In everyday life, getting black ink on clothes can be quite a headache. Whether it’s accidentally splashed while writing or smudged by children at play, ink stains left untreated may leave stubborn marks on garments. But fear not—here are several effective methods for removing black ink stains.

Rice, a common kitchen staple, proves remarkably effective in removing ink stains. Should clothing become soiled with black ink, prompt action is essential. Begin by preparing some freshly cooked rice and kneading it into a firm ball. Lay the stained area flat, then vigorously rub the rice ball over the mark repeatedly. Rice possesses absorbent properties; during this rubbing action, it will draw out the pigment from the ink. As you continue rubbing, you will notice the rice ball darkening in colour while the ink stain on the garment gradually lightens. Persist with this process until the ink stain has largely disappeared, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. This method is relatively gentle and suitable for garments of various materials, particularly delicate fabrics.

Alcohol serves as an excellent organic solvent, proving highly effective in removing black ink stains. First, prepare an appropriate amount of alcohol, such as medical-grade alcohol with a concentration around 75%. Immerse the stained area of the garment in the alcohol, or use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to gently dab the stain. When wiping, take care to work from the edges of the stain towards the centre to prevent ink from spreading. The alcohol dissolves the pigment within the ink, causing it to gradually dissolve into the solvent as you wipe. For stubborn stains, allow a longer soaking period or repeat the wiping process. Once the ink stain has visibly faded, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. However, note that alcohol may cause colour fading on certain fabrics. It is advisable to test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the garment beforehand.

Milk is not only rich in nutrients but also aids in removing black ink stains from clothing. Place the stained garment in a sufficient quantity of milk for soaking. Proteins and other components in milk react with the pigment in the ink, thereby helping to lift the stain. Soaking time should be adjusted according to the severity of the stain, typically ranging from 30 minutes to one hour. Gently rub the stained area during soaking to accelerate stain removal. After soaking and rubbing, remove the garment and rinse thoroughly with clean water. This method is relatively gentle, causing no damage to fabrics, and leaves clothes with a faint milky fragrance.

Toothpaste also proves an effective aid in removing black ink stains. Select ordinary white toothpaste, squeeze a suitable amount onto the ink stain on the garment, and apply. Gently rub with your fingers to ensure the toothpaste fully covers the stain. The abrasive agents in the toothpaste help lift the stain, while its cleaning components break down the ink’s pigments. After rubbing for a few minutes, you’ll notice the ink stain beginning to fade. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water. If any residue remains, repeat the process. This method is simple, convenient, and causes minimal damage to fabrics.

Oxalic acid possesses strong reducing properties, effectively removing black ink stains. However, it exhibits a degree of corrosiveness, necessitating particular caution during use. First, prepare a basin of clean water and add a small quantity of oxalic acid to create an oxalic acid solution. Immerse the stained area of the garment in the solution and gently rub it. During soaking and rubbing, the oxalic acid reacts with iron ions and other components in the ink, causing the stain to gradually fade. Once the stain is largely removed, promptly rinse thoroughly with copious amounts of clean water to prevent damage to the fabric from the oxalic acid. Additionally, avoid contact with skin and eyes when using the solution. Should accidental contact occur, immediately rinse with copious amounts of clean water and seek medical attention without delay.

In short, while black ink stains on clothing can be troublesome, they can be easily removed with the correct approach. We hope the methods outlined above will help you tackle black ink stains on garments and restore them to their pristine condition. When treating ink stains, select an appropriate method based on the fabric type and the severity of the stain, while also prioritising safety during the process and protecting the garment itself.