How do you remove ink stains off a velvet sofa?

Answer 1

The ideal way is to have the stained removed with a professional cleaning, especially if the sofa is antique or highly valued. Fabrics commonly called "velvet" can actually be cotton, synthetic, blended or velveteen. Whatever method you choose, be sure to perform a spot-test in an inconspicuous area. That said, here are some things you may want to try:

For all methods, the goal is to lift the stain by blotting, not spread it by rubbing.

First, try common dishwashing liquid in water. Allow to dry fully, then try applying one of the stain removers below, being sure to blot to remove.

Spray the stain with aerosol hair-spray, blot every few minutes until hairspray is dry. Repeat.

Apply eucalyptus oil. The smell of the eucalyptus will dissipate in the air eventually, or you can clean the entire sofa after the stain has been removed, to help get rid of the odor faster if you find it unpleasant.

Apply rubbing or denatured alcohol. Cover with an absorbent pad soaked in the alcohol. Change the pad when it appears colored in ink. Keep changing as long as the stain is being removed.

Apply nail polish remover. Be especially sure to spot test this one. Again, blotting and not rubbing is also very important.

Try commercial stain removers:

Fabric pre-treatments that say they remove ink.

Ink Stick

A paste made with oxygen cleaner and Goo-Gone.

Simple Green

Mean Green

Orange Miracle

Dry cleaning solvent

Whichever method you choose, you will probably want to follow with a cleaning of the entire sofa. Again, professional is the ideal way to go. That said, the following are the most common methods of self-cleaning a velvet sofa:

Use rag dampened with dishwashing liquid in water. Wipe down the entire sofa and allow to air dry. Use a soft hairbrush brushing the entire nap in one direction, then in the other direction. Repeat the brushing a few times as the fabric dries.

Use a commercial upholstery foam that can be vacuumed from the fabric without disturbing the nap.

If the stain is removed and the sofa is clean, you may want to consider treating your sofa with Scotchguard or other fabric protectant.

Answer 2

You can remove an ink stain using the Alcohol Method. Ink stains often come out with rubbing alcohol.