When you least expect it, an “accident” can occur that ends with an ink stain on your favorite shirt. Or maybe the kids are playing with the markers on the new sofa. Be that as it may, it is convenient to know what must be done to eliminate this type of dirt. Here are some recommendations that can help you.
Act as soon as possible
This is the first piece of advice we should always follow when we want to remove any stain, but with ink stains being quick is even more important. Acting as soon as possible is essential to prevent dirt from penetrating deeply and completely into the fibers, and thus getting rid of it more easily.
As a general rule, don't put ink-stained clothing in the washing machine without first treating it. If you wash it in hot water you will only be able to fix it even more in the fabric. You should also not rub it before washing the garment, as the ink will spread.
Not All Stains Are Created Equal
You may think ink is ink, but when it comes to stains and methods of removing them, not all are created equal. Those with a water base are the easiest to remove. In fact, many markers for younger children are of this type (it is usually specified on the packaging, and it is highly recommended to make sure that they are). To erase this type of stain on clothes, it is enough to treat them with water and detergent and then wash the garment normally.
On the other hand, ballpoint ink is harder to clean than it looks. A good tactic to achieve this is to use a specific stain-removing product, although it is necessary to do a test in an inconspicuous area of the garment such as a hem or a seam. The important thing is to treat the stains before washing clothes so that they do not set more.
Another way to remove traces of pen is to apply alcohol spray, as it penetrates the fibers better and is more effective.
Milk, a homemade solution that works
Although the result depends on the type of ink we have to treat, using milk to remove this type of stain is a home remedy with which good results are usually achieved. results. It is important to heat it until it is lukewarm and pour it over the smear, leaving the garment to soak for about 30 minutes (or longer, if necessary). You can change the milk if it gets dirty with the ink.
Use this trick with cotton, wool or even silk fabrics, since milk is not aggressive. Then wash the garment as usual.
What about marker stains?
Non-washable markers are a real headache, even if they aren't permanent ink. The way to treat them will depend on the type of tissue.
A solution for upholstery
How to act when the ink has fallen on a fabric that cannot be washed, such as the upholstery of a sofa? In this case, things get complicated and the solution does not seem easy at all, although we must not give up prematurely.
If possible, if they are removable covers, it is best to take the stained fabric to the dry cleaner where they can give it a professional treatment. If this is not possible, we must use a specific cleaning product, without rubbing to prevent the ink from spreading.
On the walls
Do you have a future artist at home? Have your children decided to develop their pictorial skills by taking the walls as a canvas? The wall decorations created with a marker are not easy to remove, even if the paint on the walls is plastic and of good quality.
If you rub lightly the marker strokes you most likely won't be able to remove them, and if you rub harder you may drag the paint away. Therefore, it is best to go little by little, starting with a gentle cleaning.
Can't get the marker off the wall? Try applying a paste of baking soda and water with a cotton swab, then removing it with a damp cloth. If this does not work either, there is only one alternative left: use a "magic eraser" from those you find in supermarkets. This type of scourer has a white sponge that you have to moisten before rubbing the stain with it. Do it carefully so as not to damage the wall.
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