How to Remove Ballpoint Pen Ink From a Clothes Dryer Drum

Although you thought you searched all clothing pockets thoroughly before doing the wash, you have now found that a ball point pen escaped your detection, and as it went through the drying cycle, it exploded. Getting the ink out of the clothes is relatively easy, but how do you get the ink out of the dryer drum?

Things You'll Need

• 100 percent acetone nail polish remover
• Any detergent

Instructions

1. Pour some 100 percent acetone nail polish remover onto an old rag. Wipe down the drier drum; this should remove the stains.

2. Mix any detergent with water. Mix well enough so that you have a good sudsy mixture.

3. Clean out the remaining acetone residue with the soap and water mixture.

4. Run the dryer on a high setting for 30 minutes with nothing it.

5. Inspect the dryer drum to make sure that it is clean. If there are any remnants of ink, then repeat the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Acetone may cause skin and eye irritation, and possibly unconsciousness, when large amounts are used in an unventilated area. The amount you will be using for this project should not make you sick. For more information please see Health Effects of Acetone in the reference section of this article.

References

• Health Effects of Acetone