A good single mixture which will answer for most inks is made by mixing citric acid and alum in equal parts. If desired to vend in a liquid form add an equal part of water. In use, the powder is spread well over the spot and (if on cloth or woven fabrics) well rubbed in with the fingers. A few drops of water are then added, and also rubbed in. A final rinsing with water completes the process.
Ink Erasers.
| II.— | Citric acid | 1 part |
|---|---|---|
| Water, distilled | 10 parts | |
| Concentrated solution of borax | 2 parts |
Dissolve the citric acid in the water and add the borax. Apply to the paper with a delicate camel’s-hair pencil, removing any excess of water with a blotter. A mixture of oxalic, citric, and tartaric acids, in equal parts, dissolved in just enough water to give a clean solution, acts energetically on most inks.
Erasing Powder Or Pounce.
Removing Ink Stains.
II.—To remove ink spots the fabric is soaked in warm water, then it is squeezed out and spread upon a clean piece of linen. Now apply a few drops of liquid ammonia of a specific gravity of 0.891 to the spot, and dab it next with a wad of cotton which has been saturated with dilute phosphoric acid. After repeating the process several times and drying the piece in the sun, the ink spot will have disappeared without leaving the slightest trace. {190}
III.—Ink spots may be removed by the following mixture:
| Oxalic acid | 10 parts |
| Stannic chloride | 2 parts |
| Acetic acid | 5 parts |
| Water to make | 500 parts |
Mix.