Pen ink on kindle screen

[medwatt]

Hello,
Rather careless of me, my kindle was in my bag with my pens. Unluckily some black ink spilled on the screen. Any idea how I can wipe it off.
Thanks

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by medwatt

Hello,
Rather careless of me, my kindle was in my bag with my pens. Unluckily some black ink spilled on the screen. Any idea how I can wipe it off.
Thanks

What kind of ink?

I'd try just some dampened cloth first. But if it's a permanent ink, you'll need some stronger kind of solvent.

I don't know what to advise. I think that methylated spirit wouldn't harm the screen, but I don't know about others.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

What kind of ink?

I'd try just some dampened cloth first. But if it's a permanent ink, you'll need some stronger kind of solvent.

I don't know what to advise. I think that methylated spirit wouldn't harm the screen, but I don't know about others.

White spirit is good for removing that sort of thing. Try a small amount on a paper tissue on a corner of the screen first.

[Andy_T]

Hope you can get it cleaned.

A word of advice though, my Kindle 3 broke when I put it into my bag (was wedged between my iPad and iPod touch, both of which were more obviously sturdy, even though I kept the kindle in a padded pouch).

Given that and the experience of many others, I would not simply put an e-ink device in the bag without additional protection in the future (even though amazon might refund it without questions, such risk is not necessary).

Best regards,
Andy

[medwatt]

Actually I've tried spirits like perfume and got no result. Then I tried a solution of calcium hydroxide (lime) and nothing. The stain is from a normal black bic pen.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by medwatt

Actually I've tried spirits like perfume and got no result. Then I tried a solution of calcium hydroxide (lime) and nothing. The stain is from a normal black bic pen.

Perfume is usually mostly water. You really need to try something that doesn't contain water. E.g. white spirit, methylated spirit or (probably best) isopropyl alcohol (aka propanol).

cotton buds are probably the best way to apply the solvents.

[uporny]

can you take a photo of your screen with ink on it and upload there?

[howyoudoin]

If water don't get it out, try a light rub with a non-polar solvent like a clear oil. I'd be wary of using anything alcohol-based on a clear screen. If the oil starts getting the stains off, finish it off with a gentle detergent.

[Rob Lister]

I bought a new cell phone and completely forgot the cellphone-pocket rule; i put my keys in the same pocket.

Now I carry a reminder of that poor decision with me always.

No matter how well you clean it, polish it, or protect it from this point forward, you too will be reminded of that single act of carelessness ... always.

Or until you buy a new reader.

[brdwygurl]

Hairspray works to remove pen ink from fabric. I have no idea if it would work on the kindle screen. .

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by brdwygurl

Hairspray works to remove pen ink from fabric. I have no idea if it would work on the kindle screen. .

Hairspray often contains shellac or other paint-like chemicals. It may cause streaking that could be very difficult to remove that from the non-glossy kindle screen.

How about removing the ink with some "ink remover" (a solvent designed specifically for that task) from an office supply store? Also, I would blot it rather than wiping it, if possible.

Although you do not want to get it on the plastic bezel, acetone (also in some finger-nail polish remover) should work. Use a very small amount (like the tip of a toothpick) only after testing it on a corner of the display first.

And depending on the ink, I have successfully used a "permanent" marker over the ink followed by a quick wipe to remove both inks, and clean off any residue with alcohol.

[Rizla]

Ouch. I'm on the edge of my seat. Good luck!

[brdwygurl]

Originally Posted by geekmaster

Hairspray often contains shellac or other paint-like chemicals. It may cause streaking that could be very difficult to remove that from the non-glossy kindle screen.
.

I should have specified to use the liquid/spray non-aerosol types. You could use a qtip.

I can attest that most hairspray wipes write off with a damp cloth if you happen to get residual spray on it from accidentally leaving it in the bathroom while you do your hair.

[rand]

How about a Mr Clean Eraser, the original one? I have used it on some delicate surfaces before, on my computer monitor at work for an small unknown stain.

[dieterpops]

Oxyclean will remove ink.