Ballpoint or Felt Marker (1401)

If the fabric is dry-clean only, identify the stain and take it to a professional drycleaner as soon as possible.

If the fabric is washable, lay the stained item on a white absorbent fabric. Sponge the stain from the backside with a nonflammable dry cleaning solvent, rubbing alcohol or a pre-soak soil-and-stain remover. All of these may be harmful to the color or the finish of the fabric, so be sure to test in an inconspicuous area such as a seam allowance or inside hem area. Repeat as necessary until all bleeding stops. Let air-dry.

If the stain remains, rub the stained area with a heavy-duty liquid detergent and launder as usual. Water may set some types of ink, and permanent inks may be impossible to remove. Hair spray contains alcohol, which removes some inks, but the lacquer from the spray may create another stain.

If the stain remains, bleach if it is safe for the fabric, then put through the usual laundry process. Treat stains as soon as possible after staining. The older the stain, the more difficult it will be to remove.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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