As a medical professional, you know that ink stains are a common problem. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky pen or a spilled cup of coffee, getting ink out of scrubs can be a daunting task.
According to the American Cleaning Institute, ink stains are one of the most difficult to remove from clothing. Ink is made up of pigments, which are tiny particles that can easily penetrate the fibers of fabric. Once the ink has set, it can be very difficult to remove.
But don’t despair! There are a few simple steps you can take to get ink out of scrubs.
1. Act Quickly
The sooner you treat an ink stain, the easier it will be to remove. Blot up as much of the ink as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the stain, as this will only spread the ink and make it more difficult to remove.
2. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
There are a number of different cleaning solutions that you can use to remove ink from scrubs. Some of the most effective options include:
- Isopropyl alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol is a powerful solvent that can break down ink stains. However, it is important to test isopropyl alcohol on a small area of the scrub fabric before using it on the entire stain. Some fabrics may be damaged by isopropyl alcohol.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is another effective solvent that can remove ink stains. However, it is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabrics, so it is important to test it on a small area of the scrub fabric before using it on the entire stain.
- Commercial stain removers: There are a number of commercial stain removers that are specifically designed to remove ink stains. These stain removers typically contain a variety of solvents that can break down ink stains.
3. Apply the Cleaning Solution
Once you have chosen a cleaning solution, apply it to the ink stain. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel until the ink begins to lift. Do not rub the stain, as this will only spread the ink and make it more difficult to remove.
4. Rinse the Scrub
Once the ink stain has been removed, rinse the scrub thoroughly with water. This will help to remove any remaining cleaning solution and prevent the stain from reappearing.
5. Dry the Scrub
Allow the scrub to air dry completely. Do not put the scrub in the dryer, as this can set the stain.
Tips for Removing Ink Stains from Scrubs
- Test the cleaning solution on a small area of the scrub fabric before using it on the entire stain. This will help to ensure that the cleaning solution does not damage the fabric.
- Do not rub the ink stain. Rubbing the stain will only spread the ink and make it more difficult to remove.
- Be patient. Removing ink stains can take time. Do not get discouraged if the stain does not come out immediately.
- If you are unable to remove the ink stain yourself, you can take the scrub to a professional cleaner. Professional cleaners have access to specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that can remove even the most stubborn ink stains.
How to Prevent Ink Stains from Setting
The best way to prevent ink stains from setting is to act quickly. If you spill ink on your scrubs, blot up as much of the ink as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the stain, as this will only spread the ink and make it more difficult to remove.
You can also prevent ink stains from setting by treating them with a stain remover. There are a number of commercial stain removers that are specifically designed to remove ink stains. These stain removers typically contain a variety of solvents that can break down ink stains.
Conclusion
Getting ink out of scrubs can be a daunting task, but it is possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of removing ink stains from your scrubs.
