Ballpoint Ink
Removing some ink can be tricky. Mary's rule of thumb: Keep a lid on it. Gel ink and inks made for writing checks will not come off. Keep the lids on the pens and out out of the reach of children. Never put them down without the cap on them.
Never use hairspray to remove ink. It can leave far worse stains and can be even more difficult to remove than the ink stain.
First dab on rubbing alcohol with a Q-Tip to help prevent the stain from spreading. Wait 5 to 10 minutes and blot with 1 part food grade distilled white vinegar to 4 parts water. Foaming shaving cream removes ballpoint ink on porous surfaces like fabric furniture.
Our Leather/Vinyl Cleaner and Conditioner safely removes most ballpoint ink from leather, ultra leather or vinyl.
Wood: Ink pens generally gouge the wood forcing the ink deep into the wood. Wood can be damaged by alcohol. Dab on a bit of alcohol with a Q-Tip, wait 5 minutes and blot to remove. Restore the wood after removing the ink with Mary Moppins Wood Cleaner and Conditioner treating the entire table. Wood must be conditioned twice a year to prevent it from drying and cracking. Wood Care can be diluted 1 part Wood Care to 5 parts water for an excellent weekly cleaner and conditioner.