How to Get a White Out Stain Out

Correction fluid stains can be successfully removed.

Correction fluid -- also known as "white out" -- is often a lifesaver when you need to correct a mistake on a document. But like any fluid, it sometimes spills and causes stains on clothing, upholstery and floors. Although white out hardens into a plaster-like consistency, the stain is usually simple to remove on your own, without needing to call in a professional cleaner. In most cases, it takes only a bit of scraping and scrubbing to get rid of the stain completely.

Things You'll Need

• Coin or butter knife
• Clean cloth
• Soap
• Water
• Citrus-based cleaner
• Mineral spirits

Instructions

1. Allow the white out stain to dry. Attempting to wipe up the spill while still wet only spreads the fluid around -- making the problem worse.

2. Scratch off as much of the dried white out as you can with your fingernail, the edge of a coin or a butter knife.

3. Look at the label on your bottle of correction fluid, to determine whether it is water-based or petroleum-based. If water-based, apply soap and water to what remains of the stain after scraping, and rub with a clean cloth to remove it. If petroleum-based, apply a citrus-based cleaning product or mineral spirits to dissolve the stain, then wipe it with a cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using mineral spirits, test on an inconspicuous spot beforehand to make sure it won't damage the stained area. Mineral spirits sometimes remove varnish or take color out of fabrics.

• If the white out stain is on a garment that requires dry cleaning, leave the removal job to a professional. Inform the dry cleaner that the stain is either water-based or petroleum-based correction fluid.

References

• Wite-Out.com: Wite-Out Brand Correction Fluid Removal Tips