Gel Ink Stain Removal
Gel ink can be sticky and thick, making it hard to get out of clothes, blankets and furniture. Before using any stain removal product or household item, test the colorfastness on an inconspicuous area of the clothing article or piece of furniture to ensure the product does not harm or discolor the fabric.
Commercial Products
Dry cleaning solvents can help break down ink stains so that you can wash them away. Sponge or blot dry cleaning solvents on fabric and use a clean white cloth to soak up the ink as it bleeds. For carpet and furniture, mix 1 tbsp. liquid dish soap with 1 tbsp. white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water to wash the stain away after the dry cleaning solvent has broken it down. Dab cold water onto the stain and blot thoroughly to remove the dish soap and vinegar.
Oxygenated cleaners can help break down many types of stains, including ink stains. Follow the directions on the package for pre-treating clothes and add some of the solution in with your regular detergent to help get gel ink out of clothing and bedding. Most oxygen-based cleaning products can be diluted and put in a spray bottle to be used on furniture and carpets as well.
Some laundry and household products are made specifically to break down thick, sticky stains like gel ink. Try a product such as Goo Gone, Goop or WD-40 to break down the ink so you can wash it away. Some carpet stain removers work well on ink stains, and most of them can be used safely on cotton and polyester clothes. Use caution when applying harsher chemicals such as those found in carpet cleaners to more delicate fabrics, such as suede and silk.
Household Products
Many household products can help with gel ink stain removal. If you prefer not to use commercial products, or if you do not have any handy when the stain occurs, try using some environmentally friendly everyday products. Remove ink stains by dabbing them with rubbing alcohol mixed with some dish or laundry detergent. Try mixing cornstarch with milk to make a paste that you can rub into the ink stain. Once it dries, brush it off and launder the clothing item or vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Gel ink stains on suede can often be removed by rubbing them gently with fine grain sandpaper. Dipping a toothbrush in vinegar and working it into the stain can also help remove ink from suede and other fabrics. Toothpaste is a great stain remover and will work on many fabrics to break down ink stains so that you can wash them away.
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