How can ballpoint ink be removed from clothing?
Use a two step treatment by removing the oily portion of the ink and then removing the dye portion. Step 1. Spray or sponge* with a dry-cleaning solvent (example: Energine) or treat with a stain stick. Then rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent and scrub in hot water. Step 2. Soak in an all-fabric bleach (examples: Biz, Clorox 2, Snowy Bleach, Vivid) diluted according to package directions. Use liquid chlorine bleach for tough dye stains on fabrics that are colorfast to bleach. Wash in as hot of water allowable for fabric using detergent. *”Sponging” confines the stain to a small area and keeps it from spreading. To do this, use absorbent material, such as clean rags or white paper towels, and a dry-cleaning solvent, spot remover, or aerosol pretreatment spray. Follow these steps: Pad the working surface with clean rags or paper towels that can absorb stains. Place the stained area or spot on the fabric face down over the padded surface. Dampen a small white cloth with solvent. Use the
