How to Remove an Ink Stain on Upholstery
Once an ink stain appears on upholstery, you may think you're going to be stuck with it forever. It's true that ink stains can be stubborn, especially if it's on an item that is not portable and can't be easily washed. The key to removing ink stains is to deal with its two separate parts: the oily texture and the deep pigment. This means the stain removal is longer than with less complex stains, but if you're patient, you'll be able to salvage your upholstery. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dry-cleaning solvent
- 2 clean white cloths
- Small bucket or bowl
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 to 2 tsp. mild liquid detergent (such as dishwashing soap)
Instructions
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Apply enough dry-cleaning solvent to the ink stain on the upholstery to lightly moisten it. Press a clean white cloth directly onto the ink stain on the upholstery, then lightly dab at the stain until the upholstery soaks up the substance.
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Pour 1 cup of warm water into a small bucket or bowl. Add 1 to 2 tsp. of mild liquid detergent into the water (the amount depends on the size of the ink stain) and mix the ingredients to evenly distribute the detergent.
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Place your clean white cloth into the detergent mixture. Squeeze the cloth to remove any extra liquid. Apply the dampened cloth directly onto the stain and dab it gently. Continue dabbing the stain until the upholstery absorbs the mixture.
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Wet a second clean white cloth with clean, warm water. Place it onto the upholstery stain area and pat it lightly to remove any lingering dry-cleaning solvent or detergent.
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Repeat the entire stain removal process one more time if the ink stain lightly remains in the upholstery. Let the upholstery dry completely afterward before handling it.
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Tips & Warnings
Dry-cleaning solvent is available in the cleaning supply sections of grocery and hardware stores.
Never vigorously rub or apply excessive pressure on the upholstery while removing a stain--you could actually force the stain deeper down into the upholstery fibers.
Always use white or neutral colored cloths for stain removal because any pigmentation from colored cloths could transfer onto the upholstery and result in a discolored stain.
