How to try removing that ink stain from clothes before contacting domestic cleaning services

We all like to look our best, especially in the workplace where image counts. Looking good makes us feel confident; as if we have the world at our feet. Walking down the office corridor we notice the stares of admiration, the acknowledging smiles, the laughter… Wait what?! A quick glance down reveals the reason why. Your pen has decided to create a Picasso masterpiece on your best work shirt. Yet another shirt in need of deep cleaning services? Perhaps not…
While domestic cleaning services will inevitably get the best results when removing stains from clothes, there are a few things you can try at home first to save a few bob.
When dealing with ink stains, we first need to ascertain which category the ink stain falls in to.
Is it a water-based ink, a permanent ink, or perhaps a ballpoint ink stain? The type of ink greatly influences the method used to try remove the stain.

Water-based ink stains

Fortunately, water-based ink stains are relatively easy to remove. These are usually caused by washable whiteboard markers or highlighters.
Simply lay the clothes out on atop a dry towel, exposing the stained surface. Apply water the stained area and then dab with a wet cloth. Use a small amount of washing detergent on the stain and allow it to soak in for a few minutes.
Then, use the hottest possible water that the material allows for to wash the clothes. One washed, check the stained area to ensure the entire stain has been removed. If not, repeat the process before the clothing dries.

Permanent ink stains

As you would imagine, “permanent” ink is a nightmare to remove from clothing, however, if the stain has appeared on a light shirt and you are prepared to use a bleach, then you have a shot of rescuing your stained item.
In this instance, your best friend is alcohol. No, we aren’t suggesting you run and pour yourself a glass of wine, although it might ease the tension (just avoid messing and causing another stain). What we are saying is that you will need to blot the stain using a white towel with rubbing alcohol.
While doing this, place a towel beneath the stained item to soak up the ink as it leaching out. Keep shifting the stained clothing to a clean section so that the ink is slowly absorbed by the towel beneath. Once as much of the ink has been removed as possible, rinse the entire stained area with the rubbing alcohol as many times as possible.
If the stain remains stubborn, nail polish remove or acetone can be used as an alternative to rubbing alcohol, although caution is advised as these may ruin quality of the fabric.

Ballpoint ink stains

Probably the most common ink stain you are going to encounter is that created by the ballpoint pen left in your pocket on a hot day.Once again the process begins by placing the stained item of clothing on a dry towel.Ballpoint ink is oil based and as such you need to dab the stained area with rubbing alcohol. Once as much ink has been removed as possible, rinse the stained area thoroughly and then apply washing detergent. Again, let it soak in for a few minutes.Wash the shirt in the hottest possible water that the fabric allows and repeat the process if necessary.

While the above methods are the most likely to get you the best results at home, you are generally better off leaving the job to the professionals. At Clean Care Mobile, we offer the best deep cleaning services Bryanston has to offer.

Visit our website for more cleaning tips and hints here: https://cleancaremobile.co.za/tips-hints/

Main image credit: pinterest