Carbon black, found in India ink and some permanent markers, is likely to make a stain so ingrained that you will not be able to remove it, but milder carbon stains, caused by smoke and exhaust fumes (if you live near a road), for instance, can be got out of laundry with some careful treatment.
Things You Will Need
Using Dishwasher Detergent and Bleach
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Check that the fabric is washable, not dry clean only.
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Dissolve 1 cup of dishwasher detergent in 8 pints of water. Soak the fabric in the solution overnight.
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Soak the fabric (if safe for bleaching) in chlorine bleach for 30 minutes before washing.
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Wash the material according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Using a Solvent-Based Cleaner
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Wet the whole area affected by the stain with a solvent-based emulsifier like those often used in dry cleaning. Pay particular attention to the most deeply stained areas. Spot treat those areas heavily with the solvent-based detergent.
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Leave overnight, if possible, or for a couple of hours at least, to let the detergent interact with the stain.
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Wash the fabric as specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
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Repeat the process if the stain is not fully removed.
The Drip Cap
- Carbon stains can be very stubborn to remove as carbon particulates bind with the fibers in laundry.
- Soak the fabric (if safe for bleaching) in chlorine bleach for 30 minutes before washing.
- Wash the material according to the manufacturer's instructions.