How to Remove an Ink Stain From Your Fabric Couch 4 Ways

An ink stain on a fabric couch is never ideal, but luckily it can be removed with simple and inexpensive household items. Whether it was caused by pens or markers, these four ways provide effective solutions for removing ink stains to avoid the cost of having to purchase a new couch. The key to removing an ink stain from a fabric couch tackling it as soon as possible and using the correct stain remover and method.

You’ll want to blot excess ink first, then use either dish soap, rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or distilled white vinegar to remove the stain. It’s essential not to vigorously rub the stain as that can cause it to spread and set in permanently. Instead, gently blot the stain for best results.

Keep reading for step-by-step directions on how to remove an ink stain from your fabric couch in four ways.

How to Remove Ink Stains From a Fabric Couch Using Dish Soap

Remove ink stains with a common household item you probably already have on hand—liquid dish soap.

1. Blot the Ink

   Using a paper towel, blot as much of the ink as possible. Gently dab the ink stain but avoid rubbing it which can cause it to spread or set in.

2. Mix a Dish Soap Solution

   In a small bowl, add just enough liquid dish soap (about a teaspoon or so) to warm water to create suds when you stir the mixture.

3. Remove the Stain

   Grab a clean microfiber cloth and dip it in the warm soapy water, then blot the stain. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.

4. Remove Soap Residue

   Take another microfiber cloth and dampen it with warm water, then blot the stained area to remove any soapy residue.

5. Let It Dry

   If the stained area is excessively wet, take a dry microfiber cloth and press it down to remove extra moisture, then let the fabric air dry completely before sitting down or placing pillows and blankets on the sofa.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is inexpensive, readily available in stores, and effective in removing ink stains from a fabric couch.

1. Take a paper towel and blot as much of the ink as possible.
2. Dip a clean, dry microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol and gently press down on the stain. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed, but never rub the stained area to avoid spreading.
3. Take another microfiber cloth, dampen it with water, and blot the area to remove any rubbing alcohol residue.
4. Blot dry with a clean, dry cloth, then let air dry completely.

Nail Polish Remover

Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to get rid of an ink stain on a fabric couch.

1. Start by blotting the stain with a paper towel to remove as much ink as possible.
2. Dip a clean, dry microfiber cloth in nail polish remover and blot the stain. Repeat as needed until the stain is removed.
3. Take another microfiber cloth and dampen it with warm water, then blot the area to remove any lingering nail polish remover residue or odor.
4. Remove excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth and let the fabric air dry completely.

Vinegar

Use distilled white vinegar, not apple cider or red wine vinegar, to remove an ink stain from a fabric couch.

1. Blot excess ink from the fabric with a clean paper towel.
2. In a small bowl, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
3. Dip a clean microfiber cloth in the vinegar-water mixture and blot the ink stain, repeating the process until it’s gone. Avoid rubbing the stain to prevent it from spreading or setting in.
4. Take another clean microfiber cloth, dampen it with water, and blot the stain to remove any vinegar residue.
5. Using a dry cloth, remove excess moisture, then let the fabric fully air dry.

Best Tips for Removing Ink Stains From a Fabric Couch

• Remove ink stains as quickly as possible to prevent them from setting in.
• Never rub the stain to prevent spreading. Blot the stain by applying gentle pressure and working from the outside in.
• Always test the stain removal solution in a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the couch fabric.