Removing Ballpoint Ink

Follow the General Stain removal guidelines.

Remember if the ink stain is caused from a Gel Ink pen chances are the ink will not come off. These inks were formulated not to be acid washed off a check and are tougher than magic marker to remove.

Some cleaning experts may recommend using hair spray for the removal of ink. It contains alcohol, which is the ingredient that removes the ink. The other chemicals in hair spray could damage a fabric. Take caution should you decide to use hair spray on a stain.

Remove Ink: First try using straight rubbing alcohol. Dab on let it set a few minutes then blot with plain water. If that does not work then try foaming shaving cream. It is less likely to cause surface damage than hairspray.

Our Leather/Vinyl Cleaner and Conditioner safely removes ink from any leather or vinyl surface including clothing furniture and vehicle seats. The exception is gel ink and nothing removes that from any surface. Do be careful with gel ink pens.

Wood: Ink pens generally gouge the wood forcing the ink deep into the wood. Remember wood damages easily so use caution with rubbing alcohol. Allowing a liquid of any kind to linger on a wood surface could warp the wood.

Condition the wood after removing the ink with Mary Moppins Wood Care. It will help restore the wood. Apply the wood treatment to the entire tabletop, not just the stained spot. Wood needs conditioning at least twice a year to keep it moisturized.