How to Remove White Out

White out is a product can be used to "erase" a typing or writing mistake on paper by completely covering over the mistake with a white opaque layer that hardens into the consistency of a pliable plaster on paper. Sometimes this liquid can be accidentally dripped onto clothing or on any other unintended surface and, due to it's vigorous adhesion qualities, it can be difficult to remove -- more so from clothing than from harder surfaces. Use of safe removal practices is required so the material or the surface isn't damaged in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Fingernail polish remover (acetone-based)
• Money coin (penny, nickle, dime, quarter, etc.)
• 1 can of WD-40 or WD-40 clone product of your choice
• 1 bowl warm water
• 1 green scratch pad
• 1 sponge (any type)

Instructions

Removal from Hard Surfaces

1. Apply a thin layer of fingernail polish directly over the top of the white out you desire to remove, using the applicator brush include with the polish remover product, doing so gently so the polish remover doesn't run onto the bare surface. The polish remover must only be applied to the White-Out and not the surrounding area.

2. Allow the fingernail polish remover to absorb into the white out for 5 to 10 minutes, leaving it undisturbed as it works.

3. Use the dull edge of a coin as a scraper and scrape the White-Out from the surface gently, using only light pressure to prevent damage to the surface. The white out should be softened and rubbery at this point in time, making removal a simple matter.

Remove From Clothing

1. Spray a very light coat of WD-40, or your selected "clone" product, onto the white out stain using the spray nozzle tube that comes with the can, applying the chemical only onto the affected area.

2. Allow the spray to work on the white out stain for no more than one or two minutes, and then dip a green scratch pad into the bowl of warm water, using it to gently scrub the White-Out so as to loosen it from the fabric. Use only light, brisk strikes so the pad doesn't tear at the cloth while scrubbing.

3. Dampen the sponge in the bowl of warm water and gently rub the white out stain, allowing the sponge to absorb the material out of the fabric. Pinch the stained area in the sponge a few times to further loosen the stain as it is being absorbed.

Tips & Warnings

• WD-40 is non-patented product since the developers didn't want to disclose their ingredients, and therefore the ingredients in it that cause this product to work on White-Out are not known, but it has been found to be safe on most fabrics compared to other chemicals. Never use any other harsh chemicals on fabrics, or they may remove the dyes from your clothing, leaving a permanent non-removable stain.

References

• General Stain Removal Information
• Remove Tough Clothing Stains: Grease, Ink
• ThriftyFun: Success Reports Using WD40 For White-Out Removal