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Getting rid of ink stains can often prove to be quite a challenge.
Photo by iStock/Martin KochSpotting a felt tip ink or Indian ink stain on a home surface is enough to rattle even the most composed host. Discover stain removal methods that will allow you to maintain elegance and poise, methods even Martha would admire.
The initial step in tackling ink stains is to determine the fabric or material that’s stained.
Below is a list of common materials that can become stained by ink, along with guidelines for removing ink stains from each:
- Non-washable materials such as Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, or Wool
- Other fabrics like Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, or Modacrylic
- Hard surfaces including Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Enamel, Glass, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, or Vinyl Wallcovering
- Alabaster or Marble
- Stone surfaces like Bluestone, Brick, Concrete Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo
- Carpet (synthetic or wool)
- Porous surfaces such as Cork, Linoleum, or Vinyl Tile
- Special materials such as Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic), Leather, or Suede
- Grout
- Synthetic fibers such as Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex
- Wallpaper
- Wood
Non-washable Materials
To remove ink stains from Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, and Wool, follow these steps:
- Use a dampened sponge to gently blot the stain, starting from the center and moving outward, with a dry-cleaning solvent like K2r Spot Lifter (avoiding acetate blends) or Afta Cleaning Fluid, followed by applying a dry spotter to the stain.
- Cover the stained area with an absorbent pad soaked in dry spotter, ensuring the stain doesn’t spread.
- Replace the pad as it absorbs the stain.
- Maintain moisture on both the stain and pad with dry spotter.
- Use one of the liquid dry-cleaning solvents to flush the stain, which helps remove the staining material and residue from previous treatments.
- If the stain persists, gently sponge with water and apply a wet spotter along with a few drops of ammonia. (Avoid using ammonia on silk or wool.)
- Place an absorbent pad soaked with wet spotter over the stain.
- Replace the pad as it picks up the stain.
- Keep both the pad and stain moist with wet spotter and white vinegar.
- Flush with water and repeat the process as needed.
- Let the area dry. Note: Permanent ink stains are incredibly tough to remove.
Additional Fabrics
To eliminate ink stains from Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, and Modacrylic, follow these steps:
- Blot the stained area with a dry-cleaning solvent such as K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- If the stain persists, create a paste with powdered detergent, water, and a few drops of ammonia, then apply it to the stain.
- Place an absorbent pad beneath the stain.
- Once the pad no longer picks up the stain, thoroughly rinse the area with water and launder. Note: Permanent ink stains are almost impossible to remove.
Solid Surfaces
To remove ink stains from Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Enamel, Glass, Paint (flat or gloss), Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, or Vinyl Wallcovering, follow these steps:
- Gently clean the surface using a cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water with a few drops of ammonia added.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with clear water and dry it. Note: Permanent ink stains are incredibly difficult to remove.
Marble or Alabaster
Follow these instructions to remove ink stains from alabaster or marble:
- Clean the surface using a cloth or sponge dampened with warm soapy water mixed with a few drops of ammonia.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe the surface dry.
- If the stain remains, apply a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Then, use a cloth soaked in ammonia for another 15 minutes.
- Alternate between alcohol and ammonia applications until the stain disappears. Rinse well and dry the surface.
Stone Surfaces
To remove ink stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, or Terrazzo, follow these steps:
- Clean the stain using a solution made of washing soda or detergent (never soap) mixed with water.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently scrub the area.
- Rinse the surface well with clean water and let it air dry.
Carpet
To remove ink stains from carpet, follow these instructions:
- Carefully blot the stain, avoiding pressing it deeper into the carpet fibers.
- Sponge the stained area using a concentrated carpet spotter solution like Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover or Afta Carpet Stain Remover. Warning: Never rub the ink stain into the carpet.
- Keep sponging the stain, rinsing the sponge regularly as it absorbs the stain. Repeat this process until the stain is no longer being lifted.
- If the stain remains, consider having the rug professionally cleaned.
- Repeated applications of an all-purpose liquid cleaner can also assist in removing the stain. Note: Permanent ink stains are notoriously difficult to remove.
Porous Surfaces
To remove ink stains from Cork, Linoleum, or Vinyl Tile, follow these steps:
- Place a compress soaked in rubbing alcohol over the stain.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Wipe the stained area with a cloth dampened in ammonia. Avoid using ammonia on linoleum or vinyl tile.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and let the surface dry. Note: Permanent ink stains are very difficult to remove.
Special Fabrics
To remove ink stains from Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic), Leather, or Suede, follow these instructions:
- Due to the delicate nature of these materials, ink stains cannot be effectively removed without professional assistance.
Grout
To remove ink stains from grout, follow these steps:
- Gently wipe the stained area using a cloth soaked in warm soapy water.
- If the stain persists, dip a damp toothbrush into some baking soda or powdered cleanser and scrub gently.
- Rinse the area and wipe it dry.
Synthetic Fabrics
Here’s how to remove ink stains from Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex:
- Quickly sponge the stain with a detergent solution. Then apply a cleaner like K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and salt on the stain and let it sit for 1 hour.
- Rinse thoroughly, repeat as needed, and launder as soon as possible.
Wallpaper
Follow these steps to remove ink stains from wallpaper:
- Light marks can often be erased using an art-gum eraser or a suede stone, which acts as an abrasive cleaner. Be sure to avoid pressing too hard.
- If the stain persists, gently rub the area with a dry steel wool soap pad.
- For stubborn stains, lightly rub the area with a damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda, then wipe with a cloth or sponge moistened with cool, clean water.
- To avoid streaks, overlap your strokes, and use a fresh pad to gently pat dry.
Wood
Follow these steps to remove ink stains from wood:
- Mix oxalic acid with warm water and carefully apply to the stained area using an artist's brush. Be cautious, as oxalic acid is toxic, and wear rubber gloves while handling it.
- For painted wood, use a cloth soaked in detergent suds to wipe the surface clean.
- If the wood is unpainted or stripped, after applying the oxalic acid, neutralize the area with white vinegar and rinse with rubbing alcohol. Allow to dry. Note: Removing permanent ink stains can be extremely difficult.
