If you don’t happen to have any gloves handy, do your best to minimize your exposure to the solvent, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water afterwards. [2] X Research source Avoid cloth or textile gloves. Absorbent fabrics can easily soak up the solvent you use and end up saturating your skin.

For a gentler solution, try substituting hand sanitizer or distilled white vinegar. Keep in mind, however, that if one of these items doesn’t work, you may end up having to resort to a harsher solvent. Rubbing alcohol is always a great option. [4] X Expert Source Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.

You can also use a cotton ball for this. [8] X Expert Source Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022. If possible, set up your material outside or in a well-ventilated space where fumes won’t be an issue. [9] X Research source When cleaning appliances, fixtures, or household surfaces that you can’t take elsewhere, open a window or switch on the fan or air conditioning unit before you begin to get some air moving.

If necessary, re-wet your scrubber and attack the stain a second time to erase any particularly persistent pigment.

Spray off outdoor items or features (such as plastic laminate siding) with a garden hose to save time. Unless you know for a fact that they’re waterproof, avoid exposing electronic devices to moisture. Simply let these sit for 10-15 minutes—most solvents, including bleach, will evaporate on their own after a short time.

If you’re trying to remove ink from the inside of a container, simply fill the container with your solvent instead. [14] X Research source Containers made from glass, ceramic, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and newer plastics are all typically non-reactive.

For bulkier items, it may help to submerge half of the item and cover the other half with a rag soaked in the solvent. [16] X Research source Ideally, you should leave your item to soak outdoors or near a window, fan, or other means of ventilation.

Don’t forget to pull on a pair of disposable rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you happen to get the solvent on your skin, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you’re finished.

If you used bleach to erase the ink stains from your item, you may also want to wash it and your soaking container with hot, soapy water or put them through a cycle in the dishwasher to ensure that there’s no bleach residue left behind. [19] X Research source Dispose of the used solvent by pouring it out in your sink and flushing it down with clean water.