Quck answer
If you want to remove gel ink stains from your clothes, follow these steps:
1. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess ink.
2. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or acetone to a clean cloth.
3. Gently dab the stained area with the cloth, being careful not to rub the ink deeper into the fabric.
4. Continue blotting until the ink starts to lift.
5. Rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining ink and cleaning solution.
6. Launder the garment as usual, using a stain remover if necessary.
7. Check the stain before drying, as heat can set the ink stain permanently.
Remember to always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it to the stain.
Gel ink is a combination of water and oil-based technologies, where an oil-based pigment is suspended in a water-based liquid to facilitate smooth ink flow onto paper. The ink is permanent, making it challenging to remove from clothes. Swift action is required to remove ink stains before they set in and become impossible to eliminate. Washable fabrics can be treated at home using various stain-removal solutions. If one method doesn’t work, move on to the next, as it may be more effective in removing the specific pigment in your stain.
Ammonia Mixture
To remove gel ink, Uni-Ball, a pen manufacturer, suggests mixing 1 teaspoon of ammonia with a gallon of water. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and add a scoop of enzyme laundry detergent. Shake the bottle well to ensure thorough mixing and then spray the ink stain, fully saturating it.
Once the fabric is completely soaked, use an old toothbrush to work on the stain. Rinse the ammonia solution out of the material and examine the stain. If it has lightened but still remains, repeat the process. Wash the garment once you are satisfied that the stain is gone or consider trying a different cleaning solution.
Vinegar Mixture
Mrs. Clean, a cleaning professional, recommends a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar to treat stains. Pour or spray the mixture onto the stain and generously sprinkle table salt over the area. Rub the salt into the stain using your fingers and then rinse the garment in hot water before washing it.
Lemon Juice Mixture
Another effective remedy for ink stains is a mixture of one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the stain and let it sit for two hours. After the time has passed, rinse the garment in cold water. If the stain rinses out along with the detergent, it’s time to wash the garment.
Blotters
Various household chemicals can be used to blot out ink stains. Place a clean white towel behind the stain (the towel must be white to avoid transferring dye onto the clothing). Saturate the stain with the chosen chemical and press the stain into the towel from the front of the garment using a white paper towel. This will push the ink out of the clothes and onto the towel behind. Blot the stain instead of rubbing it, as these chemicals can spread the stain and make it larger if rubbed. Change towels as needed to work on a clean surface that can absorb more ink, and continue blotting until all the ink has transferred to the towel. Chemicals and solvents that can be used with this technique include:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Nail polish remover
- Hairspray
- Turpentine
- All-purpose household cleaners
The Washing Process
Once you have removed as much ink as possible, wash the garment in the hottest water allowed according to its care label. Adding bleach to the laundry can help with stain removal.
Before using bleach on your fabric, it is important to test it first. You can do this by applying a mixture of 2 teaspoons of chlorine bleach and 1/4 cup of water to an inconspicuous area. After applying the mixture, blot the fabric dry with a clean towel. If the color of the fabric changes, it is recommended to use a color-safe or oxygen bleach instead. However, if there is no color change, you can safely bleach the garment with chlorine bleach following the instructions provided by the bleach manufacturer.
Once you have washed the garment, allow it to air dry and inspect it for any remaining stains. If the stain is still visible, treat it again and wash the garment once more. It is important not to put the garment in the dryer until you are certain that the ink stain has been completely removed. Putting it in the dryer prematurely may cause the stain to set, making it more difficult to remove.
