How to Remove Ballpoint Pen Ink From Fabric
Ballpoint pens are convenient, but the ink can show up on clothing or other fabric at inconvenient times. The worst time to find a streak of ink is before an important meeting or event. Usually you are far from your traditional go-to stain fighters by the time you notice the ink. If you do not have access to hairspray, check your first aid kit. Many first aid kits are stocked with alcohol pads which can help you remove ballpoint pen ink in a pinch. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Hairspray Method
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1
Put a clean towel or paper towel underneath the ink-stained fabric. If you are removing ballpoint pen ink from clothing, place the towel between the layers of cloth becuase you are actually pushing the ink through the first layer of fabric. The towel will capture the ink as the hairspray releases it from the fabric.
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2
Spray an alcohol-based hairspray directly on the ink stain. You can use either aerosol or non-aerosol hairspray; either will work as long as it is alcohol-based.
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3
Dab at the ink stain with the corner of a clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub because that will spread the stain instead of removing it.
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4
Re-apply the hairspray until the ink is completely gone.
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5
Rinse the fabric with clean water and blot until dry.
Alcohol Pad Method
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6
Put a clean towel or paper towel underneath the ink-stained fabric. Remember to place the towel between the fabric layers if you are removing ink from clothing.
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7
Dab the alcohol pad into the ink stain to push the ink through the fabric. Again, be careful not to rub so the stain does not spread. You will need more than one alcohol pad because alcohol evaporates quickly and one pad is not likely to remove the entire ink stain.
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8
Rinse the fabric with clean water once the ink has been completely removed. Blot the fabric dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Test any cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area before using to test your fabric for colorfastness.
If you do not have hairspray or alcohol pads but you do have access to toothpaste, you may still be able to remove the ink. Do not use gel toothpaste; you may have extra luck with toothpastes that contain baking soda.
Nail polish remover can also be effective on some fabrics, but test it on a part of the fabric you will not see if it removes or changes the color.
Keep hairspray and alcohol-based products out of your eyes and away from children and pets.
References
- Photo Credit ballpoint image by Andrzej Wlodarczyk from Fotolia.com
