HELOISE Use these updated methods for removing ballpoint ink stains

Dear Readers: One of the questions that come in often is how to remove ballpoint-pen ink from a leather chair or couch. According to our friends at the International Fabricare Institute, removing ink from leather furniture is not easy. Stain removers containing dry-cleaning solvent or alcohol might work, but could leave rings or discolor the leather. If that happens, only a leather-care professional might be able to restore the color once the dye or pigment has been lost during stain removal. So, it's probably better to call a leather-cleaning specialist.
But, if you need to get ballpoint ink out of a favorite washable blouse or shirt, there is a hint to try: Place white paper towels under the ink spot, and dab the stain with a clean cloth dampened with cleaning fluid, rubbing alcohol or a petroleum-based prewash spray. Always start from the outside of the stain and dab in a circle toward the center. It might take a few attempts, but keep trying until all the ink is removed. Before washing according to the care label, apply some prewash spray to the area. In my Handy Stain Guide for Clothing pamphlet, you'll find tons of quick-and-easy hints for removing all kinds of tricky stains like antiperspirant, lipstick, coffee, mildew and many more. For a copy, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (63 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Stain, P.O. Box 795001-5001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.
Heloise update: Don't use hair spray on ink to remove it. This won't work as well today with all the different types of hair spray and inks. It might even make the stain worse! Heloise
Fast facts
Dear Heloise: Here is how I recycle plastic newspaper bags: I have a large collection of handbags and totes, and plastic bags make a wonderful stuffing to put inside of them when not in use, instead of tissue sheets, which cost money. Anita from San Diego
Anita, these bags are also handy for wet garbage and a great cover for a wet umbrella. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Here's one more way to remove the wax from votive holders, and a very easy one at that!
Just put the holders in the freezer and remove them after a couple of hours; then turn them upside down, tap the bottom, and the remains of the candle will fall right out. If there is only a little bit of wax in the bottom, do the same thing, except instead of tapping the bottom, you will be able to very easily pry the remaining wax from the holders. Cynthia Gillis, via e-mail
Sound off
Dear Heloise: My sound off is the number of people who crowd the luggage carousal at airports. If everyone would stand back, watch for his bag and move forward when the bag is in view, then others could do the same. If someone is traveling with another person, that person could stand back and guard the totes and bags as they arrive. Jacque Fuller, Lead, S.D.
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate