Once you get ink on a shirt or other piece of clothing, you may feel like you won't be able to get rid of the stubborn stain. While it takes a lot of effort to get rid of these types of patches, there are ways to get them out of clothes of any material. Cleaning them when they are still fresh is easier than when they are dry, so it is important to act before they set in the fibers. Pat them dry as much as possible, then use rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or another strong stain remover to remove them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Blot Fresh Spots
Step 1. Place a cloth under the stain
If the damage has just happened, you can try to absorb the ink as much as possible; Before proceeding, place a white cloth or rag on the underside of the fabric at the height of the stain to prevent ink from spreading to the back of the garment as you try to remove it.
Be sure to use a white cloth, as a colored cloth may release its own dye and further soil the dress you are treating
Step 2. Blot the patch with a white cloth to absorb the ink
Take another white cloth and proceed delicately; do not scrub the stain, otherwise you could cause the dirt to penetrate even more into the fibers. Continue like this until no more ink remains lifted.
Step 3. Blot the other side of the fabric
Place the garment inside out and place a clean cloth under the stained portion; dab this side as well and stop when you see that no trace of ink is lifted anymore.
Method 2 of 3: Use an Alcohol Based Spray Lacquer
Step 1. Get an alcohol based hair spray
Lacquer is an unusual product for removing stains, but it is effective and you can give it a try; find one that contains alcohol, as it is the substance that dissolves this type of patch.
If you don't have it immediately available, lay the garment on a flat base and place a cloth under the stain to prepare it for treatment
Step 2. Test the product on a hidden corner
Before using hairspray or any other cleaning method, it is always a good idea to test the cleaning substance on a small area to make sure it does not cause further damage. To proceed, spray a small amount on an inconspicuous part of the garment, wait about 30 seconds and then pat it dry to absorb it. If the fabric is a little damp but the color is unchanged, you can use the hairspray safely.
- If you notice any color blemishes or the lacquer has altered the dress in some way, you shouldn't use it for this purpose.
- This product is more effective on polyester fabrics; however, do not use it to treat leather, as alcohol can damage it.
Step 3. Spray the lacquer on the stain
Once the garment is prepared, hold the spray can about 30 cm away and apply the product generously evenly.
Step 4. Let it dry
After spraying the lacquer, you have to wait for the alcohol to act on the dirty area for a few minutes, breaking down the ink molecules; do not leave the product on the fabric for too long, otherwise it can dry out the fibers.
Step 5. Blot with a clean cloth
After about a minute, start tapping the fabric with a white cloth or a cotton ball; you should notice that the ink begins to rise to the surface. Continue like this, until you can get all the color off or until you can lift any more.
If the stain disappears completely, you can wash the garment in the washing machine as usual
Method 3 of 3: Blot the Stain with other Cleansers
Step 1. Dab it with denatured alcohol
Dip a white cloth or sponge in the alcohol and start tapping the stain gently. if you can get rid of it this way, you can put the garment in the washing machine normally.
- Do not use alcohol on fabrics such as acetate, silk, wool or rayon.
- Alcohol is effective in eliminating any patch of ink, from that of felt-tip pens to that of ballpoint pens, therefore it is an excellent cleaning agent if the lacquer is not enough.
Step 2. Use glycerin and dish soap
Mix one tablespoon of glycerin (15ml) with one teaspoon of dish soap (5ml) in a bowl; dip a white cloth into the mixture and dab it on one side of the stain. When you see that the ink is no longer rising from the fibers, turn the garment over and apply the cleaner to the opposite side.
- After having absorbed as much ink as possible, wait about 5 minutes and then apply a little glycerin on the area you are treating, using a finger; when finished, rinse with water to remove the products you used.
- Glycerin is an excellent agent for old stains, because it saturates them and helps the detergent wash them off; it is effective on all types of fabrics.
Step 3. Use baking soda and water
To remove the stain with this method, mix the two substances in a 2: 1 ratio in a small bowl to create a soft paste; then take a cotton ball and apply the solution on the ink. Once removed or when you can no longer lift the residue, wipe off the dough with a clean cloth or paper towels.
Baking soda is safe on all materials
Step 4. Clean the stain with white vinegar
If you have not obtained satisfactory results so far, soak the entire garment in a solution of equal parts of water and white vinegar for half an hour; while it is soaking, gently pat the dirty area with a sponge or cloth for about 10 minutes and then proceed with washing in the washing machine as usual.
- Do not use hot water, otherwise the heat can set the stain on the fibers.
- White vinegar is safe on all types of fabrics.
Step 5. Blot the ink with dry cleaning liquid
There are several types of stain removers on the market that are specifically formulated to remove stains; apply one following the instructions on the package and then pat the area with a clean cloth.
Read the label carefully and do not use a product that could damage the fabric
Advice
- If you are not sure how a specific detergent reacts to the type of fabric you are treating, test it in a hidden area before proceeding with the removal of the stain.
- Remember to blot and do not rub the soiled area, otherwise the ink could penetrate further into the fibers and ruin the garment.
- Do not wash and dry the garment until the stain has been completely removed, as the heat from the dryer could permanently set the color in the fibers.
