Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.
All stain removal methods should be applied prior to laundering washable garments. Stains that have been laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.
There are quite a few products on the market for removing ink stains (available at drug stores, fabric stores or department stores or possibly office supply stores).
Some inks in each of the following types--ballpoint, felt tip and liquid--may be impossible to remove. Laundering may set some inks. Try a pretreatment method using a prewash stain ewer, denatured alcohol or dry cleaning solvent.
With prewash stain product such as Shout, Spray n' Wash or Clorox Stain Out: spray on stain area; launder.
With denatured alcohol (rubbing) or dry cleaning solvent: First sponge area around stain before applying directly to stain. Place stain face down on paper towels. Apply alcohol or dry cleaning solvent such as Energine to back of stained area. Replace paper towels frequently. Rinse thoroughly and launder.
Note: Hair spray contains alcohol which removes some inks. The disadvantage of using hair spray is the lacquer from the spray is deposited on the fabric and creates another stain.
Remove excess ink by blotting with a clean absorbent towel. Apply a spot cleaner such as K2r or a dry cleaning solvent (Energine) according to the product directions. If spot cleaners dry to a powder, vacuum before continuing. Apply carpet shampoo (diluted 1 part liquid carpet shampoos to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Remove excess ink by blotting with a clean absorbent towel. Sponge lightly with cool water and blot several times. Apply diluted carpet shampoo (1 part liquid carpet shampoo to 4 parts water) with a brush or towel. Let the area dry thoroughly, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary.
Contact a commercial carpet and rug cleaner for advice.
Try the same cleaning method recommended above for removing ballpoint ink from the carpet. Some permanent inks are impossible to remove successfully.
1993-bc (revised 9-94)
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