Got ink stain on your clothes? Try these simple tricks to remove it
What to use to remove pen marks from fabric at home (photo: Magnific)
Children at school may accidentally get ink on their shirts or pants, while adults may leave pen marks on their clothes while working. However, at home, these stains can easily be removed using simple household remedies.
RBC-Ukraine looked into how to save your favorite clothes without damaging the fabric.
How to remove a ballpoint pen stain
Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice can help deal with a small ink stain. Apply it to a cotton pad and gently place it on the stained area for about an hour.
After that, rinse the fabric with cool water and wash it as usual. This method is best avoided on very delicate or colorfast fabrics, as the acid may change the material’s color.
Baking soda
Baking soda is another simple household remedy you can try to remove ballpoint pen marks. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste, then apply it to the stain.
Leave it on for a few minutes, then gently rub the stain and rinse with water. If the mark remains, you can repeat the process before washing.
Rubbing alcohol
Alcohol-based products are often used to remove ballpoint pen stains. Dampen a cotton pad with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and, instead of rubbing the stain, gently blot it from the edges toward the center.
As the ink transfers onto the cotton pad, replace it with a clean one. After treating the stain, rinse the garment thoroughly and wash it according to the care instructions on the label.
Vinegar and alcohol
Another household option is a mixture of vinegar and alcohol. Apply it to a cotton pad and gently treat the stained area.
Afterward, rinse the fabric thoroughly with water to remove any traces of the mixture, then wash the garment.
How to remove a gel pen stain
Gel ink can behave differently, so it is best to start with gentler methods.
Dish soap
Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly to the stain. Gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush until it lathers.
Then rinse the fabric under cool running water. If the stain has not completely disappeared, repeat the process and then wash the garment.
Lemon juice
For fresh marks, you can try lemon juice. Apply a small amount to the stain, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse with water.
Before using it, always test how the fabric reacts on an inconspicuous area, especially if the material is colored.
Salt and lemon juice
If a gel pen stain has just appeared, you can sprinkle it with a small amount of salt moistened with lemon juice. Leave the mixture on the stained area for a short time, then gently rinse it off.
Do not rub the salt too hard into the fabric, as the abrasive particles may damage the fibers of delicate materials.
Ammonia
Another method is to use diluted ammonia. Apply a small amount of the solution to a cotton pad and treat the ink mark.
After a few minutes, rinse the fabric thoroughly with plenty of cool or warm water, then wash the garment.
What to do before removing the stain
It is best to treat the stain as soon as possible, before the ink has time to penetrate deeply into the fibers. Place a clean tissue or piece of fabric under the stained area to prevent the ink from transferring to another part of the garment.
Do not immediately rub the stain vigorously, as this can spread it and increase the affected area. Instead, blot it gently, gradually working from the edges toward the center.
Also, do not rush to use harsh solvents. Acetone, nail polish remover, white spirit, and similar products can not only dissolve the ink but also damage the fabric’s dye or fibers. Extra care should be taken with synthetic fabrics, wool, silk, and other delicate materials.
If the stain is large, old, or has appeared on an expensive or delicate garment, it is safer to take it to a dry cleaner. Before trying any home remedy, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment.
