How to Remove an Ink Stain
Removing ink stains isn’t as hard as you think. Don’t throw out that favorite blouse or shirt. Rescue it with a few of granny’s old time remedies. The sooner you treat the stain the better. Don’t let the stain set as this makes removing it harder. The method used depends on the type of ink.
Aerosol hair spray has been used to remove some types of ballpoint ink from clothing since the invention of ballpoint pens. Place a clean cloth under the stained material and spray away. Blot, don’t rub, the ink as it appears on the clean cloth. Rubbing alcohol is fast overtaking hair spray as the number one ink stain remover.
Hair spray will also remove ballpoint ink stains from leather or plastic. Just spray and rinse. You can also sponge the stains with rubbing alcohol. Another trick when dealing with ballpoint ink on leather is to dab plain petroleum jelly or Vaseline on the stain. Leave the petroleum jelly on for a few days before wiping it off.
Ballpoint ink stains on the carpet? Sprinkle salt on the stain. The salt will absorb the ink, vacuum up and repeat until the stain is gone.
A mild solution of hydrogen peroxide will work wonders. Apply to the stain and allow the hydrogen peroxide to soak in before blotting. Repeat until the stain disappears and then throw into the wash.
A fresh ink stain is different from ballpoint ink. If you catch the ink spell when it first happens, blot the ink and don’t rub it in. Soak the clothing in milk for 30 to 40 minutes, then wash. Another trick is to dip the piece of material with the ink stain into a bowl of rubbing alcohol and letting soak until the stain is gone.
Don’t have any hairspray, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, milk, salt, or petroleum jelly in the house? Take that favorite pair of jeans and head to the bathroom. Lay the jeans on the counter, place a clean cloth or even a paper towel on top of the ink stain. Grab your hair shampoo and pour it on the stain. Wait about fifteen minutes and begin blotting. The ink stain will get lighter and lighter. Then take a clean cloth, dip it into water and keep on blotting until clear. When finished, wash as usual.
The kitchen also contains some natural ink stain removers. Gather laundry detergent, lemon juice and ammonia. Rub the detergent into the stain, then rinse under running cold water. If the stain is still there, mix equal amounts of cold water, lemon juice and ammonia. Keep treating and rinsing until clear. You can then wash normally. A mixture of equal parts Isopropyl alcohol, household vinegar and salt will also make the stain disappear. Place on the ink stain, rinse under hot water and repeat until the stain is gone.
By removing ink stains yourself, you not only get a sense of accomplishment, but you save money and rescue your favorite garment. Not to mention granny would be proud.
