How to Remove Ink Stains from a Ballpoint Pen.
How to Remove an Ink Stain from a Ballpoint Pen.
It’s the funniest thing in the world. When we get an ink stain from a ballpoint pen in the shop it’s usually a mark that is 2 or 3 lines on the back of a dress shirt. Why on the back? Because guys use the pen to scratch their backs but forget to close the pen. Every time I see this it makes me chuckle.
General Info: Ink from a Ballpoint Pen is different from Ink in a Uniball Pen or Ink from a permanent marker i.e. Sharpie. Ink from a ballpoint pen contains oils in the ink, thus removing the oil will lift off out the ink.
How to test for colorfastness: Take the stain removal product and apply small amount to a white towel. Using the wet area of the towel, blot a hidden area of the garment to see if color transfers over to the towel.
First step: Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
- Create a solution of 1 part Dawn Dishwashing Liquid to 5 parts water.
- Apply the solution directly to the ink stain.
- Tamp (tap) with a brush to help solution penetrate.
- Let solution rest for 5-10 minutes to further penetrate.
- Wash as normal.
Ink is a difficult stain thus requiring effort and patients to remove the stain. Repeat this step several times if necessary.
Need Something Stronger Help: Simple Green
- Apply a small amount of the Simple Green solution on to the ink stain.
- Tamp (tap) with a brush.
- Wait a 1-2 minutes. DO NOT LET THE SIMPLE GREEN DRY ON THE GARMENT. Keep in mind Simple Green is a green color and my permanently stain the garment green.
- Wash as normal.
Ink is a difficult stain thus requiring effort and patients to remove the stain. Repeat this step several times if necessary.
Seek professional help with your specific garment if necessary. If you have a good relationship with your green dry cleaners they will be more than happy to help you with stain removal questions.
Karl Huie
Pacific Heights Cleaners in San Francisco and Sausalito
is your resource for cleaning tips and garment care information.
A certified green dry cleaner by the Bay Area Green Business Program and the San Francisco Environment.
Your non toxic dry cleaning alternative serving you with an EPA approved Eco Dry Clean (Wet Clean) System that is safe for your health and is environmentally friendly.
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How to Remove Red Wine Stains.
How to Remove Red Wine Stains. How to Remove a Blueberry Stain.
