How to Remove Flair Pen Ink Stains From Cotton

Flair pens contain water-soluble ink.

As with any stain, removal works best when the stain is fresh. Keep the cotton clothing away from heat, which tends to make stains quickly set.

1. Place the stained cotton on a flat, sealed surface like a kitchen countertop. Pour 1 tsp. dry-cleaning solvent onto an absorbent sponge.

2. Blot the stain with the sponge, using different areas of the sponge each time you blot. Turn the cotton fabric over to blot the stain on both sides.

3. Dot the stained area with mineral oil to further loosen the Flair pen ink. Blot again with dry-cleaning solvent, then pour solvent directly through the stained area to rinse it completely.

4. Launder as usual, in warm water with detergent. Examine the cotton fabric for traces of stain while the cloth is wet. If traces of the stain remain, mix 1 tsp. bleach with 1 tbsp. water. Drop the solution onto the stain with an eyedropper and let it sit for 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with water.

5. Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water and rinse away any remaining bleach residue on the cloth. Launder again.

Warning

Don't use bleach on wool, silk or spandex. Cotton will be OK if you don't leave bleach sitting too long.

Don't dry stained cloth after laundering it unless you're sure the stain is gone. Once it's heated in the dryer, the stain will be very difficult to remove.