Ink stains are a remarkably common occurrence. Whether you inadvertently grazed your shirt while writing a message, carrying a leaky pen in your pocket, or your curious toddler with felt tip pens got to your laundry pile, do not fret. Ink stain removal can be simple. Here’s what you need to know about how to remove ink from clothes and leather?
Before you attempt to remove ink stains, you have to know first what leather and ink are involved.
Cleaning suede will require professional help. Dry cleaning is the best option. For smooth leather, you can try test cleaning methods in an inconspicuous place with care. You can clean faux leather straight away. Most clothing fabrics with ink stains are washable at home.
How to Remove Ink from Leather?
Plain rubbing alcohol is one of the best ink stain removal techniques at home. Treating the stain as quickly as possible is important. You can remove fresh ink stains easily but older or dried stains may require repeat treatments. Leather is a highly permeable material and stains can penetrate deep into the hide.
Start by dampening a clean white cloth or cotton swab with the alcohol. Do not use colored cloth because it can transfer due to light-colored materials. Work from the outside of the stain toward the middle. Keep the work area small so you will not spread the ink into a bigger area.
You should see the ink transfer to the cloth. Get a new swab quickly to prevent re-staining the leather. Keep blotting until all the ink stains are gone. Never scrub harshly as that can remove color and a layer of your leather. You may also try commercial ink removers too.
Allow the leather to air dry after or between treatments. Once the ink stains are removed, treat the leather with conditioner to help it remain smooth and supple.
You may have also heard about the use of mayonnaise, hairsprays, dish detergents, and laundry soaps to remove ink from leather. Many use hairsprays for emergency on a fresh ink stain because of its high alcohol content. Unfortunately, some of its other ingredients may also cause staining and other problems. So be very careful.
Abrasive erasers should never be used in leather. It will peel off a layer of your item and create a hole.
How to Remove Ink from Clothes?
Ballpoint pens are always needed at home and work. They do not leave as many stains as compared to other types of inks. If a spill happens, start wetting a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and test your fabric, preferably on an inside seam or hem. Work from the outside to the inside. Change to a new swab regularly to keep from redistributing the stain.
If there are still traces of ink, prepare a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water. Every brand, OxiClean, Clorox, and Purex, has a package direction that will tell you how much product to use per gallon of water. Completely submerge your garment and allow it to soak for at least 8 hours.
If the stain is gone, clean as usual. If not, mix a new solution and repeat the procedure. Some may require several soakings to remove the stain completely.
However, if the garment has a tag that says dry clean only, point out and identify the stain to a professional cleaner. If you use a home dry cleaning kit, make sure all the stains are gone before putting your clothes in the dryer bag.
The same cleaning guidelines apply to washable markers. However, some brands do not wash away as quickly as they claim on the box. Be patient.
Permanent ink different though. It is hard to remove, especially from colored clothing. If the same procedures mentioned above will not work on your fabric, you can consider dyeing your clothes using a darker color. Put an embellishment like a button, ribbon, or patch over the stain and just give it a new design.
Ink stain removal can be fast and simple with the help of a professional. Experts from Kelly’s Dry Cleaners use easy and good cleaning methods that can help remove ink stains from your clothes and leather. Call our branches in Durango and Farmington today. Dial (970) 903-1642 or (505) 564-3333!
