Ink stains have a sort of poetic quality to them, a story of a creative passion, far-fetched or just a mundane moment that lives on to stain ink. Though these stains might be ones that could tell a story, most of us are not interested in keeping them on our cherished apparel. When it comes to getting the ink out, they are formidable foes until you figure out your battle plan and enlist a few household items to help. Then ink stains can be exorcised from your clothes and returned to their former glory.
Why Is it So Hard to Remove Ink Stains?
There is something incredibly fascinating about ink stains in textile care, says fashion designer and author Courtney Barriger, who will be out later this year with ReFashion Workshop. Modern inks are engineered to have permanence, blending pigments and dyes with binding agents that bind to the fabric fiber at the molecular level. The same permanence that makes ink valuable makes it one of the clothing’s most formidable enemies.
Fortunately, there are a few tools and techniques that should help you remove the stain from a variety of fabrics. Barriger shares her expert tips for banishing ink stains from whatever gives you nightmares below.
General Tips for Ink Stain Removal
- Act Quickly: The quicker you bring the stain up, the better your prospect of removing it.
- Test First: Before applying a cleaner to remove a stain from your lamp or dress fabrics, always test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure it won’t damage the surface.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: When dabbing, do so gently so as not to spread the ink further or embed it into the fibers.
Fabric-Specific Ink Stain Removal Techniques
Cotton
- Method: Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer will do a dab to the stain. Then, use white vinegar for an extra clean.
- For stubborn stains, mix: Baking soda and water to make a paste, apply, and then rinse with cool water.
- Wash: Check for the stain on the laundry and launder in cold water; check to ensure the stain has gone before drying.
Denim
- Hairspray Hack: Spray alcohol-based hairspray directly onto the stain and leave for 10 minutes.
- Alternative: Soak the stained area overnight in milk for oil-based ballpoint ink.
- Wash: Use the hottest water you can, which is safe for your denim.
Leather
- Gentle Cleaners: Commercial leather cleaner or a cream of tartar and lemon juice paste.
- Application: Seldom apply, sparingly, with a cotton swab to avoid saturating the leather.
- Condition: Clean and treat it with a leather conditioner to prevent drying or discoloration.
Silk
- Professional Care Recommended: Silk is really delicate, so it is better for dry cleaners to handle.
- DIY Option: Make a paste of cornstarch and white vinegar. Gently apply with a cotton swab, do not rub.
Polyester
- Rubbing Alcohol: Use a cotton ball and work from the edges of the stain into the middle.
- Alternative Solutions: Hand sanitizer or acetone-free nail polish remover can work.
- Rinse: Cold water repeat as required before washing.
Nylon
- Homemade Paste: Mix white vinegar and cornstarch to make a paste. Rinse with cold water and let sit for 10 minutes.
Permanent Marker
- Nail Polish Remover: If the stain occurs, wash it with an acetone-based nail polish remover and dab immediately to prevent the stain from setting.
- Caution: In some cases, the inks may be permanent. Test in a hidden area first, or consider professional cleaning.
The Poetry of Ink Stains
Accidents with ink stains can start ugly and frustrating, but they are rife with inspiration, emotion, and commonplace life. Whatever the source, each stain is of a moment in time. With these expert tips, preserving the story the mark tells while keeping your fabric beautiful does not have to be difficult.
Stubborn ink is stubborn but not impossible. With the correct tools, the right touch, and a bit of patience, even the snuggest stains can become your least of a problem and leave your apparel good as new, ready to start a new chapter. If you want to learn more about the 10 Best New Men’s Fashion Brands, Read on.
Ava Thompson is a fashion stylist and trend forecaster, bringing you the latest in fashion tips, outfit inspirations, and style guides to elevate your wardrobe.
