Remove Ballpoint Ink
Keep a lid on it. Gel ink will not come off. Keep these pens out of the reach of children and never put them down without replacing the cap. Gel ink was developed to prevent criminals from acid washing checks. If the ink cannot be acid washed off, it's not coming off. Watch your pens.
Never use hairspray to remove ink. It can leave far worse stains and the sticky residue is nearly impossible to remove.
Although rubbing alcohol is not earth friendly it does do a good job removing ballpoint ink. First dab on rubbing alcohol with a Q-Tip to help prevent the stain from spreading. Wait 5 to 10 minutes and blot with a 50/50 solution of food grade distilled white vinegar to water. Foaming shaving cream also removes ballpoint ink.
Mary's all natural Leather and Vinyl Cleaner and Conditioner safely removes most ballpoint ink from leather, ultra leather or vinyl furniture.
Wood: Ink pens generally gouge the wood forcing the ink deep into the wood. Wood can be damaged by alcohol. Apply a small amount, wait 5 minutes and blot to remove.
Restore the wood after removing the ink with Mary Moppin's eco-friendly Wood Care Treat the entire tabletop. Wood must be conditioned twice a year to prevent it from drying and cracking.