Detergents

• Ordinary detergents, such as laundry soap and dish soap, are the first line of defense against many stains, including water-soluble inks. Spread the affected fabric over a clean, dry towel. Moisten the ink stain by blotting the material with a damp cloth, then make a thick paste from powdered detergent and water, or use undiluted liquid detergent, and spread it evenly over the discolored portion of the fabric. Do not rub the material, as this may cause the ink to spread. Wait 10 minutes, then hold the fabric under a stream of cold, running water to rinse. If the stain is still evident, but lighter, repeat the process; if the stain seems unaffected by the treatment, move on to a stronger remedy.
  
  

Alcohols

• Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is nontoxic and easy to handle, and will effectively dissolve a number of substances. Sponge ink marks with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, or dip the affected area of the fabric into a shallow dish filled with alcohol and let it soak for up to 24 hours. Isopropyl alcohol is safe to use on most fabrics, but may require multiple treatments to be fully effective. Denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol's industrial-strength cousin, is a stronger solvent, but should be tested in an inconspicuous area of the garment first, as it can damage fragile fabrics.
  
  

Unconventional Solvents

• Should alcohol prove to be ineffective for removing stubborn ink stains, the acetone found in ordinary nail polish remover may do the trick. Simply place a paper towel beneath the ink stain, then gently blot the affected area with a sponge that has been dipped in nail polish remover; as the ink dissolves it will be transferred from the cloth to the paper towel below. Once the stain is no longer visible, rinse the fabric in cold water and launder the item as usual. Acetone is a highly effective solvent, but it should never be used on acetates, as it will dissolve the fibers and leave unsightly holes in the garment. Particularly challenging ink stains may require the application of powerful chemical solvents, such as turpentine or engine-cleaning fluid. While these items are not generally associated with stain removal or fabric care, they can dissolve a variety of dyes, including ink.
  
  

Treatments to Avoid

• Do not be lured into using out-of-date, anecdotal stain removal remedies. There are a number of sketchy, but common, ink removal treatments that actually make the stain look worse. For example, hairspray may have worked in the past, but hairspray formulas have changed over the years. Modern sprays contain less alcohol, as this can lead to dry hair; instead, they rely on a combination of mildly adhesive oils that can cause ink stains to spread. Milk is also a time-honored remedy that has no actual value. The lactic acid in milk is not strong enough to dissolve ink, and soaking fabric in milk-based solutions often leads to the development of an additional protein-based stain.