Irrespective of how careful you are in making use of a pen, sooner or later, most pen users will have to deal with how to remove pen ink from their clothing as an accident with pen ink is almost inevitable.
Depending on the type of ink, removing pen ink can prove difficult sometimes. Thankfully, there are commercial ink removers such as OxiClean which promises to make the entire process easier.
So, will OxiClean remove pen ink? Yes, OxiClean is excellent ink and stain. Although OxiClean is not the only ink and stain remover out there, it has managed to become the most popular and has earned itself a good name, especially in the US.
Commercial ink and stain removers such as OxiClean become necessary when dealing with stubborn stains such as when the stained fabric is placed in the dryer.
Inks are more difficult to remove when left for too long on the fabric or when the fabric is placed in the dryer. The heat from the dryer causes the ink to go deeper into the fabric and prove difficult to remove.
Oxiclean is the ink and stain remover of choice in the US as a result of how effectively it removes all types of stains, including inks and markers from clothes, carpets, and other materials.
It is a versatile stain remover and enjoys lots of positive reviews from its current users. Let’s take a look at how to use OxiClean to remove ink from your clothes.
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How to remove pen ink using Oxiclean
Although water-based inks are easier to remove, OxiClean manufacturers claim the stain remover can remove any type of ink from fabric.
Before discussing the steps involved in using OxiClean it is important to note that the stain remover is not fit for all types of fabric and therefore should not be used on them.
Fabrics made of wool, silk, or leather or a blend of any of these are not fit for OxiClean. Also, fabrics labelled “dry clean only” should not be cleaned with OxiClean.
Although the manufacturers of OxiClean claim the stain remover does not bleach, it is important to keep the use to only colorfast fabrics or to try it on an area of the shirt that is not easily noticeable first, to decide whether it bleaches such fabric or not.
The most important rule in cleaning your fabric with OxiClean is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, therefore, ensure to read the instruction and label on the stain removal to learn the proper way to use it.
Oxiclean contains an active ingredient known as sodium permanganate which is effective in removing all types of stubborn stains. In the UK, a stain remover known as vanish contains a similar active ingredient and gives a similar result as OxiClean.
Oxiclean can be used the same way as a pretreat detergent, that is, added to the washing machine to soak the fabric for a while before washing.
When dealing with large stains, the OxiClean max force can be added directly to the stained area for some time before washing. The clothing can be soaked for about 1 to 6 hours before washing off the stain.
Ensure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in terms of the temperature of the water as well as the cleaning procedure.
With effective stain removers such as OxiClean, accidents with pen ink can no longer render the shirt unusable. Sometimes, while having your pen in the pocket, the pen’s ink may leak out, staining the shirt and ruining it completely.
While the situation may seem hopeless at the time, if handled properly, such a shirt or blouse can be salvaged after such an accident.
Irrespective of how large the size of the stain is, or how long it has been on the shirt, or whether the shirt has been in the dryer with the stain on or not, OxiClean can potentially rid the shirt of the stain if the procedure in doing so is followed properly.
A solution of OxiClean can be made by filling the beaker up to line one per ounce of water. This solution can then be used to pretreat the fabric and be allowed to soak for about 10 minutes or more.
The fabric can then be washed, rinsed, and allowed to dry. However, before, drying, ensure the fabric is completely free of stain, if there is any stain remaining, the entire process can be repeated until all the stain is out before placing it in the dryer.
Household methods of removing pen ink
Aside from commercial stain removers such as OxiClean, there are various homemade solutions for removing stains such as inks from a fabric.
Most of these methods are highly effective and have been around for quite some time now. While this may be common knowledge to some, it is relatively unknown to others. here are some of the homemade solutions to removing stains from your fabric.
1. Alcohol
Surgical spirit or alcohol dissolves the ink and can be used to remove to make ink removal from a stained fabric easier.
An old cloth or paper towel should be placed underneath the stained area of the fabric to serve as a blotter, dab the stain with a paper towel, or cloth wet with alcohol. Place the fabric under running water, wash in a washing machine using regular detergent.
Given that alcohol is flammable, do not do this around smokers, candles, or other sources of fire. Also, keep your eyes protected as alcohol also irritates the eyes.
Hairsprays and some perfumes also contain alcohol and can be used to remove ink from fabric. However, nowadays, the alcohol content of hairsprays is no longer much, using the concentrated alcohol or surgical spirit, therefore, gives a better result.
2. Milk
The stained fabric can be soaked in a bucket or bowl of ink and left to stay overnight. The fabric can then be washed in the machine with regular detergent. If the stain persists, repeat the procedure or try other methods mentioned here.
3. Vinegar and cornstarch
A mixture of vinegar and cornstarch can also be used to remove stains from the fabric. The paste is made using 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 3 spoons of cons starch depending on the size of the stain.
The paste is plastered over the stain and allowed to dry in the open air. This is then washed off in a washing machine.
4. Water
Stains caused by water-based inks such as rollerballs and fountain pens can be removed by spraying the stained area with water and washing. Water is a natural diluting agent and can help with removing water-based inks. Other household solutions for stained fabrics include coca-cola, butter, carbonated water, and sandpaper.
General instruction on how to remove pen ink
Most persons, after getting their shirt or blouse stained with ink or any other type of stain, tend to panic and fear losing their favorite shirt or bouse to the ink.
In hurry, they will throw the shirt or blouse into the washing machine, believing the early they wash the shirt, the greater the chances of successfully removing the stain.
While this may be true, throwing the stained shirt into the washing machine is however not the right approach to removing stain from the shirt.
First, you have to determine what type of ink-stained your shirt, is this water-based ink or oil-based ink. Water-based inks from pes such as fountain or rollerball pens are easier to get rid of.
Ensure to start the process of removing the ink as soon as possible, the longer you delay this process, the tougher it becomes to remove the stain. Start by laying the fabric flat on a platform to have access to the stained area.
Place an old cloth or paper towel with absorbent properties underneath the stained area, this will serve as the blotter.
Wet another old cloth or paper towel with the stain remover, either the homemade or commercial type, and dab the stained area with it. Ensure not to rub it, rather, keep dabbing until most of the stain is out.
It is best to work from the periphery or edge of the stain and work your way towards the middle of the stain. Rubbing will cause the stain to spread further, therefore, ensure not to do this.
You can then wash the fabric in a washing machine using your regular detergent. Make sure to check the fabric for any remaining stain before placing it in a dryer.
Drying the fabric makes the stain tougher to remove. therefore, do not place in a dryer until you are sure all the stains are out. If not, repeat the process until the fabric is completely clean of the ink.
Make sure to read the instruction and label of whatever commercial stain remover you are making use of, ensure it is compatible with the fabric and follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly to ensure your fabric is not ruined.
Will Oxiclean Remove Pen Ink – Conclusion
Oxiclean is an efficient remover of tough stains. It can be used to remove pen ink from many fabrics except silk, leather, wool, or a blend of any of these.
Ensure to follow the manufacturer’s instruction and try it on an unnoticeable area of the shirt first to make sure it does not breach such fabric.