How to Remove Ink Stains

What child can resist using the permanent ink markers on that new wood furniture--or any other surface, for that matter? Ink stains show up on walls, tables, carpets, clothes, even computer screens. It is a nuisance, but with a bit of effort and a few tricks, those ink stain victims around the house or office can be quickly salvaged.

Things You'll Need

• Stain-removing products
• Acetone
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Milk
• Whitening toothpaste
• Baby wipes

Instructions

1. Inspect the stain. Evaluate what surface is stained and what made the stain. (Figure out who made the stain later). Acting quickly is always best.

2. Use stain-removal products like Magic Carpet Cleaner, Dye-Gone, Re Du Ran or Amodex. These are available online or in your local hardware or grocery store. Always be sure to read the labels carefully and use the products as directed.

3. Try a home remedy if those products aren't readily available. For stains on upholstery that you can't launder, try acetone (the active ingredient in nail polish remover). Test the upholstery in an inconspicuous spot before you forge ahead. For white fabrics, make lemon juice and salt into a paste and rub it into the stain. Keep it in the sun to dry and check it in a few hours. For colored fabric you can wash, soak the stained piece in milk overnight and wash it in the morning.

4. Grab a tube of whitening toothpaste for ink on walls, tables and such. Rub the toothpaste on the stained area and wait 10 minutes. Wipe with a clean cloth and repeat as necessary. Make sure to give it a bit of elbow grease.

5. Proceed carefully when removing stains from computer monitors. For preference, use the cleaner recommended by your computer company. If none is available, you can use baby wipes or ammonia-free spray cleaners. Or spot clean with acetone on cotton balls or swabs. Test any cleaner in the corner of your monitor before you start swiping. Always be gentle with computer equipment.

Resources

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