Ink stain whether is from a ballpoint pen or permanent marker is not to be messed with, and therefore, you must be on the lookout for them if you find yourself in a position where you are prone to the stain. Not just because they are unsightly but because of two things, they are difficult to remove and may become permanent. The effect can be especially damaging on dry clean only clothes because there are only a few cleaning options to exploit.
Quite a several times, I have been approached and asked, can dry cleaning remove ink stain? Will dry cleaning remove Ballpoint ink? Does tattoo ink stain sheets? My usual response to these questions and some other closely related ones are detailedly explained in this guide with 4 useful tips on how to get ink out of dry clean only clothes. Read tip no.3 carefully as it is the sole determinant of the success of other tips. Keep reading for details.
Can the Ink stain be removed after drying?
Yes, you can remove the ink stain after it has dried. Although ink stain even if it is wet is one of the most difficult to combat. The most interesting part of the stain is that even if it has dried, it can still be removed. However, just know that your job will become doubled as a recompense for negligence.
Do ink stains come out in dry cleaning?
Yes, ink stain will come out in dry cleaning. You know what, let’s be a little realistic with ourselves, it is way more complicated than that!
Whenever you have an ink stain on your dry clean only cloth, do not attempt to get rid of the stain by yourself or just go to the inexperienced dry cleaner for help. The best option you can utilize is to take the affected cloth to a sophisticated dry cleaning company. Albeit this may be costlier than the regular dry cleaning service, it will be worth it.
You must take this necessary step because ink stain can be of any form, it can be oil-based, water-based, or permanent. This company will know the best way to tackle the ink stain regardless of what it is made of.
Will dry cleaning remove ink?
Yes, dry cleaning will remove ink stains. If you have an ink stain on your cloth, especially a dry clean only cloth, your best available option is to take it to a dry cleaner for professional help. Any attempt to get rid of the stain at home by yourself will spread the stain further and if you are unlucky, the stain may become permanent and or end up damaging your cloth in the process.
Will dry cleaning remove Ballpoint ink?
Yes, dry cleaning will remove Ballpoint ink. Ballpoint ink can be removed from dry clean only fabric either by due cleaning it or by yourself at home using the recommended cleaning option. However, it is best to have it dry cleaned.
What do dry cleaners use to remove ink stains?
The best way to get rid of ink stain from any type of cloth whether it be dry clean only or machine washable is by cleaning it with bleach. However, nowadays, most dry cleaners are doing away with bleach because of its reactive nature, they now work with better and improved alternatives.
Most dry cleaners now use spotting agents like perchloroethylene, professional wet cleaning, pre-spotting, and hydrocarbon to get rid of stains no matter how stubborn it is. Ink stain inclusive!
How to get ink out of dry clean only clothes
If you have to dry clean only cloth and you prefer to handle things yourself, you can attempt to get rid of the ink staining your cloth with the few cleaning tips that will be provided below. However, you must be careful while you go about this because dry cleaning remains the best method.
Pre-treatment stage
- Once an ink stain appears on your fabric, make sure it is treated immediately. If it is impossible to treat on the spot, keep the spot wet by all means necessary to prevent it from drying.
- Before proceeding, test the cleaner of choice on an inconspicuous part of your cloth to check if it will be reactive. If you notice any discoloration, switch to another cleaner, if there are no changes, proceed with the cleaner.
Cleaning methods
Since it is a dry clean only cloth, you only have limited cleaning options hairspray, and rubbing alcohol. However, you should know that how effective these cleaners are will depend on the type of ink.
Cleaning with hairspray
- Spray a small amount of hairspray on the stained spot and leave it to sit for a few minutes.
- Blot the stain, do not rub so you don’t end up spreading the stain further.
- Once the stain is gone, rinse the treated spot with cold water to get rid of water and ink residue.
Note: Make sure to use hairspray with no added color and also, make sure not to repeat the process if the ink stain refuses to budge. Take immediately to the dry cleaner and inform them about your attempt.
Cleaning with Rubbing alcohol
- Pour a moderate amount of rubbing alcohol into a bowl or cup.
- Dip a cotton swab in the bowl and dab the dampened cotton swab on the stain.
- Replace the swab once one gets soaked with the ink stain. Do this until the stain is gone.
- Once a stain is gone, dip a cotton swab in a bowl or cup containing water and use it to rinse the treated spot and leave it to dry.
Note: if after changing 3 to 4 swabs and the stain persist, take the cloth to the dry cleaner.
Precautions when cleaning cloth with dry cleaning
Once you take your cloth to the dry cleaner to wash, the burden of risk and bulk of the work has been passed to them so you don’t have to worry about anything. However, you can make their job easier by telling them which kind of ink stain it is and also inform them if you have pretreated the stain.
“Your home is a representation of yourself, and it should only be filled with clean items that you enjoy and use”
Professional cleaning expert
