Ink is very easy to splatter on the sofa and is a very difficult type of stain to remove, especially if the ink is permanent and not water-based. However, there are several types of substances that have been tried and work quite well for removing ink stains: alcohol, vinegar, and for lighter stains, soapy water. It's important to clean the stain as soon as possible, because the longer the stain remains, the harder it will be to remove. No matter what material your sofa is made of: fabric, leather or vinyl, there is always hope.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Rubbing Alcohol
Step 1. Remove the stain as soon as possible
It is very important to treat ink stains as soon as possible. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or tissue paper and press lightly. Absorb without rubbing the ink stain as rubbing can cause the stain to spread.
- Start from the outside towards the center of the stain and try to absorb as much ink as possible.
- Change the cloth or tissue if necessary.
- If the ink is dry, it's still worth trying to remove it.
Step 2. Test the alcohol on an inconspicuous spot
You can use rubbing alcohol to remove ink stains from leather, fabric or vinyl, but regardless of the material your sofa is made of, it's always a good idea to test it first in case the alcohol can cause discoloration or other damage.
- 90% isopropyl alcohol is best, but you can also use 70% isopropyl alcohol if you have no other choice.
- Wait a moment, then check the point. If there is no discoloration or warping, you can continue using it.
Step 3. Pour rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth
Do not apply alcohol directly to the stain as this can cause the sofa to get wet and spoil its shape.
Step 4. Gently press the stain with the cloth
Do not rub or wipe the stain as this can cause the stain to spread. Repeat this process until the fabric is no longer absorbing the ink.
- Replace the cloth if it is saturated with ink absorption so that the ink does not flow back on the sofa.
- Use new alcohol if the alcohol has evaporated due to the long working process.
Step 5. Clean and rinse the entire alcohol affected area
Use a cloth soaked in water to wipe and clean the area from the alcohol.
Step 6. Dry the area with a towel
Take a step back and observe the results of your work. If the stain is still there, repeat the process you did or try another method to remove it.
Step 7. Continue with the use of leather conditioner (only for leather sofas)
This can help prevent future blemishes and add moisture to the leather, preventing chapping.
Method 2 of 3: Using Vinegar
Step 1. Remove the stain as soon as possible
It is very important to treat ink stains as soon as possible. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or tissue paper and press lightly. Absorb without rubbing the ink stain as rubbing can cause the stain to spread.
- Start from the outside towards the center of the stain and try to absorb as much ink as possible.
- Change the cloth or tissue if necessary.
- If the ink is dry, it's still worth trying to remove it.
Step 2. Test the vinegar on an inconspicuous spot
Vinegar works wonders on ink stains. The acetic component in vinegar helps remove stains effectively. In addition, vinegar is also safe to use, gentle on hands and environmentally friendly. Vinegar can be used on any type of sofa, but it's a good idea to test it first on a hidden spot just in case its use could cause damage.
Step 3. Make a vinegar solution
Combine 1 tbsp dish soap, 2 tsp white vinegar and 1 cup water in a small bowl.
Step 4. Wipe the solution on the stained area using a soft cloth
Scrubbing too hard can cause the stain to spread. Leave it for 10 minutes.
Step 5. Clean the dot
Use a soft cloth soaked in cold water. Wipe the area thoroughly until the vinegar solution is completely gone.
Step 6. Use a dry towel to absorb the water
If the stain remains, repeat the process you did or try another method to remove it.
Step 7. Continue with the use of leather conditioner (only for leather sofas)
This can help prevent future blemishes and add moisture to the leather, preventing chapping.
Method 3 of 3: Using Soap and Water
Step 1. Remove the stain as soon as possible
It is very important to treat ink stains as soon as possible. Blot the stain with a clean cloth or tissue paper and press lightly. Absorb without rubbing the ink stain as rubbing can cause the stain to spread.
- Start from the outside towards the center of the stain and try to absorb as much ink as possible.
- Change the cloth or tissue if necessary.
- If the ink is dry, it's still worth trying to remove it.
Step 2. Mix the liquid soap
For new stains, warm soapy water will do the trick. Mix tsp dishwashing liquid with a small amount of hot water in a bowl to make a solution.
Step 3. Stir the solution until a large amount of soap foam is formed
You can also pour it in a bottle and shake it.
Step 4. Dip a soft cloth in the soap suds
Step 5. Gently wipe the ink stain with a soapy cloth
Repeat this process if needed.
Step 6. Use a clean damp cloth to remove the soap solution
Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly.
Step 7. Dry the area with a towel
If the stain is still there, repeat the process you did or try another method to remove it.
Step 8. Continue with the use of leather conditioner (only for leather sofas)
This can help prevent future blemishes and add moisture to the leather, preventing chapping.
Tips
- For stains that are difficult to remove, the use of a strong type of cleaning agent can remove the stain, but this risks fading or discoloring the sofa material.
- You can also use hairspray instead of alcohol to remove ink stains on the sofa because hairspray contains alcohol. But don't forget to do a test first on a hidden point.
