How to Remove Pen Ink Stains from Grout: A Guide for Teenagers

Being a teenager can be challenging, especially when accidents happen. If you recently found pen ink on your grout and need to get it off quickly, don't worry. This guide will help you remove the stain without causing any hassle or damage.

Materials Needed

Paper towels or a clean cloth Mild dish soap Water Baking soda White vinegar Old toothbrush or scrub brush (Optional) Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer

Steps to Remove Ink Stains

Blot the Stain: Use paper towels or a cloth to blot the ink stain gently. Avoid rubbing as this can spread the ink further. Make a Cleaning Paste: Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a paste. If you need a stronger solution, you can also mix baking soda with a bit of vinegar, which will create a fizzing reaction. Apply the Paste: Apply the baking soda paste directly onto the stained grout. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Scrub the Grout: Use an old toothbrush or a scrub brush to gently scrub the grout. Use circular motions to lift the ink stain. Rinse: Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove the paste and any loosened ink. Rinse the cloth frequently. Repeat if Necessary: If the stain persists, you can repeat the process or try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer on a cloth. Dab it on the stain, let it sit for a minute, and then scrub gently. Final Rinse: Once the stain is gone, give the area a final rinse with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Tips

Always test any cleaning solution on a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the grout. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you might need to let the cleaning paste sit longer before scrubbing.

Bonus Tips

Bless Your Little Cotton Socks. Before trying any of the above methods, try rubbing alcohol first. Have plenty of white paper towels or white rags on hand to soak up the mess. Start with a little and blot as you go. Don’t ever wash clothing or rags with ink on them; it can stain other items.

If rubbing alcohol doesn't work, try nail polish remover. Use the same procedure mentioned for baking soda paste, but dab it with the plain acetone type of nail polish remover.

If all else fails, head over to the laundry section of the grocery store and look for the tiny yellow bottles of Carbona stain removers. They have one for removing ink. Again, use the same procedure to apply and scrub the stain.

Final Thoughts

Remember, being honest with your parents, even if you make a mistake, is the best approach. Even if you manage to get the ink out without your dad's knowledge, he will appreciate your candor. And if you don’t succeed, he will forgive you and help you find a way to get the stain out. Good luck!