How to Remove Pen Ink from Fabric Upholstery

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Table of Contents:

Removing the Ink
Additional Tips and Advice
Sources

Ink can easily get onto almost any surface. Thankfully, it is fairly easy to remove from fabrics. Select a method in the steps below to remove the ink, and continue trying methods until it is gone. Always test a cleaning solution on a hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction.

Removing the Ink

You Will Need:

Milk
Cornstarch
A cloth
Hair spray
Dish liquid
A tomato
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towels
Turpentine
Mineral Spirits
A fan
A hairdryer

Steps to Remove the Ink:

Combine milk and cornstarch to make a thick paste. Spread the paste over the ink and let it dry. Once dry, vacuum up the powder. Milk will dissolve the ink, then the cornstarch will absorb it.¹ Sponge the area with a damp cloth to rinse out the milk.²
Spray the ink with hair spray and blot it with a cloth until the ink is gone.¹ Rubbing the ink with a cloth dipped in soapy water after applying the hair spray may help to remove the ink.³ Sponge the area with a damp cloth once the stain is gone to rinse off the hairspray, or the fabric may stiffen.⁴
Slice a tomato and rub the tomato onto the ink. Blot the area to remove the ink, then sponge the area with a damp cloth to rinse it.²
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and use it to sponge the area.³
For stubborn stains, dampen some paper towels with turpentine⁵ or methylated spirits⁶ and use it to pat the ink until it is gone. Rinse the area well by sponging it with water once the ink is gone.⁵
Pat the fabric with a towel to remove as much moisture as possible, then use a fan or a hairdryer on low to dry the area to prevent water stains.

Additional Tips and Advice

Some upholstery cleaning solvents may work to remove the ink if the above tips aren’t working.⁵
Hand sanitizer can also be used to sponge away an ink stain, but be sure to only use one that does not contain any dyes as it could stain the upholstery.¹