How to Remove Fountain Pen Ink from Hands

When writing with a fountain pen, sometimes you end up with ink dripping from your hands. Although fountain pens are not prone to leaking unless there is an internal problem, they can be messy. Even the most experienced connoisseurs can accidentally spill ink during a refill or ruin a freshly written sentence. Even the most experienced pen enthusiasts can be overwhelmed by an ink spill or unwanted smudge, that’s why we’ll show you a series of useful methods to remove fountain pen ink from hands.

There are several methods for removing ink stains from fountain pens and other writing instruments. Some items are readily available at stores that sell office supplies and personal items, as well as online retailers. Others can be easily found in a typical home or office.

Tips for Selecting a fountain pen in our article:
“How to Select the Best Fountain Pen”

What is Fountain Pen Ink Made Of?

Most fountain pen inks are made with water and dye. They flow more easily on a fountain pen nib when wet than do inks with oil or gel ink base. It may take longer to dry, which increases the risk of smudging and staining on fountain pens.

​Fountain Pen Ink Ingredients

​Water:
​​Base, solvent

​Dyes (Ink Color):
Red Ink - Eosin
Blue Ink - Triarylmethane dye
​Black Ink - Combinations of dyes

​Other Ingredients

​Resins:
Humectants - Slows drying time
Surfactants - Lowers surface tension, allows for smoother contact
Biocides - Prevents growth of bacteria/fungi

Modern fountain pen inks contain lubricants and other solvents that make them extra prone to staining making it harder to remove fountain pen ink from hands. While they are less likely to be damaged by acids and alkalis, they can still be removed with more effort and more effort than fountain pen ink can provide. Despite the fact that this ink is not harmful at all, you won't be harmed by it if you breathe in.

Possible Causes of Ink Stains

How does fountain pen ink stain your skin, clothes, and furniture? Ink stains paper, clothing, and furniture. When writers spill ink on their hands or the nib of their pen during a refill or when they wipe away excess ink after charging, they can stain materials.

Hand smudges are caused by writing in the wrong direction. It's more common in left-handed writers because when they write, they typically move their hands to the right side of the paper while writing and then back to the left side when they're done.

New fountain pen users can be a little careless when it comes to handling and cleaning their pens. This can lead to ink getting on their hands or in their clothes. Instead of trying to clean your pen outside, use a pen case to store your pen so it's easier to keep clean. Correcting the nib size, or shim, orientation keeps the ink flow at the tip while the fountain pen is posted or in hand. Proper pen storage during air travel prevents leaks due to changing pressures and can help settle clogs in pens.

Preventing Fountain Pen Stains

Writing with care and taking certain precautions can avoid ink stains on your hands. Some writers block the permanent ink from falling on their hands by holding a piece of paper in front of their hands when writing. A protective layer of adhesive should be applied to one's palm, then allowed to dry for a moment before typing. Another piece of paper can be placed on the keyboard during this time, so as to avoid the friction that can cause mark-making. Refilling is a messy and potentially dangerous activity. When refilling, it is important to wear gloves to prevent blood or other bodily fluids from being accidentally spilled on the dried glue or paper.

How to Remove Fountain Pen Ink from Skin

​When fountain pen ink stains the epidermis, standard hand washing will remove the stain over time through natural sloughing of the skin. The water based ink will wash away with multiple attempts as the outer layer of skin naturally sloughs off. Many household remedies are safe and effective to remove fountain pen oil based ink from hands and skin. They include items you probably have in your home already.

​Household Remedies for Removing Ink from Skin

Isopropyl alcohol hand sanitizers will remove fountain pen ink from hands or any other skin area better than soap and water. Grab a clean cloth and dab the sanitizer on the stain in a circular motion to make it easier to remove. If the stain is stubborn, you can always use a clean towel to wipe the ink away as well.

Baby oil breaks down the oils in fountain pen ink. It can be used to remove stains from fountain pen ink, making the task of cleaning fountain pen or rollerball pen ink stains much easier. Rub baby oil in a circular motion and rinse with plain water. And for tougher messes, use a paper towel, a clean damp cloth, or a cotton ball to help with more difficult stains.

Borax is a granular salt that can be used as a laundry booster or to remove ink stains. It can be mixed with liquid soap or water to help remove ink stains from clothing and fabrics, although it shouldn’t be used directly on the skin. People with sensitive skin should avoid using Borax for this purpose.

Dishwashing liquid is a great stain remover. Apply it directly on the ink stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Dr. Bronner’s is a naturally-based and gentle soap that removes oils from fountain pen ink. This castile soap is commonly used on babies and people with sensitive skin. The mild, organic formula is perfect for those who have allergies to soaps or skin irritation. Use Dr. Bronner’s soap to remove fountain pen ink from hands. Rinse with water until the stains are gone.

Hairspray is a known pen-tenderizer. It dissolves the ink in fountain pens and will remove stains from contact with your skin. A cloth doused in hairspray will remove the stubborn stain and will not damage the fabric of your clothing.

Milk and lemon juice have natural properties that help to remove stains from clothing and skin. Rub some milk or lemon juice into your stained clothes with a clean, dry cloth until the stain disappears.

Shampoo and shaving cream is an excellent solution for removing fountain pen ink from hands, hair, and clothing. It works well as a soap substitute to remove stains from your skin; use shampoo to wash your skin with it. If you have ink under your fingernails, washing your hands thoroughly in clean water and then applying a hand cleaner to remove the stains will completely scrub off the ink.

Teabags are often used in household cleaning recipes. They can gently remove ink stains and are great for removing the buildup that often accumulates in a small space. Oils in the tea leave stains on your clothing. To remove them, use a teabag while also using a cloth. Avoid being too aggressive with the cloth, or you will break the bag and waste the contents.

Tea tree oil is a natural remedy that can be used to clean various stains, such as ink spills, tea stains, grease on fabric, and more. Apply a few drops of the oil to a dry cloth and gently wipe the stain away. If the stain is stubborn, use a fingernail brush for those hard-to-reach spots. This method may take a few attempts to remove, but it is gentle on sensitive skin types.

Whether you're using gel or non-gel toothpaste, the baking soda in it lifts ink off of your skin. When removing ink stains with non-gel toothpaste, rub a dollop of it onto the entire stain for a few seconds before rinsing it off with plain water.

Vegetable shortening and butter break down the oil in fountain pen ink, leaving a relatively clean liquid behind. This liquid can be removed by rinsing, and it will not affect the remaining ink in your fountain pen. To remove fountain pen ink and gel pen from hands or any other skin area, apply soft butter or shortening to a damp sponge and gently rub the ink stain with the mixture. The grease will then make it easier to remove by wiping off the excess with a clean, dry paper towel.

White vinegar is one of the most effective cleaning agents for fountain pen and ballpoint pen ink. It can help dissolve oil stains on paper without damaging the fibers and fibers of the paper. Just wet the stain with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water, and then scrub gently with an absorbent towel, a microfiber cloth or, a cotton swab to remove the hardened oil layer and leave behind a clean, stain-free surface.

Best Commercial Products for Getting Ink Off Your Skin

​Several commercial products are available for removing fountain and ballpoint ink stains; however, not all of them are natural. There are also hypoallergenic versions that have less of a fragrance. Those with sensitive skin should find more hypoallergenic and natural options.

Amodex is one of the top-selling brands in the fountain pen space. Just like many other products, you can buy Amodex at a local store or online. If you have stains on your clothes, just rub a small amount of the stain remover into the area and use a toothbrush or nail brush to scrub it away. After the stain has been removed, simply wash the item as usual.

Fast Orange is a fast-acting ink cleaner that cleans your printer with no harsh chemicals. It is made with aloe, lanolin, and other natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and the environment. Follow the directions for the best results.

GoJo Hand Cleaner is a solution for removing grease from hands and surfaces, including ink from pens and other writing implements. It can be purchased at most home improvement stores and comes in different forms, including lotions, gels, and wipes.

Kresto Kolor ULTRA Hand Sanitizer is a medical product that completely removes the kind of stains that are commonly found on hands, such as ink, dirt, and food. It also completely removes organic and inorganic dyes and pigments from the skin. The product's active ingredient is a neutralizing agent that transforms all colors into their colorless form.

Lava soap is a special kind of soap that is made from lava rock. The high-quality soap is considered to be more abrasive than regular soap and is widely used in car detailing carpet cleaning, and washing vehicles. The soap contains pumice to help remove stains such as ink, grease, paint, and similar inorganic substances. It can also be purchased at home repair stores and is easy to use according to the directions on the package.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a low-cost cleaning solution that can be used to remove ink stains from just about any surface. Rubbing this product on the stain helps dissolve details and eradicate undesirable images. The non-abrasive scrubber is safe for most skin types and is suitable on most surfaces.

ReDuRan lifts even the most difficult stains such as ink, paint, and other colored dyes. Rub it on your skin and let it take effect for up to 8 hours. Afterward, rinse the area with soap and water.

Harsher Commercial Cleansers

​There are harsher alternatives to fountain pen ink for removing stains from fabrics, but we suggest that you get in contact with a knowledgeable expert. The methods can be risky and may actually harm your skin. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or other health concerns, it is best to avoid certain cleaning products.

Astonish Cream Cleaner with Bleach is designed to remove hard-to-remove stains, such as grease or mildew from pots and pans. It may be more irritating than non-irritating detergents to sensitive skin, but it saves time and hassle when it comes to ink removal.

Ink stains may be removed with diluted bleach, which can then be washed away with water. Mix ½ teaspoon of bleach in 1 cup of water to remove ink stains. If you are worried about an allergic reaction, wash your hands immediately after to avoid irritation. Use soap and water to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

There are many products you can use to clean ink stains off your hands, nails, and other areas. Rubbing alcohol and acetone are good choices since they're commonly found in nail polish remover. The best method is to apply rubbing alcohol and let it sit until you see the ink comes off easily, this will help you to remove fountain pen ink from hands. Once it's all gone, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid irritation.

​How to Remove Ink from Children’s Skin

Removing fountain pens and permanent marker ink from babies and children is not easy. You’ll need to use gentle cleansers like natural soaps, butter, or milk to remove the ink from their skin. It’s best not to use harsh chemicals on children. To get ink off of a child’s skin, it is best to use natural ingredients. One of the most effective ways of removing ink from the skin is by using warm water with mild soap and gentle scrubbing.

Strong natural products, such as tea tree oil, can cause adverse symptoms in children. To avoid any negative side effects, mix the tea tree oil with an equally strong base like baby oil or extra virgin olive oil. A spot test before using the product to remove ink stains is a good idea. Try this simple test first to avoid allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

How to Remove Ink from Nails

It is possible to remove ink stains from fingernails with the same methods used to remove ink stains from the skin. In most cases, fingernail stain removal products should be able to handle the challenge. Soaking your fingertips in one of the gentler solutions, such as vinegar or milk, will dissolve the ink and get it out of your fingernails faster. Tea tree oil or hairspray is safe to use on your hands, and it can be used daily to keep your hands smelling fresh for longer. Using a nail brush gently buffers the skin from the stain, so you can remove them in a few days instead of weeks.

​How to Remove Ink from Hair

​Despite the infrequency of fountain pen inks getting into the hair, it does happen. Touching the hair with freshly-stained hands can transfer the wet ink, or spills occur when an ink bottle cap is left on a long strand of hair. The most effective way to remove ink from hair is by washing it. It's important to wash the ink from hair by shampooing it with commercial shampoos that are formulated to remove stains. These shampoos have special ingredients designed to lift out ink and other stains on hair. The best way to remove ink from permed or damaged hair is by using hair treatments. If you have damaged or permed hair, you can find these products at beauty supply stores.

​How to Remove Fountain Pen Ink from Your Pet

​Our pets are so important to us that it is inevitable that one of us may accidentally spill a bottle of fountain pen ink on them. Many natural and homemade cleaners are safe for use on animals, but some can be harsh or can cause allergic reactions. Gentler methods like dish soap, pet shampoo, or baking soda are safe to use to remove ink stains from your pet's fur. These methods work best in small spots. If you want to avoid using products on your pet, carefully trim the stained fur away.

​How to remove fountain pen ink from clothes or fabric

​Fountain pen ink can be removed from clothing, carpeting, and other fabrics with the help of household cleaners. Gentle cleaners such as dishwashing liquid, baking soda, or white vinegar will be effective for removing ink stains. When cleaning stains, be gentle and considerate. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or even a non-abrasive dishwashing sponge to gently remove the stain without ruining the fabric's texture.

When I first began using my fountain pen, I was careful not to stain my hands or clothes with ink. I have two cats who like to sit on my desk and a tendency for ink to make its way onto my fingers. Although the ink may stain your fingers, it will also color your clothes, so you might as well get used to it. After I ran out of ink cartridges, I refilled my pen ink reservoir with bottled ink. While this process was fairly simple, I stained my fingertips in the process.

I didn't know that what I was doing to my hands was a common or acceptable treatment for hand-washing. In the absence of information, I washed my hands numerous times, waiting for them to become clean. I'm always cautious about using any cleaning products on my skin. I have extremely sensitive skin that can easily be irritated. Before I discovered the gentle, effective way to remove ink stains, I was anxious about using hand soap alone. That's a thing of the past now that I know there are other options to use.