If you own a fabric couch, chances are you will find an ink stain. Ink spills on couches from inspiring artistic toddlers, an ink pen falling out of your hand or out of your pocket. It may seem impossible to remove permanent ink without reupholstering or calling a professional, but it can be cleaned with the right methods. Follow these tips to remove ink stains from fabric couches.
Prepare to Remove the Ink
To remove the ink from fabric, gather:
- white cloths or paper towels
- vacuum
- white milk
- white vinegar
- liquid dish soap
- glycerin soap
- rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning solvent
- fresh tomato (optional)
- cornmeal
- fan (optional)
Check all cleaners for colorfastness on a hidden area of the couch, such as under a cushion. Keep windows open or fans running to avoid breathing fumes.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol or Dry Cleaning Solvent
Refer to the sofa label to determine suitable cleaning methods. Dab a clean paper towel or cloth in rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning solvent and blot the stain. Never pour the substance directly on the fabric. Work from the outer edge to the middle of the stain and avoid rubbing to prevent the ink from spreading. Change cloths or paper towels as needed, and repeat until the cloth or paper towel doesn't show any ink.
Rinse the spot using a fresh cloth or paper towel moistened with cool water, then let the area dry. Don't sit on the furniture or touch it until it completely dries to keep dirt from making a dingy area after drying. Speed drying by aiming a fan or hair dryer set on low toward the fabric.
Clean with Dish Soap or a Raw Tomato
Make a mixture from equal parts of dish soap, glycerin soap, and water. Blot, rinse, and dry the stain as usual. Repeat the procedure, adding a small amount of ammonia, if the stain hasn't been removed. Alternately, try a tablespoon of dish soap, a teaspoon of white vinegar mixed in a cup of water. Cut a tomato in half and rub it on the stain. Blot, then rinse with a damp paper towel or rag.
Try Cornstarch or Hairspray
Mix white milk and cornstarch until it forms a paste, then spread it over the stain. After the paste dries, vacuum it, and blot with a damp cloth to rinse. Mist the area with hairspray, and blot until the stain has been lifted. Rinse the stain with a damp cloth to remove the hairspray before it stiffens.
For more information, contact your local upholstery cleaning services today.
