using the same methods as above.
Be sure to rinse the fabric completely after each try, if you have to use both the rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover method. These items shouldn’t be mixed. Before drying, make sure the stain is completely gone. If it is not, repeat the previous steps until the stain is hopefully removed.
We hope these tips help in removing ink stains that have soiled your favorite items! If you need further help with stain removal, consider contacting our stain specialist at Laundry Express!
Be sure to visit with our previous blog on other stains and how to remove them, below:
- Stain Removal: Grass
If you are too far behind on your laundry chores and need help catching up before implementing the new family laundry routine, stop by our Raleigh laundromat! We offer many different services including wash dry fold in Raleigh NC, dry cleaning, laundromat and more!
