Which is the Better Cleaning Option for Screen Printing: Alcohol vs Bleach

Screen printing is a fantastic way to put cool designs on clothes and fabrics. But sometimes, due to sudden accidents, ink spills where it shouldn’t. That’s where you need primary cleaner: Rubbing Alcohol and Bleach. But here the question arises: which is the best: bleach vs alcohol? Right? Don’t worry; this blog will help you select the best one according to your choices. So, without further delays, let’s focus on the blog to explore these two cleaning options and determine when and how to use them.

How to Clean Screen Print from Fabric by Rubbing Alcohol?

If you’re coping with a particularly stubborn stain, cleaning screen prints with rubbing Alcohol is a safe and effective method for dealing with water-based or plastisol ink stains. However, always remember to handle Alcohol carefully and prioritize safety throughout the process.

What You’ll Need

You will require rubbing Alcohol, a clean white cloth, a sponge, and gloves. You can easily find rubbing Alcohol in any grocery store. Ensure it’s clean and free from other substances that might transfer to your fabric. And gloves to protect your hands.

Here’s the process of cleaning

• Safety First

Before you start, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area. As rubbing alcohol fumes are strong, proper ventilation is essential. It’s also good to wear gloves to protect your skin.

• Moist a Cloth or Sponge

Dampen a clean, white cloth or sponge with alcohol. It’s essential not to oversaturate it, as you don’t want the Alcohol to soak through the fabric.

• Softly Rub the Stain

Place the alcohol-soaked cloth or sponge on top of the screen print stain. Softly rub the stained area. Start from outside the stain and work your way inwards to prevent the ink from spreading. Avoid excessive scrubbing or rubbing, as this can damage the fabric.

• Rinse completely

After you’ve treated the stained area, wash the fabric completely with cold water. Rinse until the water runs clear.

• Repeat If Necessary

Sometimes, strong stains may require many attempts. If the stain persists after the first round, repeat the process. Just be patient and gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.

How to Clean Screen Print from Fabric with Bleach?

• Dilute the Bleach

The 1:5 bleach-to-water ratio is commonly recommended for cleaning because it balances effectiveness and safety, retaining stain-removing power while minimizing harm.

• Spot Test

Test a small, hidden area of the fabric to check for adverse reactions.

• Apply the Solution

Dab the bleach solution onto the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Avoid soaking the fabric.

• Rinse Immediately

Rinse the fabric completely with cold water as soon as you’re done. Keep rinsing until the bleach smell is gone.

• Wash the Fabric

After rinsing, wash the fabric as usual to remove any remaining bleach residue.

• Exercise Caution

Bleach can be brutal on fabrics and may weaken or discolor them. Use it with care and only when necessary.

Which is Best, Bleach vs Alcohol

The better choice between bleach and rubbing alcohol depends on the ink type and fabric you’re dealing with. In most cases, Alcohol is the preferred option as it’s safer for fabrics and works well for common ink types like water-based and plastisol.

Conversely, Bleach can be more effective against stubborn stains but carries a risk of damaging or discoloring fabrics. So, in most situations, Alcohol is safer and more reliable.

In a Nutshell

The choice between bleach vs alcohol depends on the cleaning task and the materials involved. Both Bleach and Alcohol have their pros and cons, and one may be more suitable depending on the situation. Always follow safety precautions and usage instructions when using either substance or consider the specific needs of your cleaning task.