Ink
Because inks differ in composition, it is impossible to find removers that are equally effective for all types of ink spots. Each of the methods mentioned below is satisfactory with some type of ink. For most ink spots, it is necessary to try several methods, beginning always with the simplest and that least likely to harm the cloth.
India or drawing ink
Denatured alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, and benzene.—Place a pad of cloth or blotter under the stain and sponge with one of these solvents. Then rub glycerine (use glycerine only with alcohol) or a dry-cleaning soap into the stain and finally rinse out with the solvent. If this does not remove the stain, let the stain dry; then wet with water and rub in a synthetic detergent (nonsoap cleaner) to help soften the stain. Or use strong soapsuds to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added. Alcohol must not be used on acetate rayon or colored materials.
Printing ink
Use one of the following agents for removing printing-ink stains:
Lard or petroleum jelly.—Rub the stain with lard or petroleum jelly; work it into the cloth. If material is washable, wash with soap and water; otherwise sponge with carbon tetrachloride, gasoline, or other grease solvent.
Turpentine.—Soak the stain for a few minutes in turpentine and then sponge with carbon tetrachloride, alcohol, or other dry-cleaning fluid. Do not use alcohol on acetate rayon or colored materials.
Kerosene.—To remove printing from flour bags and other bags, soak in kerosene for several hours. Then wash thoroughly in soap and hot water and spread on the grass in the sun to dry.
Writing ink
In removing writing-ink stains it usually is necessary to try various methods. Always start with the simplest method and the one least likely to harm the cloth.
Absorbents.—If the stain is still wet, spread corn meal, salt, French chalk, cornstarch, or talcum powder on the stain to remove any excess ink and to keep it from spreading. Work the powder into the stain. Shake it off as it becomes soiled and repeat the process. When the dry absorbent fails to take up more ink, make the absorbent into a paste with water or with a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part alcohol and apply again. Let dry and brush off.
Glycerine and water or soap and water.—If the material is washable, pour either glycerine or one of the soapless shampoos on the fresh stain. Rub lightly between the hands, rinse, and apply glycerine again as long as any ink comes from the stain. Rinse with clear water. Washing with soap and warm water will remove some types of ink.
Bleaches.—If the above treatments do not remove the stain, try a bleach. But use bleaches sparingly on colored materials.
Oxalic acid.—Soak the stain for a few seconds in a solution of oxalic acid (3 tablespoons of the crystals of the acid to a pint of water). Or sponge the stain well with cold water, then stretch the stain over a bowl of hot water, and apply crystals of oxalic acid directly to the stain. Rinse by dipping in the hot water and finally in water to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added. Do not use on weighted silk.
Hydrosulfite.—Sponge with a hydrosulfite solution and rinse quickly.