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How to Use Lemon Juice & Salt to Remove an Ink Stain

Kimbry Parker

Lemon juice and salt are two common household ingredients that can be used to remove ink stains. Whether the ink stain is on fabric, upholstery or carpet, using these two everyday products can get ink out. Using lemon juice and salt to remove ink is an effective, inexpensive way to get ink stains out for good.

Treat ink stains at first sight for best results.

Tip

If treating ink on clothing, place the stained area of the clothing face down on a clean rag. Apply the lemon juice and salt to the underside of the stain to force it off of the fabric without spreading it.

  1. Blot up as much of the ink as possible. Use a damp paper towel to dab the ink stain. Switch to clean portions of the paper towel as one part becomes soiled.

  2. Cut a fresh lemon in half. Bottled lemon juice can be substituted if you do not have a fresh lemon.

  3. Squeeze the lemon juice onto the ink stain. Apply a generous amount so that the stain is saturated.

  4. Sprinkle a liberal coating of table salt over the lemon juice. Rub the table salt into the stain with your fingers.

  5. Continue rubbing until the ink stain begins to disappear. Use an old toothbrush for deep ink stains that are not coming off with just your fingers.

  6. Rinse the stained area with cool water until all of the salt and lemon juice is removed. Clothing can be rinsed directly under the tap. Carpet, upholstery and other stationary items should be rinsed with a rag and plain water.

  7. Place washable items in the washing machine and launder as usual. Non-washable items should be cleaned with a rag and mild dish soap and rinsed again with plain water.

  8. Allow the fabric to air dry. Avoid placing any ink-stained clothing in the dryer. The heat from the dryer will only set in the stain further.

  9. Inspect the clothing for any traces of ink. Repeat the process, if necessary.

The Drip Cap

  • Lemon juice and salt are two common household ingredients that can be used to remove ink stains.
  • Squeeze the lemon juice onto the ink stain.
  • Rub the table salt into the stain with your fingers.
  • The heat from the dryer will only set in the stain further.
  • Inspect the clothing for any traces of ink.