Stain Removal: Ink

Washable Ink on washable material: cold rinse, then soak overnight in heavy-duty washing powder; then wash. If not removed, sponge whites with lemon juice and salt. On non-washable material sponge with dilute detergent, then sponge with clean water, and dab dry with kitchen paper towel.

Ballpoint pen or felt-tip pen on washable material: sponge with methylated spirits (not suitable for acetates); dab dry with kitchen paper towel, and wash. On non-washable material take to the cleaners, I'm afraid.

To remove ink stains from all sorts of materials spray with hair-spray first and then clean.

To get rid of ink stains from furniture soak a piece of cotton wool in water and cover the stain with it. The mark will be drawn out and into the cotton wool.

Ballpoint or felt tip: Dab with methylated spirit on a cotton wool bud.

On carpet: Ballpoint pen: move fast and dab with methylated spirit on a cotton-wool bud. Fountain pen: blot with absorbent paper and sponge with cold water until it lifts. Felt tip pen: Use carpet shampoo on water-based inks, methylated spirit on spirit-based inks.

To remove ballpoint pen marks on clothes or bed-linen - apply methylated spirit, or rub the mark with white toothpaste, leave a few minutes and wash off. To remove from cloth, rub a paste of baking soda and milk over it. Rinse, then wash normally.

If you want to get ballpoint pen marks off a photograph, rub the mark with some silver polish wadding. Then rub the same spot with some cotton wool and the mark vanishes.