How To Remove Ink Stains

To remove ink stain that you may have on your clothing or on your furniture, you may think that you have to call in a professional to handle it. While you may just have to do that, you may want to consider saving your money and treating the stain on your own.

The good news is that stains like ink can be removed successfully if you treat them quickly and in the right manner. To help you, we have provided some tips here that are known for working well on all types of ink stains. Remember, there is no 100% guarantee, but there are several possible solutions that can work for you.

Should I Try To Remove The Stain Myself?

Sometimes, you may want to consider having a professional treat the stains.

This may include times when you need to remove stains from highly valuable articles of clothing or furniture. These, you just do not want to mess with. But, for most other ink stains, remove them through the methods you find below.

Removing Ink Stains On Clothing and Fabric:

On no! Your favorite blouse now has a huge ink stain on it. Out of the dryer it comes with a mark because an ink pen has exploded in there. Your jeans…you daughters dress… are they ruined?

Most likely these items can be treated effectively. You just need to learn how to do it.

To treat stains on clothing, do this:

• Blot the stain with a clean terry cloth to remove as much of the ink as possible.
• Once no ink will transfer, allow the stain to air dry.
• Apply hair spray (no fragrances in it.) Saturate the stain in this manner.
• Place one paper towel on the back of the clothing ink stain and one on the front.
• Blot with the one on the back to allow it to push the stain through to the other side.
• You will want to work on this for a few minutes until the stain is completely removed.
• Spray with laundry pre treatment and allow to sit as per the directions on the stain treatment product.
• Launder as you normally would.
• Do not place your clothing into the dryer until you are sure that all of the stain has been removed.

Other Solvents That Remove Ink:

Hair spray works well, but there are other things that will also dissolve ink. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) works really well. Follow the same process I have outlined above.  You can also use a dry cleaning solvent as directed by the manufacturer to remove the stain. If the piece of clothing is valuable or it can not be laundered at home, it is important to follow the proper care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Removing Ink Stains from Hard Surfaces Such as Floors and Counter tops:

If ink is spilled onto your floor or countertop, you may be tempted to grab the mop or a cleaning rag and get it off. But, this can cause the stain to spread by just wiping the ink to a larger area. Instead, use a terry cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible by blotting it up. When this is no longer allowing stain to be removed, apply isopropyl alcohol to the area by blotting onto it. This should remove all ink from the counter or the floor.

If you have hardwood floors, or another specialty surface make sure to use only approved methods to clean up any type of stain as provided by your manufacturer. If you use chemicals that damage the protective coating, you are going to need to apply protection.

Removing Ink Stains from Hard Surfaces Such as Glass and Metal:

Ink stains will come off of glass and metal fairly quickly. Apply isopropyl alcohol to the area and blot up. You can wash with soap and water afterwards if necessary. Be careful not to submerge electrical cords or appliances in any type of water. Apply only a small amount of alcohol to the location at one time.

Older Ink Stains:

Ink stains can be more permanent the longer that they sit. If you find an ink stain that has been there for a while, call in a professional to help you to remove it. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to the area as you do not want to scratch or damage it any further. Dry cleaning clothing with ink stains can be the most appropriate method available. The best method for removing ink stains from anything is to work quickly on the, as soon as you find them.