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How to Use Tide to Go Pen? – Only 4 Steps

Written by Robert S. Brown / Fact checked by Helen B. Harris

How to Use Tide to Go Pen

Stains are an inevitable part of life. No matter how careful we are, accidents happen, and clothes get stained.

Fortunately, with the invention of the Tide to Go pen, we no longer have to worry about those pesky stains ruining our clothes.

This handy little pen can remove many types of stains in just a few minutes, making it a lifesaver for clothes with unexpected spills and spots.

Read on to learn how to use Tide to Go pen and get some helpful tips to deal with foods or other materials that stained my shirt.

Step-by-step to Use Tide to Go Pen

Precautions and Warning:

Before using this product, note that it has a strong smell, which may trigger allergic reactions. So you might want to wear a face mask if you’re sensitive to powerful odors.

And as it’s a potential irritant, you should also be careful not to get the cleaning solution into your eyes and onto your skin.

Step 1: Remove the excess

clean-stains-on-fabric

  • Before applying the Tide to Go pen, clean off any residue from the stain (sauce, coffee, etc.).

This can be done by gently blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel and lifting it straight up to avoid spreading it further.

  • If the stain is quite dry, you can brush or scrape off any dried material before proceeding.

Step 2: Apply the Tide to Go Pen on the stains

Tide-to-Go-Pen-cleans-stains

  • Shake the pen with the cap on to mix the cleaning solution inside.
  • Remove the cap and depress the pen’s tip to release the cleaning solution. Do it gently to avoid applying too much pressure and causing the tip to break or leak.
    Should you need more cleaning solution, simply press the tip several times.
  • Rub the pen’s tip in circular motions to work the solution into the fabric. Make sure to cover the entire area of the stain.

Step 3: Wipe off excess solution

Tide-to-Go-Pen-Stain-Removal

  • Occasionally, dab the stained area with a cloth to prevent the excess residue and solution from spreading beyond the stain.
  • When soaking up the excess stain remover, use a clean towel. If using an old one, avoid any contaminated area, as it’ll transfer the stain back onto your clothes.

Step 4: Reapply the pen if needed

  • Wait a few minutes to let the cleaning solution work its magic. You’ll see the stains change color or gradually fade.
  • If the stain hasn’t completely disappeared, repeat the process by pressing and rubbing the pen’s tip on the stain, then wiping off the excess.
  • Finally, let the fabric air dry, and you’re good to go.

You can watch this video for more details: Tide To Go #1 Instant Stain Remover Review

Tide to Go Pen Tips and Tricks

1. When To Use

Tide To Go Pen is best for treating small, fresh stains. Thus, it’s best to use it as soon as possible after a stain occurs. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove.

2. Dos And Don’ts

Dos:

  • Test the pen on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on white clothes or other colored clothes.
  • Use the pen according to the directions on the packaging.
  • Apply the pen in a gentle, circular motion to avoid damaging the fabric.
  • Blot the treated area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess product.

Don’ts:

Don't-use-a-Tide

  • Don’t use a Tide stick on silk, leather, or any fabrics labeled “dry clean only”.
  • Don’t rub the stain vigorously with the pen, as this can damage the fabric or spread the stain further.

3. How to Store

  • Store Tide To Go Pen in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can make the solution evaporate faster. In general, keeping it at room temperature would be best.
  • Ensure the cap is securely fastened to prevent the pen from drying out. Try not to store the pen upside-down.

FAQs

What is the Tide to Go Pen?

tide-to-go-pen

As indicated in the name, it’s a pen with a cleaning solution as ink. Thanks to its compact size, you can bring it virtually anywhere to tackle small stains from food, drinks, etc.

How Does Tide to Go Pen Work?

stain-remover-pen

These stain removing pens contain a cleaning solution that is dispensed onto the fabric when you press or rub the pen’s tip.

The solution ingredients include cleaning agents (hydrogen peroxide) and surfactants (citric acid, ethanol, and sodium hydroxide) that help to break down and dissolve the stain.

And by rubbing the pen in circular motions, its microfiber tip scrubs off and absorbs parts of the stain.


Pros
  • Tide to Go Pen is very easy to use and convenient. It is small and compact, making it perfect for carrying in a purse or pocket. This is very useful when you go camping, picnic, or leave it as an indispensable item in your bag.
  • The formula is designed to work quickly to break down and remove the stain, so you can often see results in just a few minutes.

Cons
  • However, Tide to Go pens are suitable for fresh and small stains. Therefore, you may need a more heavy-duty stain remover or take the item to a professional cleaner for larger or set-in stains.

Tide to Go Pen vs. Other Stain Removers

  • With the portable design of the Tide to Go pen, you don’t need to bring along a bottle of stain removers such as Carbona, Zout, or Woolite or find a sink to wash the item.
  • When using a Tide stain remover pen, you don’t need to wait for hours for the stain to disappear, like when using Carbona Stain Devils, OxiClean Max Force, or other stain removers.
  • Tide to Go Pen is also very affordable compared to OxiClean Versatile Stain or Beckmann Stain Devils remover pen. It’s best for those looking for an effective, portable stain remover without breaking the bank.

Can I Use Tide To Go Pen On All Types Of Fabric?

Not really, Tide-to-Go pens can only be used on washable clothes that don’t bleed colors. As such, dry-only fabrics shouldn’t be cleaned with these stain removers.

If the fabric is truly washable, but you’re not sure if it’ll bleed, you should spot-test a small, inconspicuous area, such as an inside seam. After that, you can use the Tide to Go pen on a larger area.

What To Do If A Tide To Go Pen Doesn’t Work?

If the Tide to Go pen doesn’t work, try using a different stain remover specifically designed for the type of stain you are dealing with.

  • If you are dealing with a grease stain, use a grease-fighting detergent or dish soap with hot water.
  • For wine stains, a mixture of 1 part dishwashing liquid and 3 parts hydrogen peroxide would yield better results.

Remember to read instructions carefully when using stain removers, and wash clothes thoroughly after applying them.

How Many Uses Can I Get Out Of One Tide To Go Pen?

The pen contains a limited amount of solution, so it will eventually run out after repeated use. On average, you can use a 10 ml Tide to Go pen 10–20 times.

Can Tide To Go Pen Remove Old Stains?

Tide to Go pens are ineffective on old stains because they have set-in already. Meanwhile, these stain removers are only designed for fresh stains that are no older than 15 minutes.

Instead, use oxygen bleach with hydrogen peroxide to remove the blemish. Avoid relying on chlorine bleach, which can be harsh on some fabrics. In fact, I even accidentally bleached my clothes when using chlorine bleach.

How Long Does It Take For The Tide To Go Pen To Work?

The Tide instant stain remover pen is designed for quick, on-the-go stain removal and is intended to work on fresh stains. If the blemish is light enough, the product may only take a few seconds or 1–2 minutes to work.

How long does Tide to Go take to dry? It can take several minutes for the solution to evaporate completely.

Conclusion

How to use Tide to Go pen? You just need to remove the excess, apply the solution, and wipe off any remaining residue.

Remember to shake and test the solution on a small area first and avoid using it on delicate fabrics or materials.

If your pen has run out of solution, you can refill a Tide to Go pen with a commercial stain remover of your choice.

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