Proven and inexpensive methods for removing a pen from a phone case

On one half of the notebook there is a smartphone - a source of information, on the other half the notes are taken. This is how modern schoolchildren and students work.

One extra movement - and the pen leaves ugly scribbles on the case that are not so easy to wipe off.

How to remove a pen from a phone case? We will look at the most effective and fastest ways to remove ink stains in this article.

Does the method depend on the type of ink?

Gel and ballpoint pens require different cleaning methods. The difference is also how long it takes to scrub.

A gel pen is made by mixing gel, water and dye . Once you touch the tip to the paper, a greasy stain will remain on it. After a few minutes, the water will evaporate, but the recording will remain.

The writer can wet the ink again and it will “float.” Therefore, removing gel on other materials (plastic, leather) is not so difficult.

This won't work with a ballpoint, it dries out immediately . This is achieved by adding special oil. To get rid of ink, a special solvent is often required. Improvised means (eraser, citric acid) will not work well.

Usually the case is made of plastic and silicone, less often - of leather, wood and suede. Each type of material has its own cleaning method.

How can I remove it from plastic?

There are four common ways to remove ink from plastic:

1. Soda . You need to apply it to a wet kitchen cloth. Apply the rag itself to the stain, and after 5 minutes wipe the surface with it. If stains remain, repeat the procedure.
2. Matches . Another method involves using a match. You need to wet the tip and rub the ink with it until it disappears.
3. Melamine sponge . Melamine sponge is sold in hardware stores. It is enough to moisten it in water and wipe the surface of the case until any traces of dirt disappear.
4. Alcohol, acetone, solvent . Radical means. They should be applied to a scrap rag and then used against the ink. You need to be careful when washing off ink this way, as chemicals can bleach the plastic.

It is better to start with a small contaminated area. And if the stain has disappeared, but the paint remains intact, you can safely erase all the ink.

Alcohol: destruction of fastening components

The surfaces of various objects and planes, including various external parts of the machine, can also be tidied up using a solvent such as alcohol, which successfully copes with a wide range of adhesive joints.

The effect of alcohol is expressed by the fact that the components of the glue dissolve to such a state that they stop sticking to surfaces.

If alcohol is applied directly to the area where something has been stuck, you can see impressive results within a few minutes.

If the structure of the glue is one of the alcohol-soluble products, you can see how it begins to soften. You can remove the sticker in the same way.

The final stage in any of the presented situations is to remove residues and rinse the item.

How to clean rubber and silicone?

Dozens of ways have been invented to remove ink from rubber and silicone. Below are the most common ones.

Special cleaning products

We are talking about a very special type of stain remover, different from Vanish and Boss. It is designed specifically for ink . This product will not be effective against other types of stains. But the effectiveness against ink is at a high level.

The prices given depend on the package size, region, store markup and delivery service:

1. 
   Dr. Beckmann . Two bottles of 50 ml each sell for 100 – 300 rubles.

2. Dr.Schnell . It costs about 500 rubles for 500 ml.

The instructions for use of each product indicate:

• ratio of powder and water,
• temperature,
• cleaning method.

Eraser

A regular school rubber band can help . It must be used immediately after the stain appears - otherwise the effect will be minimal. Rub the stained area vigorously with the sharp side of the eraser until the ink disappears or becomes less visible.

Baking soda

You need to put the cover in a container that is not intended for cooking:

• Then fill it with water.
• Add 2 tbsp. l soda and the same amount of dishwashing detergent.
• Put the solution on fire.
• When the water boils, turn off the heat and leave for half an hour.
• Check the result.

Toothpaste

Squeeze the contents of the tube onto the stain. Next you can:

1. Get rid of the ink immediately by rubbing the paste with a brush.
2. Wet the paste and spread evenly over the stain area, then leave for 20 minutes. Then wipe off with a sponge.

The first method is faster and more effective. But he is also more dangerous. The designs on the case will be especially affected.

Lemon acid

Lemon is a budget remedy. It can be used in two ways:

1. Along with salt. It needs to be poured onto the stain, and then moistened generously with lemon juice. Leave for 10 minutes and wipe off with a sponge.
2. The second method requires special citric acid. It is necessary to lower the cover into warm water and pour a packet of acid (10 g) into it. After 15 minutes, rinse the cover in cold water.

Acetone and alcohol

A rather dangerous method in terms of preserving the original quality of things . It is recommended to use only for transparent silicone, as colored ones may deteriorate.

You should moisten a cotton pad with a solution containing acetone and gently move it over the stained cover. When finished, rinse the product with water. Acetone is sold at the pharmacy. It is also found in nail polish remover.

Alcohol-containing substances neutralize ink stains . They should be used in the same way as acetone. But unlike him, they do not pose a threat to the color of the case.

Gasoline or kerosene

The method is only suitable for rubber, silicone and plastic. The reason is that gasoline will be absorbed into wood, leather and suede. The item will emit an unpleasant odor that cannot be removed. You need to apply the product to an unnecessary cloth and wipe off the stains.

Lemon juice will help get rid of the smell of gasoline. You need to squeeze it evenly onto the surface of the cover after completing the main procedure.

Oil based solutions

Ordinary vegetable oil can partially replace gasoline:

• sunflower,
• olive,
• flaxseed,
• castor

You need to apply it to the damaged surface with a cotton pad and wipe thoroughly. It is also advisable to leave the oil for 20 minutes so that it absorbs the ink. This method is safe for the color of the case.

There may be information on the Internet from the case manufacturer. It often contains care tips, as well as warnings on the use of certain cleaning products. You should find it before using any of the methods.

Means for cleaning dirty areas

Operational approach

The generally accepted universal solvent is ordinary water. It allows you to wash any place stained with glue or other water-based adhesive. The list of products susceptible to water includes the following types of glue:

• clerical;
• latex;
• PVA;
• vegetable;
• carpentry

The manufacturing principle for all these subtypes is the same: a mixture of water and an adhesive intended for gluing an object to any type of surface. After the applied bonding liquid has completely dried, the adhesive bonds to objects, including machine surfaces.

Removing the glue is quite easy if the glue has not yet completely dried. To do this, excess glue in the area where something was glued must be collected with a rag.

The area should then be thoroughly rinsed with water until all residue has been removed.

How to remove from wood?

Wood is a material resistant to external influences . Most existing methods are suitable for cleaning it from ink.

You can prepare a mixture from scrap materials. To do this, you need to take soda or salt and add detergent, antiseptic, lemon juice, toothpaste, milk (your choice). The main thing is that the mixture turns out pasty.

Then you need to follow the standard procedure:

1. Apply the paste to the stain.
2. Leave for 10-20 minutes.
3. Rub with a sponge or brush until the ink comes off.

You can buy alcohol-based products.

They should be used as follows:

1. Apply to a cotton pad or waste rag.
2. Rub the ink stain vigorously.
3. When the cotton wool turns dark, apply alcohol to another cotton pad.
4. Wipe the surface until it is clean.

They also came up with special stain removers for wood. Brands stand out:

• Emsal – from 200 rubles;
• Liquid Aura – from 250 rubles.

The procedure should be completed by wiping the surface with ordinary soapy water.

Exposure to oils

There are often situations when glue that has got on noticeable parts of clothing or other surfaces cannot be affected by water, alcohol, or even acetone.

In this case, it makes sense to turn to a product such as baby or vegetable oil.

Don’t be afraid to stain the item of clothing you are cleaning: the oil will perfectly dissolve even glue residues without harming the item itself. The effectiveness is due to the fact that many types of glue are characterized by an oil base, which makes it possible to clean certain types of contaminants.

After even the slightest trace of glue has been dissolved, you need to wash the treated area with soap and water.

How to remove it from leather?

Unlike plastic and silicone, leather is an expensive material. It must be treated accordingly. Various methods have been invented to get rid of ink stains. Here are the main ones:

1. Glycerol. Sold in any pharmacy. You can find a bottle for 50 and 100 rubles. It is worth purchasing cotton pads for it - they will be needed to apply the substance to the surface of the case. This product is only suitable for light skin - dark skin may lose its color and become pale.
2. Soda and citric acid . This option is even more budget-friendly. You need to take a handful of baking soda and sprinkle it around the perimeter of the stain, completely covering it. Squeeze lemon or pour citric acid onto the powder to make a paste. Leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes, then wipe the case with a sponge.
3. Detergent and salt . This method is similar to the previous one. You need to mix both substances and apply the mixture to the ink. After 15 minutes, remove the last traces of dirt with a rag or brush.
4. Stain removers. Special cleaning products from the companies “Fleckenwasser” (800 rubles), “Cocorex” (from 130 rubles), “Dr. Beckmann” (from 200 rubles).

Alcohol-containing substances may also help. The technique is simple: apply the substance to a sponge or rag and rub vigorously.

What not to use

In the manufacture of protective “clothing” for smartphones, predominantly the classic type of silicone is used. Durable and flexible material requires a delicate approach when it comes to contact with chemicals. When cleaning you should avoid:

• sponges made of wire;
• brushes with stiff bristles;
• sharp metal devices;
• solvents;
• gasoline, kerosene;
• chlorine bleaches and abrasive powders.

All this can harm the silicone, causing cracks, scratches and other deformations where dirt will accumulate. Chemical liquids contribute to the formation of bald spots or holes in the material, making the cover unsuitable for further use. It is easy to tear a damaged bumper while putting it on the gadget.

How to clean suede?

The following methods are used to clean suede:

1. 
   You can remove dirt using tape. You need to stick it tightly to the stain and then remove it. If ink remains, repeat the operation until the suede is clean.

2. Carefully move the sharp side of the rubber band around the perimeter of the stain. The eraser should be white. Otherwise, the suede will take on an undesirable shade.
3. You can use alcohol, as in the case of plastic. You should definitely take a brush with soft bristles and gently move them over the stain.
4. People also use sandpaper. If you don't have one, a nail file will do. You need to rub it until the ink marks disappear.
5. If all else fails, you should purchase a special cleaning product. Saphir offers liquid and powder cleaners, special brushes, erasers and lips to combat suede stains. Price – from 700 rubles.

Methods for removing dirt from a suede cover

Black and purple suede covers

1. If your suede case is a little dusty or not very dirty, then gently rub it with an eraser - it should help.
2. You can hold the product over steam and then treat it with a special brush for suede and nubuck - this will not only help get rid of dirt, but also improve the appearance of the product.
3. If the suede is dark, you can try cleaning it with kerosene. True, painted suede will be hopelessly damaged after using this method.
4. There are special foams for cleaning suede shoes - you can use them for our purpose.

Final table

We have combined all the methods described above for each material into one table:

You will find many useful tips and recommendations on removing pen ink from various surfaces and objects here.