How to Remove Ink With Toothpaste and Water
Numerous chemicals and soaps on the market advertise how well they can remove ink stains from garments. If you're looking for an inexpensive, natural alternative to chemicals and soaps that could potentially damage your garment while removing stains, use white toothpaste and water.
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Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the ink stain. Use a paste-based dentifrice rather than a gel. Avoid artificial colors or sparkles. Natural toothpaste works the best.
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Rub the toothpaste into a stain on fabric. You can use your fingers or an old toothbrush, or fold the stained cloth in half and rub the two halves together.
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Rinse the cloth with cool water. You can hold it under a faucet or run it through a washing machine.
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Repeat Steps 1 through 3 as necessary. It might take several tries to remove the stain completely.
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Rub a little toothpaste on ink-stained skin, rinse with cool water, and repeat as necessary.
References
Tips
- If you are unsure how delicate fabric will react to toothpaste, test it on a hidden part of the garment before using it on the stain.
Warnings
- Avoid using toothpaste on fabric that is not easy to wash, such as carpet or large furniture. While the toothpaste will likely remove the stain, rinsing it out is tricky and the residue is sticky.
Writer Bio
Cristel Wood is a writer specializing in food, photography, gardening and video games. She holds an Associate of Arts from South Puget Sound Community College and has worked for her local Parks & Recreation department, Mt. Baker ski area, Vista Village Retirement Community and has taught ESL in Peru.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
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