Do you find yourself constantly battling stains on-the-go? Like many, I’ve relied on Tide-to-go pens and Shout Wipe & Go towels as essential items in my bags. However, the frustration of having to replace these pens due to their non-refillable design and minimal cleaning solution can add up in cost and waste. There’s a better way!
Inspired to find a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, I explored refillable options and found the perfect DIY solution. Here’s how you can make your own portable stain remover pen in minutes.
#1 The Empty Marker:
I discovered the Montana Acrylic Empty Marker, 15mm on Amazon. It features a wide tip for quick coverage on larger stains and holds a generous amount of solution. For those who prefer a smaller size, there are plenty of options available.
Additional options for empty markers include the Montana Black 2-3mm Chisel Tip, closely resembling the original Tide pen’s tip size. What’s great about these markers is that their nibs are replaceable, offering a sustainable alternative to disposable pens.
Once you’ve selected your ideal marker, it’s time to focus on the cleaning solution.
#2 The Cleaning Solution:
The key to a powerful stain remover is its cleaning solution. I personally am not a chemist. I’m sure you can make a relatively effective DIY using some clear dish soap (to break up the grease), some rubbing alcohol (to spot treat and for faster evaporation on the go), and some water. But there are stain removers on the market which already exist and include many different compounds to target as many stain types as possible. That’s why I personally use the Whip-It Multi Purpose Stain Remover. The formula they have is plant based and can be used for coffee, wine, baby stains, and even things like paint.
#3 Assembling Your Pen:
Now, assemble your pen:
- Open your empty marker and remove any inner pieces.
- Using a small funnel or a syringe, fill the marker with your cleaning solution.
- Reassemble the marker and give it a gentle shake to ensure the solution soaks into the tip.
Voilà! You now have a homemade, eco-friendly stain remover pen that’s ready to tackle stains on-the-go.
#4 Usage and Maintenance:
Using your DIY pen is similar to commercial pens. Simply press the tip against the stain and gently press to release the cleaning solution. Rub the tip over the stain until it lifts. After use, store your pen with the cap on to prevent the tip from drying out.
Should the tip become discolored or clogged, remove and rinse it under warm water. Since the marker is refillable, you can replenish the cleaning solution as needed, making this DIY project not only environmentally friendly but also highly cost-effective.
Here is some footage of me testing out my pen on some fresh coffee. Once I dabbed the pen over my shirt and threw it into the washing machine, it came out as good as new. A bonus tip is putting your clothing against a paper towel, napkin, or rag as you run the pen over it so that you push the stain out from your garment and into the paper towel.
Embrace this DIY Tide-to-go alternative and join the movement towards more sustainable living. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
#5 A Final Note:
The most important thing to treating a stain is to treat it as soon as it occurs. If you get a stain while you’re at home you can quickly use some dish soap and water plus a tooth brush to get it out. When you’re away though and you apply this pen, try to find a flat surface and place a paper towel or napkin under the stain (if you are able to do so). This will help push the stain from out of your garment and into the paper towel or napkin.
Happy DIY-ing!
As a high school Clothing & Textiles teacher – thank you! Every student in my whole school knows I have Tide sticks and I go through them like crazy. This will save me so much money!
So happy you found the refillable markers helpful, Michelle. Let me know how it works out for you and which stain remover you end up using!
I was about to throw away a used tide Togo pen and I was looking at the thing frustrated because I was thinking this is such a waste why can’t I just refill this pen with something and idk why because I had no idea it would work I just opened it up and grabbed the tip and it came right out idk if my pen is faulty or if you can reuse all Tide Togo pens but I’m about to reuse this one now that I have come to this website. I even already have Whip it🤣 that stuff is great.
Oh it’s great. Thank you for sharing this. It’s ideal to use it as soon as a stain arises. A stain becomes more difficult to remove the longer it remains.