Quck answer
Gel ink stains on clothes can be frustrating, but there are several effective methods to remove them.
1. Treat the stain immediately by blotting it with a clean cloth to remove excess ink.
2. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to the stain and gently rub it in.
3. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat the process if needed.
4. For stubborn stains, soak the garment in a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent for 30 minutes.
5. Finally, wash the garment as usual.
Remember to always check the clothing label for specific instructions and test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area first.
We’ve all been there: you start using a brand new set of gel ink pens and accidentally get ink on your favorite shirt. But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up on your clothes or the gel pens just yet. If you act quickly, you can easily remove gel ink stains from your clothing using common household items.
Understanding Different Types of Ink
Before you can tackle ink stains, it’s important to know what type of ink you’re dealing with. Inks generally fall into three categories: dye-based, water-based, or permanent.
Gel ink and fountain pen ink are usually water-based, which makes them relatively easy to remove from clothing, especially if you act fast. Most ballpoint pen ink is dye-based and made with a combination of dyes and grease. Removing ballpoint pen ink stains requires some pre-treatment and can be a bit more challenging than water-based inks. Permanent ink, like Sharpie ink, is designed to be permanent but can still be removed with a mixture of hair spray, vinegar, and baking soda if you’re determined.
Since gel ink is typically water-based, it’s considered one of the easiest ink stains to remove from clothing. The method you use to remove the stain will depend on whether it’s fresh or dried and the type of fabric.
Removing Fresh Gel Ink Stains with Soap and Water
For fresh stains, you can remove gel ink from your clothes by blotting it with soap or laundry detergent and cold water. Allow the soap to soak into the fabric and then blot the area with a cloth or paper towel to lift the stain.
If you prefer, you can also pretreat the stained garment with soap and water and then wash it in the machine. Use cold or warm water, as hot water can cause the ink stain to set. Before drying, check to make sure the stain is completely gone. If there’s still a stain, repeat the washing process with detergent until it’s gone.
Using Rubbing Alcohol to Remove Gel Ink Stains
If the stain is stubborn and doesn’t come out with just soap and water, try using rubbing alcohol. Before applying the alcohol, blot the area carefully with a paper towel, cloth, or cotton ball to remove any fresh ink. Then, dampen a paper towel, cloth, or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and test it on a small part of the stain. If there are no issues, continue blotting the area, replacing the applicator as needed to avoid spreading ink. Keep blotting until the ink is completely removed, avoiding rubbing or wiping.
Dealing with Dried Gel Ink Stains
If you’re faced with a dried ink stain, don’t give up. It may just take a little more time and patience to remove it.
To start, position an old towel beneath your clothing and place your garment on top of it. Next, treat the ink stain by either pouring rubbing alcohol on it or spraying hair spray onto it, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. Once the time is up, take a paper towel, cotton ball, or cloth and gently dab the stain with cold water. Repeat this process, continuously replacing your chosen medium, until the ink is absorbed. Subsequently, rinse the garment in cold water and assess if the stain has disappeared.
Should the stain persist, acquire some liquid glycerin and use a cotton ball or swab to apply it to the affected area. Following this, add laundry detergent to the spot, combining both the detergent and glycerin, and rinse with cold water. If the stain remains, do not fret as it may require several rounds of this treatment process to completely remove the dried gel ink stain.
