How to Avoid Ballpoint Pen Ink Stains in Fabric

Avoid stuffing pens in your pockets. Your pocket is a convenient location for a pen while you are rushing off to a meeting or taking a lunch break. But, there are also many other handy storage places. Try the behind-your-ear look. You may start a new trend at work while saving your shirt. Another option is to secure a pen in a notebook or clipboard that you routinely use to take notes.

Although it may sound geeky, a pocket protector is a handy device you can place in your pocket to prevent those nasty pen stains. Just stop by your neighborhood office supply store and you should be able to find many different styles for reasonable prices. Although you may be embarrassed the first time you sport this device, once your coworkers notice how many shirts you have saved, they will probably want one, too. You even may start a new company fad.

Carry a stain removal pen, such as the Tide-to-Go pen. These little lifesavers can be found at your local grocery store or super store for just a few bucks. If you do happen to find a pen stain on your clothing, quickly break out the stain removal pain and apply it over the stain. The sooner you attack the stain, the more likely you will be to get rid of it completely. Once the area is dry, nobody will be able to notice your little mishap.

If you notice a pen mark on your clothing once you've already arrived at home, take the clothing off immediately and apply a stain removal spray, such as Spray-and-Wash. These sprays are often miracle workers and can get out most kinds of ink. Just spray the stain, wait about fifteen minutes and then wash the clothing with your regular laundry. This often works like a charm. If the shirt happens to be white, you can also combat an ink stain with bleach.

If all else fails, or if your stained clothes are dry-clean-only, visit your favorite neighborhood dry cleaners and have the stain removed professionally. It may cost a little bit more, but it may be well worth the money.