How to Remove Pen Ink

If you’ve ever used a fountain pen, then you know how frustrating it can be when you accidentally get ink on your clothing or furniture.

Believe me, I’ve been there. I’ve spilled ink many places over the years.

Here’s the good news: removing fountain pen ink is not as difficult as you might think. You just need to know how. So here’s how to remove fountain pen ink from various surfaces.

Know what kind of ink you’re using

Before we dive into the removal process, understand there are many different types of fountain pen inks out there.

The two most common types of fountain pen inks are pigmented and dye-based inks. How they react with different papers, fabrics, and surfaces matter.

If you are an artist or calligrapher looking to create intricate and long-lasting work, pigmented inks are an ideal choice. These inks consist of small particles that sit on the surface of paper or fabric, making them more resistant to smudging and water. You can use this ink to create documents or art that will withstand the test of time.

On the other hand, dye-based inks use a mixture of water and dye and are absorbed by the paper or fabric. While they are not as resistant to smudging and water as pigmented inks, they offer a wider range of colors and shades.

Pigmented vs. dye-based inks

While pigmented inks are more resistant to smudging and water, they can be more difficult to clean from fountain pens.

Here’s where water resistance becomes a problem. The small particles can clog the pen’s nib and feed, causing it to stop working. Dye-based inks, on the other hand, are easier to clean from fountain pens, but you may need to clean them more frequently to prevent clogging.

Some fountain pen inks are made with a combination of pigmented and dye-based inks. For many fountain pen owners, these offer the best of both worlds, with vibrant colors and long-lasting durability.

Water-soluble vs. waterproof inks

Fountain pen inks are either water-soluble or waterproof. Water-soluble inks can be easily washed off with water, but waterproof inks require a bit more effort to remove. Waterproof inks are ideal for artists and writers who want to create documents that are resistant to water damage, such as legal documents, journals, and artwork.

However, removing waterproof ink from a fountain pen can be challenging, to say the least. So you need to be a bit more careful and use to use the right tools to prevent damage when cleaning the fountain pen. Water-soluble inks are easier to remove, but they may not be as durable as waterproof inks.

When dealing with inks, understanding the different types is where to start. That’s going to help you use your fountain pen more efficiently and, more importantly, figure out how to remove fountain pen ink from fabric and surfaces.

Before you start

Before you start removing the ink, take some precautions to ensure you don’t damage the material or surface.

Ink stains can be stubborn and difficult to remove. So you could end up with a bigger mess than you started with if you don’t clean them correctly.

Assess the material

First, assess the material you’re cleaning. Different materials require different cleaning methods. For example, fabric requires a different approach than hard surfaces like glass or plastic. If you’re dealing with a delicate material like silk or wool, you need to be extra careful and probably should defer to professional help. Using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard can also damage material beyond repair.

If you’re unsure about the best cleaning method for the material, do some research first. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Test for colorfastness

Before applying any cleaning solution, test for colorfastness. Check to see if the material’s color will bleed or fade when exposed to the cleaning solution. Apply the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area and check for any discoloration or damage. If there’s no discoloration, proceed with cleaning.

It’s also important to note that even if the material is colorfast, some cleaning solutions may still cause damage or discoloration. Always read the label and follow the instructions carefully.

Choose the right cleaning solution

Choosing the right cleaning solution is crucial to successfully removing ink stains. Some commercial products can be harsh and damaging to the material. If I have to use a cleaning solution, try to pick a gentle one.

Natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice can be effective and gentle on the material.

It’s important to note that different types of ink require different cleaning solutions. For example, water-based ink can be removed with soap and water, while oil-based ink requires a solvent-based cleaner.

Use the right technique

Using the right technique can make all the difference when removing ink stains. For fabric, blotting the stain with a clean cloth helps absorb the ink. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing since it can cause the ink to spread or set into the material — and then it’s much more difficult to get out.

For hard surfaces, like glass or plastic, a soft sponge or cloth can be used to gently scrub the stain. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool, as this can scratch the surface.

Overall, taking the time to properly assess the material, test for colorfastness, choose the right cleaning solution, and use the right technique can help remove ink stains without damaging surfaces or fabric.

How to remove pen ink from fabric

Fountain pen ink can easily stain fabric, but it’s not impossible to remove it.

Here are some methods you can use to clean ink stains from fabric:

Blotting technique

For fresh ink stains, try using the blotting technique. Put the stained fabric on top of a clean towel, apply some rubbing alcohol (hand sanitizer and hair spray may work, too), and blot it gently with a clean cloth. Repeat until the stain is removed.

The blotting technique helps to absorb the ink from the fabric. But, and this is important, use a clean cloth every time you blot the stain. Using a dirty cloth can spread the ink and make the stain worse.

Using household items

Common household items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can remove pen ink stains. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, apply the solution to the stain, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse (or blot if it’s a couch) the fabric with cold water and repeat the process as many times as necessary.

Baking soda also helps remove ink stains. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse or blot the fabric with cold water and repeat the process if necessary.

You can also try lemon juice. Apply fresh lemon juice to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse or blot the fabric with cold water and repeat if you need to.

The key here is to avoid using hot water and be patient. It may take you a few rounds to clear the ink.

Commercial ink removers

You can also use commercial ink removers like a stain stick to remove ink stains from fabric. Apply the solution according to the instructions on the label, and wash the fabric in cold water.

Commercial ink removers are formulated to break down ink stains and make them easier to remove. They are a good option if the ink stain is stubborn and other methods have not worked.

Remember to always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the stain. This will help you avoid any damage or discoloration to the fabric.

How to remove fountain pen ink from hard surfaces

Cleaning ink stains from hard surfaces like glass, wood, or plastic is a whole different kettle of fish. But with the right methods and materials, you can remove these pesky stains.

Here are some methods you can use:

Glass and Ceramic Surfaces

When it comes to cleaning delicate glass and ceramic surfaces, it’s best to handle them with care. To remove ink stains from these surfaces, you can use gentle solvents such as rubbing alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover. Just apply some of the solvent onto a clean cloth and gently rub the stain until it disappears. To finish up, rinse the surface with water and dry it with a clean cloth to avoid leaving any residue.

Wood and Laminate Surfaces

If you have wood or laminate surfaces that tend to get scratched easily, you’ll want to be gentle when removing ink stains. But don’t worry, there’s a simple solution that won’t damage the surface. Just mix a bit of baking soda with water to make a paste, apply it to a clean cloth, and gently rub the stain until it disappears. Then rinse the surface with water and dry it with a clean cloth to make sure there’s no residue left.

Metal and Plastic Surfaces

When dealing with metal or plastic surfaces, you can use a more aggressive cleaning approach without worrying about damage. A mixture of rubbing alcohol and water is effective in removing ink stains from these surfaces. To use this solution, mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution onto a clean cloth and gently rub the stain until it disappears. Afterward, rinse the surface with water and dry it with another clean cloth to avoid any residue.

It’s important to use the correct materials and techniques to prevent surface damage when cleaning ink stains from hard surfaces.

Erasing ink from paper

If you make a mistake when writing or spill ink on paper, you may not have to toss the entire page. Here are some methods you can use to erase ink from paper:

Absorption method

Use a clean eraser or even a piece of bread to remove ink from paper. Place the eraser or bread on top of the ink stain and press it gently. It should start absorbing the ink from the paper.

Scraping technique

If the ink stain is stubborn, try a razor blade or a sharp knife to scrape it off. Be careful not to tear the paper or cut yourself while doing this.

Ink eradicators

You can also use ink eradicators like Ink Away to erase ink from paper. Apply the solution according to the instructions on the label, and the ink will disappear like magic.

Don’t let fountain pen ink stains ruin your day

Fountain pen ink can be a challenge to remove, but it’s not impossible. With the right methods, you can remove ink stains from fabric, hard surfaces, and paper.

Just remember to take precautions, test for colorfastness, and use the right cleaning method for the material you’re cleaning.

Liz

Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.