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.
Things You Will Need
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Place the stained cotton on a flat, sealed surface like a kitchen countertop. Pour 1 tsp. dry-cleaning solvent onto an absorbent sponge.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water and rinse away any remaining bleach residue on the cloth. Launder again.
The Drip Cap
- The best thing about Flair pen ink stains is that they're water-soluble and can be removed a bit more easily than ball-point pen ink or permanent marker.
- 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.
- dry-cleaning solvent onto an absorbent sponge.