How to Remove Biro From a Leather Sofa

Biro stains can be easily cleaned.

Biros, known as ballpoint pens in the United States, can often find their way onto leather couches from teens doing homework while lounging, pens exploding accidentally or the wandering hands of children. You can use simple household solvents to clean your leather couch so it looks just like new. When scrubbing the biro ink, work quickly so the couch doesn't absorb the solvents.

Things You'll Need

• Denatured alcohol
• Cotton ball
• Acetone
• White vinegar
• Paper towel

Instructions

Ballpoint Ink Stain

1. Make sure the stain has been made by biro ink and not a gel-based ink.

2. Pour a little bit of alcohol on a cotton ball.

3. Rub the moistened cotton ball onto the biro stain. It should come out. Wipe dry.

Gel-based Ink

1. Place pure acetone onto a cotton ball. Wipe the stain.

2. Pour white vinegar onto a paper towel. Wipe the stain quickly after the acetone so it won't harm the leather.

3. Clean up the white vinegar with a paper towel.

References

• Nine MSN: No More Stubborn Stains