Ink Stain Removal

If you're looking for the best ink stain removal tips, first you'll have to decide what kind of ink stain you are treating, the type of fabric it is on, and whether or not it is colorfast. For example, how you treat an ink stain on silk will differ from one on a more washable fabric.

Commercial ink stain removers like Amodex are available.

Not all inks are created equal. Some are permanent; others are water based and easier to remove. The problem is that there are so many different ink formulas that there is no one easy answer when it comes to ink stain removal. However, if you are patient and persistent, many times you'll find success in removing or at least lightening ink stains from most kinds of clothing. It may take a bit of experimentation on your part to find what treatment works best for your particular stain, but persistence pays off when you can wear your ink-free garment again.

The following cleaners work on a variety of inks, so if one doesn't work for your particular stain, then try another from the list. Before you do, though, rinse the fabric by hand in cool water to remove any residue.

One factor to be aware of as you attempt to remove an ink stain is that some ink stains are permanent. Nothing gets them out, though some commercial cleaners do claim they can do it. On the bright side, many ink stains can be treated, but before you do anything else, check your fabric for colorfastness. If you don't, you may create a whole new problem without a solution by removing the color from your fabric. This is why it is recommended that "cleaners" not be applied directly on the stain.

• Hairspray: Place a clean, absorbent towel under the stained area. Apply hairspray to a clean white terry towel and daub the ink stain. Use another clean terry cloth to blot the area. Continue this treatment until stain is gone.
• Rubbing Alcohol: Follow the procedure listed under "hairspray" but substitute rubbing alcohol for the hairspray.
• Acetone (or nail polish remover): Follow the procedure listed under "hairspray" but substitute acetone or nail polish remover for the hairspray.
• Turpentine: Follow the procedure listed under "hairspray" but substitute turpentine for the hairspray.

If you don't want to mess with the home remedy answer to ink stain removal, then you can find a variety of commercial ink removers on the market. Some even claim to remove permanent stains. Here are a few commercial ink stain remover possibilities:

• WINK- Ink stain remover in a stick
• Lift Off #3 Stain Remover for Pen/Ink/Marker Graffiti
• Motsenbocker Lift Off # 3 Stain Remover
• Amodex Ink and Stain Remover 1oz Stain Remover
• FRANKLIN HyperOx Stain Remover RTU

• Before you start treating your ink stain, remember to put a clean cloth under the stained fabric. This helps keep the stain from spreading as it is treated.
• Once you treat the stain on the top side of the fabric, turn it over and be sure the stain is gone on the underside as well.
• If you have an unusually stubborn stain, try using a soft toothbrush as a miniature scrub brush. Use this method with caution though, as vigorous scrubbing can damage some fibers.

Whatever stain removal method you use to get the ink out, take precautions to make sure you don't make the stain spread. Once you have treated the stain, launder in the washer with cool water to remove any leftover residue. For non-washable fabrics, rinse in cool water, return the garment to the clean, absorbent cloth and place a heavy object on the garment to help expel the remaining water and lingering residue.

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