Whether a leaking pen left a mark on your sofa or it’s the scribbling of your toddler, ink stains can be daunting. While you can’t restrict your baby’s creativity, you certainly can remove the ink stains from upholstery and prevent it from becoming a permanent addition to your furniture.
To help you with this, our experts have provided a step-by-step guide for dealing with stubborn ink stains. Read it and eliminate the stains to restore your furniture’s beauty.
Best Way to Remove Ink Stains from Upholstery
1. Identify the Type of Ink
Start by identifying the ink, as it will influence your choice of solution for the stain. There are three primary ink types: water-based, oil-based, and alcohol-based. Water-based ink is the most common and easiest to remove. It’s found in fountain pens, roller pens, and ink pens.
Oil-based ink is trickier to remove as it is thicker and greasier than water-based ink. It’s also fast drying, which adds to the difficulty. The toughest ink to remove is the alcohol-based ink found in permanent markers. Identify the type of ink stain on your furniture and opt for the right cleaning method accordingly.
2. Read the Cleaning Code
Before using any solution on your upholstered furniture, check the cleaning code on it. This code indicates the material of the fabric and the solutions you should use to clean it.
W, S, S/W, and X are the most common codes for an upholstery fabric. W code indicates using only water-based solutions, while S indicates only the use of non-water solvents.
W/S code means you can use both water and non-water solutions, and X means only vacuuming. You can extend the lifespan of your upholstery by reading the code before cleaning.
3. Test the Solution
Test whatever cleaning solutions you are using (based on the ink type and the code) on a small area on your furniture. Apply the solution and observe it for a while for signs of fading and discoloration. Avoid using the solution if the signs manifest.
4. Blot the Stain Based on Different Types of Ink
→ Water-Based Ink
If it’s water-based ink, dip a clean cloth into a water and vinegar solution and blot the stained area. The stain will transfer to the cloth you are blotting it with. Repeat the process by adding dish detergent to the solution if the stain persists.
→ Oil-Based and Alcohol-Based Ink
Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and place it over the ink-stained region. Re-pour alcohol when it dries, then continue blotting the area to remove the stain. Continue changing the cloth to avoid the stain from getting reabsorbed.
If the above solutions don’t work for alcohol-based stains, you’ll have to call the experts to remove them.
5. Rinse the Upholstery
Dip a clean cloth in water and rinse the stained area to remove the excess solution. Then, wipe the region with a dry cloth. Don’t use excess water to rinse the upholstery, as it can create water spots on the upholstery.
6. Let Upholstery Dry
The final step is to let the upholstered furniture dry. If you have detachable covers, put them in the dryer machine. For the sewn variety, turn on the fans and open the windows to ensure thorough drying.
Summing Up
You don’t need to panic after seeing ink stains on your furniture. With these step-by-step guides, you’ll tackle any type of ink stain on your upholstered furniture. Just use a water-vinegar solution or rubbing alcohol to treat the stain, depending on the type of ink.
