2

I have a white-ish polyamide coat that got stained with black ink in multiple places (long story short, I helped lift a large carton with 1-day-old stamps on it, both on the carton and on the masking tape that was holding it close, and I touched it with my chest).

The ink is from an anonymous bottle given to me to stamp electoral documents. I have no idea of the brand or composition of the ink. It's not from a ready-made tampon.

The incident happened several days ago but I noticed today.

The coat has a feather down inside, so soaking it completely in a bath might not be the best idea. Also, the coat has a polyester interior (not stained, but if I need to bath the whole thing the bath should not ruin it) and plastic buttons and zippers.

I know I need to test everything on some hidden part of the cloth to be sure it works fine.

Improve this question
4
  • Did you consult a professional Dry Cleaning establishment? Can you melt/dissolve a polyamide garment?
    – Stan
    Mar 13, 2018 at 19:36
  • @Stan of course I didn't, I was hoping in some cheap but effective DIY (if there is none, I will just bring it to the cleaner, without even asking him anything but "please, clean this")
    – Zachiel
    Mar 16, 2018 at 19:47
  • I ruined a white pull-over by trying something, thinking that if it didn't work, I could always bring it to a specialist. What I did was make it permanent. It was pretty expensive for a "cheap" alternative. Ask first. Maybe the pros will have a suggestion. It isn't in their best interest to mislead you.
    – Stan
    Mar 17, 2018 at 0:24
  • @Stan Oh, I wasn't talking about "if it didn't work" but about "If nobody knows how", but I see your point.
    – Zachiel
    Mar 17, 2018 at 13:28

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Spot treating with solvent-based cleaners is best. Since you don't know the ink composition, try scrubbing gently (a toothbrush should work for milder solvents, though it might dissolve a bit in stronger ones) on a spot with different solvents, from mild to strongest, to see what works best. Note that these solvents are poisonous and very flammable! Use small amounts in a well-ventilated place, away from source of ignition, and with water handy.

From gentle to stronger:

The product links are for reference only; you can probably find the same items locally for less.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Before you 'scrub' the area with a brush, you might first want to try "blotting" the spots with white cotton balls moistened with the solvent of choice from the above list. Note: Avoid mixing different solvents on the same cotton ball one-after-the-other.
    – Stan
    Mar 13, 2018 at 19:37
  • In the end, mom tried some marseille soap and hot water and it went away.
    – Zachiel
    Jan 22, 2019 at 18:50

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.