How to Remove Inorganic Stains

Ink is a classic example of a common inorganic stain.

Stains happen but there is no reason you can't successfully treat most of them. Organic stains are a little easier to remove than inorganic stains, but if you can get the stained item treated quickly the chance of success increases greatly. You need to understand the stained fabric or material and follow any manufacturer guidelines. Test the fabric in an unobtrusive area to ensure you don't make a bigger mess with a solvent or cleaner. Some of the common and hard to remove inorganic stains are ink, dyes and rust. Not all materials respond to the same treatments so some persistence is necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Absorbent pads
• Butter knife
• Diapers or other absorbent cloth
• Energine or other dry spotter
• Mineral oil
• Laundry soap
• Dish soap
• Sponge
• Vinegar
• Color-safe bleach
• Paint, oil and grease remover

Instructions

1. Remove as much residue as possible from the stain. This may mean just blotting as much out of the material as possible or even scraping off the residue as in a tar stain. You can use a butter knife for scraping or any other dull item. Sharp objects will cause the material to scratch or fray and can make the problem worse.

2. Clean from the outside in as you attempt to remove the stain. This will keep any color from bleeding out and making the stain bigger. Start with a dry spotter moistened onto an absorbent cloth. Blot at the stain to moisten it and then dab repeatedly until the stain fades or disappears. This solvent is useful on paint type stains.

3. Use an oil-based cleaner to remove oily stains. Mineral oil is ideal because it contains no color or fragrance. Moisten a cloth and press the oil into the stain. Use a dry corner of the cloth to blot out the stain. Repeat the process until the stain is gone and then launder as usual. If the item can't be laundered, use liquid dish soap and water to make a foamy cleaner. Sponge it into the stain and out to remove and break down the oil.

4. Make a mixture of 1 tsp. of white vinegar and 1 cup of water. Dip a cloth into the solution and dab from the outside inward on stains such as ink. The ink will fade and then you can make a paste of color-safe bleach and water and apply it to the remainder of the stain. Allow it to sit for five minutes and then rinse it out.

5. Shop at hardware stores for chemical stain removers such as a paint, oil and grease remover. The products are useful for removing stains on items that are not fabric. If you choose to use them on fabric they need to be pretested somewhere that is not noticeable.

References

• New Mexico State University: Removing Stains
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Carpet Stains
• Cornell University: Removing Stains at Home