Ink is one of the most difficult stains to remove, especially if it is allowed to soak in. Not infrequently, the surface of the wood is stained with ink, and if this happens, of course it is very upsetting. Considering the price of wooden furniture, especially antiques, may already stress you out. First of all, take a deep breath. While difficult, ink stains are not impossible to remove if you know what to do.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Dish Soap
Step 1. Make a cleaning liquid from dish soap
This method is most effective for cleaning up new ink spills. Dish soap is useful because it can lift the fat so it can lift the stain and prevent it from sticking to the wood surface. Mix half a teaspoon of liquid dish soap with a third of hot water in a small bowl. Stir the solution until it is quite foamy.
Step 2. Test on a coat of wood varnish
Before using any cleaner on a wood surface, you should first check the reaction of the varnish coating. Wet a cotton ball with soap suds and wipe it over a small part of the furniture surface. Try to dab in a hidden part. If the varnish is damaged by the soap, stop. However, if not, move on to the next step.
Step 3. Take the soap lather with a soft cloth
Be sure to take only the foam, not the solution. Next, wipe the foaming cloth over the surface of the ink stain. Follow up with a clean, damp cloth to rinse off the suds, and dry the wood surface with a clean towel.
If the ink stain is still visible, you can use fine steel fiber (number 000) dipped in liquid wax. Gently rub the steel fiber over the stained surface. These fibers should only lift a thin layer of the wood surface, and not peel it too deep. You should rub the steel fibers gently so that they don't peel too much of the wood surface. Wipe off the peeling layer with a clean cloth
Method 2 of 4: Using Baking Soda
Step 1. Make a baking soda paste
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a powerful cleaning agent because it can form a mild abrasive when mixed with water. Baking soda is safe to use on wooden surfaces because it is gentle but effective. To make a paste, mix baking soda with half a cup of water. Add the water little by little until the baking soda thickens into a paste.
Step 2. Apply the baking soda paste to the surface of the ink stain
Rub the baking soda paste with your finger to spread it over the entire surface of the stain. You don't need to scrub it, just let the baking soda do its work. If the baking soda is rubbed too vigorously, the surface of the wood may be damaged. Wait for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3. Clean
Use a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the baking soda paste. Repeat this process until the ink is completely removed. To clean more extensive stains, you may have to repeat this step a few times. Once satisfied with the result, finish by drying the surface of the wood using a soft cloth.
Method 3 of 4: Using Mineral Spirit
Step 1. Test mineral spirits
You can buy mineral spirits at any hardware store. This solution is also known as a turpentine substitute. Slightly moisten a cotton ball with mineral spirit, then wipe it into hidden areas of wooden furniture. If a layer of varnish comes off the cotton ball, don't continue.
Step 2. Wet a cloth with mineral spirit
Gently pat the rag onto the surface of the stain. Next, clean with a damp cloth. If the stain is still there, continue to the next step.
Step 3. Use very fine steel fiber (number 0000)
Rub a steel fiber that has been moistened with mineral spirit onto the surface of the stain. Gently wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Try not to lift too much of the wood varnish. The less layers of varnish that lift, the easier it will be to renew later.
Step 4. Clean the wood surface
Use a clean rag to remove any remaining mineral spirit and wood surface layers that are chipped by steel fibers. The ink stain should be completely gone by now. Continue with updating the wood varnish if necessary. Otherwise, protect the varnish by waxing or polishing it as soon as possible.
Method 4 of 4: Using Liquid Bleach
Step 1. Prepare the wood surface
Wet a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol then wipe it over the wood surface to remove dust and other debris. If the wood is varnished, you will need to peel it off first. You can sand the wood (which takes a lot of work), or use chemicals.
- If you choose to use chemicals to peel off the varnish, use a well-ventilated area to do so. Products like these contain harsh chemicals such as methylene chloride, which can cause serious damage to the eyes, lungs, and skin.
- Shellacs and lacquers can be removed with only alcohol denat.
Step 2. Decide what type of bleach to use
Most household cleaners contain chlorides, which can lift stains from dyes and may remove ink that has soaked in. Another option is wood bleach that contains oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is very effective at removing iron-based stains, making it effective on some types of ink. There is also another option, namely a combination of two wood bleach solutions. The first liquid contains sodium hydroxide and the second contains hydrogen peroxide. The first material will open the pores of the wood, while the second material reacts to the first material. You can buy both types of wood bleach at any hardware store.
- As with any harsh chemical, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves to protect your skin and wear a mask to protect your lungs.
- When working with two bleaches, use a different cloth for each to prevent them from reacting with each other.
Step 3. Apply bleach
Wipe the liquid onto the stained surface with a clean cloth, without touching the surrounding surface. Leave it for 10 minutes. Repeat this step if necessary.
Step 4. Clean
Gently wipe off the remaining bleach with a cloth dampened with water. Try not to touch the surrounding surface. Continue by wiping the wet cloth again over the entire surface of the furniture. Next, wipe with a towel to dry. Wait at least 24 hours before renewing the varnish.
Warning
- Do not use ammonia on wood surfaces as it can change the color.
- Do not mix bleach with other household cleaners as it can give off toxic gases.
