Answer Line FAQs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What can be done to remove ink spots from a load of laundry that included a ballpoint ink pen?

To remove ink spots from a load of laundry, put the following in your washer: 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup water conditioner (examples: Calgon, Spring Rain, Rain Drops), and the amount of liquid detergent normally used for the load of laundry. Fill washer with the warmest/hottest water allowable for the fabric. Agitate the machine two minutes to dissolve the cleaning agents. Add clothing. Turn the machine off and allow clothing to soak 30 minutes. Turn machine on and go through the wash cycle. Check the spots. If not totally removed, repeat the process. 

Related Information:
Consumer Choices: Getting Better Laundry Results [http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1664.pdf]
 
Quick'n Easy Stain Removal [http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM858.pdf]
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a service of Answer Line, Iowa State University Extension, Ames, Iowa.

For more information, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/answerline/, email us at: answer@iastate.edu, or call 1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa) or 1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota).