Have you ever accidently left a pen in your pocket, and only realized it until you see a pool of black ink formed onto the outside of your pants? No, Picasso did not paint that abstract shape of black glob onto your clothing. That is what we like to call a ball point ink pen explosion. Do not fret! We have the cure to ballpoint ink pen stains. Here is our simple solution to cleaning an ink stain:
For Fabric
1.) Sponge your stain with a dry cleaning solvent.
Moisten the ink stain with a clean rag. Don’t rub the stain in because you are pushing and spreading the stain deeper into your clothing (or fabric surface).
What is a dry cleaning solvent? That is a solvent based liquid (or spray) used to clean grease/oil stains. It is created to for use on washable or dry-clean only fabrics. Most cleaners used for carpet and upholstery cleaning are dry cleaning solvents. Make sure to rinse out the solvent completely after it is applied.
2.) Rinse out the solvent
3.) Dab some rubbing alcohol onto the stained area. Use a paper towel, cloth, rag or cotton ball. Make sure that the cloth you use isn’t colored. If you use a colored cloth/rag/ etc. it may release some color onto your fabric.
4.) Air Dry
5.) If the stain appears after the drying process, try rubbing some liquid laundry detergent onto the stain. Allow the stain to soak in the laundry detergent for a few hours. After that, rinse your fabric. Last, you can throw your stained article of clothing into the washer for a good rinse and cleaning.
For Carpet Stains
1.) If you have an ink stain on your carpet, the first step to cleaning it is sponging it with a dry cleaning solvent. Remember to apply the solvent with a white cleaning cloth. Blot the solvent until it is absorbed. Blotting means gently patting the stain. Do not rub the stain in- this only rubs the ink stain deeper into the carpet!
2.) Next step is to create a mixture of liquid dishwashing detergent, water and white vinegar=
- 1 tbs liquid hand soap
- 1 tbs white vinegar
- 2 cups warm water
3.) Sponge the ink stain solution onto the stain. Blot the liquid with a clean white rag until it is absorbed.
Note: If the stain does not disappear right away, try repeating the process a few times. Ink stain removal requires patience. Stains can be stubborn! It may take you about five times to sponge and blot dry until the stain disappears.
4.) Once the stain has vanished, sponge and rinse the carpet surface with cold water to remove the solutions you have applied.