How To Remove An Ink Stain From A Fabric Couch - Electrodry

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Published on May 21, 2019 | Updated - Oct 9, 2025

How to Remove An Ink Stain from A Fabric Couch DIY Cleaners Lounge Care Copy Link

An ink stain can happen in an instant. Your favourite pen explodes. The kids mistake your recliner for an art canvas. A round of Pictionary on games night turns into a crime scene.

We know your fabric couch goes through a lot, but it can be hard to come back from an ink or texta stain! Luckily, we’ve got an easy solution that will help to get rid of that potentially nasty stain.

Quick Summary – Ink Stain Fix

• Water-based: 1 tbsp detergent + 1 tbsp vinegar in 2 cups warm water; blot gently.
• Pens: blot rubbing alcohol, spot-test.
• Stubborn: try non-acetone nail polish remover.
• Avoid hairspray (low alcohol now).

Book Electrodry upholstery cleaning if worried.

Ways To Remove an Ink Stain from Your Sofa

Before you start:

What you'll need

• Rubbing alcohol (like Isocol, available at most supermarkets)
• Clean, white, dry cloths or paper towel
• Non-acetone nail polish
• Detergent
• White vinegar

Step 1 – Identify the Ink Type

Different inks need different treatments:

• Water-based felt tips: Usually lift with a mild detergent solution.

• Solvent-based markers and ballpoint pens: Respond best to rubbing alcohol.

• Gel inks: May require a second treatment for complete removal.

Step 2 - Check your upholstery care tag

Look for these codes on the label, under the cushions or on the frame:

• W: Water‑based solutions are safe.
• S: Solvent only. Use rubbing alcohol sparingly.
• WS: Water or solvent is usually okay. Always test.
• X: Vacuum only. Do not treat at home. Call a professional.

Method #1 Dishwashing Detergent Method

Best for: Water-based inks such as felt-tip markers or textas.

Steps:

1. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.
2. Dab at the stain with the detergent solution on a cloth, blotting it with a separate dry cloth until the stain is gone.
3. Flush with clear water and stay off the couch until it’s dry.

Method #2 The Rubbing Alcohol Method

Best for: Solvent-based markers and ballpoint pen ink.

Important: Always test rubbing alcohol on a hidden area first — it can remove colour from some fabrics.

Steps:

1. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth.
2. Blot gently (do not rub) to avoid spreading the ink or pushing it deeper into the fibres.
3. Add more alcohol as needed and continue blotting until the stain lifts.
4. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly with a towel.

Note: The fabric must be dry for the rubbing alcohol to be effective.

Method #3 Nail Polish Remover Method

Best for: Persistent stains that didn’t lift with rubbing alcohol.

Steps:

1. Test on an inconspicuous area first.

2. Apply a small amount of non-acetone, clear nail polish remover to a clean white cloth and blot the stain gently.

3. Rinse and dry once the ink fades.

Have a leather lounge? Check out our guide on cleaning ink stains off leather lounges for safe leather-specific tips.

Got a leather lounge? We have tips on cleaning ink stains off leather lounges, too.

Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

Old or set‑in stains

Repeat your chosen method in shorter sessions rather than soaking the area. Allow full dry time between passes.

Halo or watermark rings

Even out the moisture. Lightly mist 5 to 10 cm beyond the spot with clean water, then blot. Place a dry towel over the area and weigh it for 10 minutes. Finish with moving air on a cool setting.

Dye bleed

If you see colour on your clothes from the couch itself, stop immediately. Let it dry. Call a professional to avoid permanent damage.

Microfibre and velvet

Use minimal liquid. Brush the nap one direction while drying to prevent shading.

Odour control

After cleaning, a light mist of 50:50 white vinegar and water can neutralise odour on water‑safe fabrics. Test first and blot dry.

Do not mix chemicals

Never combine bleach and ammonia. Avoid chlorine bleach on upholstery.

Avoid heat

No hot air, no steam. Heat can set ink.

What Not To Do

• Do not scrub aggressively. This drives ink deeper.

• Do not saturate cushions. Excess moisture causes rings and can affect foam.

• Do not jump straight to strong solvents without testing.

• Do not try hairspray. Modern formulas are ineffective for ink removal.

Drying and Finishing

• Blot until the towel stays mostly dry.

• Run a fan or hairdryer on cool. Keep it moving.

• Gently brush the fabric nap back into alignment once dry.

Optional on water‑safe fabrics: apply a fabric protector once fully dry to improve future stain resistance.

RECOMMENDED READING

How To Remove Ink Stains From A Leather Lounge

Does hairspray remove ink from my couch fabric?

Hairspray was once a popular “old wives’ tale” solution for removing ink stains from couches.

However, modern hairsprays contain much less alcohol — the key ingredient that helped lift stains — so they’re no longer as effective as they used to be.

If your goal is more than just a stain-free couch, you’ll love our Ultimate Couch Care Guide — it’s packed with tips on keeping your lounge looking and feeling its best.

RECOMMENDED READING

Top 5 Ways to Show Your Lounge More Love

What if I can’t remove the stain from my sofa?

If the stain just won’t budge, it might be time to call in the professionals at Electrodry. Our technicians have the expertise, products, and experience to treat most stains safely and effectively.

Over the years, we’ve cleaned a wide range of upholstery fabrics, so we know exactly how to approach different materials and stains. During treatment, your technician will:

• Assess your fabric type and the nature of the stain.

• Apply a specialised spot treatment designed for your upholstery.

• Gently agitate and allow the solution time to work.

• Complete the process with a professional rinse extraction to restore your lounge’s appearance and freshness.

After decades in the industry, we know no two fabrics are alike. That’s why every Electrodry technician tailors their approach to your lounge, ensuring you get the best possible results.

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Grant Burchell

Business Manager | Home Care Specialist at Electrodry

With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Grant leads Electrodry's national team and still works in the field. His tips are based on real-world know-how – from carpet and upholstery care to mould removal and floor maintenance – all aimed at helping you enhance your space.