Ink stains on your clothing can tempt you to toss out the pair of pants or shirt, but the fact is there are simple ways to remove ink stains from clothing. Now you can hang on to that favorite pair of slacks or pristine white blouse that you like so well. You do not need costly stain removers either--many common household products will work well.
Definition
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Ink is an inorganic pigment or dye that is suspended in a solvent. Ink in the pens we use today is quick-drying and will not smear easily. In the '50s when ballpoint pens became popular, the manufacturers shifted to oil-based dyes. These factors make ink difficult to remove from fabrics.
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Treatments
Keeping a travel-sized container of hair spray in your purse or desk drawer is a convenient way to get rid of ink stains. Just saturate the stain with the alcohol-based hair spray and dab gently with a clean absorbent cloth or paper towel. You may need to do this two or three times to remove it completely, but hair spray dries quickly.
Using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, turpentine or acetone sprinkled on a cloth will easily remove most ink stains. If the stain does not come out completely, try this method again until the stain is considerably lighter and then wash right away.
A handy remedy is to mix two parts dish washing liquid with one part rubbing alcohol, rub this mixture into the stained area, let it sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with hot water. Launder the item if the stain is completely gone; if not, then repeat the step or use another method.
Mix in a small bowl equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Apply this mixture to the stain at least twice, and then place some table salt over the stained area. Rinse with hot water, and your stain should be gone.
Mix equal parts water and baking soda, and pour directly over the stain. Rinse and launder per the clothing label instructions, and the stain should wash away.
Considerations
It is always best to treat any stain as soon as possible. Follow the care directions on your clothing label for best results.
Do not dry your clothing until you make sure the stain is completely gone, as drying it will make it set in and become permanent.