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Grease stains on your kid’s favourite cushion? Ink blotches from a leaky pen on your elegant white couch?
These aren’t just messes — they’re mini heart attacks for anyone who loves a tidy home. Stubborn oil patches or surprise ink marks on your upholstery always seem impossible to erase, but can be tackled with the right approach.
If you’re wondering how to remove biro stains from a fabric sofa or get rid of greasy handprints without damaging the upholstery, you’re in the right place.
We’re here with simple DIY upholstery stain removal methods using everyday items that you likely already have in your kitchen, such as dish soap and baby powder.
Plus, we’ll help you know when it’s time to call in professional upholstery cleaners for those extra stubborn stains.
Ready to remove ink or grease stains from upholstery?
Let us get started.
What Are the Different Types of Upholstery Fabrics?
When discussing upholstery maintenance, the first thing to understand is the type of fabric, especially when dealing with biro or oil stains. Different fabrics react differently to the stains—while some materials repel liquids easily, others may absorb spills and trap dirt.
Therefore, let us discuss the common upholstery material types and how they react to the ink or oil stains:
1. Velvet: Velvet sofas have a luxurious look and feel, but the fabric is equally challenging to clean. The material traps dust and is sensitive to moisture. So, it is best to clean it with a safe solvent recommended by the manufacturer.
| Note: Avoid rubbing on the stain, as it can damage the fabric. |
2. Microfibre: Microfibre is a synthetic fabric which is highly used for upholstery due to its stain-resistant properties. The material repels most of the liquids and stains, and they come out easily even with soap and water.
3. Suede: Like velvet, suede is also a quick, liquid-absorbent material and difficult to clean. In most cases of spills and damages, the fabric requires professional cleaning techniques for revival.
4. Leather: Among all upholstery materials, leather is a highly stain-resistant option. During spills on the leather sofa, liquids usually form beads, giving you enough time to wipe them away. On the downside, leather can be sensitive to harsh cleaners and might need professional care to prevent cracking.
5. Cotton and Linen: Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are breathable and comfortable, but they are not inherently stain-resistant. They can be treated with fabric protectors and may require professional cleaning for stubborn stains.
6. Polyester and Blends: After leather, polyester is another durable upholstery material choice for busy households with toddlers and pets. The material is easy to clean and resistant to any side effects from water and cleaning agents.
Different Types of Upholstery Care Codes and Their Meaning
The second thing to keep in mind before cleaning is to check the upholstery care code on your furniture. This small tag, usually hidden beneath sofa cushions or the frame, provides instructions on how to clean the fabric without causing damage. Here is an explanation of what these codes are and what each code means.
| Code | Meaning | What Can You Use? | Avoid |
| W | Water-based cleaning is safe | Mild soap, upholstery shampoo, carpet cleaner | Solvents or dry cleaning products |
| S | Solvent cleaning only | Rubbing alcohol, dry-cleaning solvent, baby wipes | Water or water-based cleaners |
| WS | Water or a solvent can be used | Both water-based and solvent-based products | Harsh scrubbing |
| X | No liquids allowed | Vacuum only or professional dry cleaning | Water, solvents, or sprays |
Best DIY Methods to Remove Ink Stains from Upholstery
Here we provide the 4 DIY methods to remove the Ink stains form the upholstery the following are:
Method 1: Rubbing Alcohol / Surgical Spirit (for biro pen or ink marks)
What Will You Need?
- Rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit
- Clean white cloth
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Cold water
How to do it (step-by-step):
Step 1: Dab rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or cloth.
Step 2: Start blotting the stain from the edges to prevent spreading.
Step 3: Keep blotting the fabric with a fresh side of cotton until the ink lifts.
Step 3: Remove the residue with a cold, damp cloth until the stain fades.
Step 4: Avoid overuse of water and pat dry under the fan or sunlight.
| Watch Out: Perform the test on a hidden spot first to avoid the delicate fabrics behaving unexpectedly during the remedy. |
Method 2: White Vinegar & Dish Soap Solution
What You’ll Need?
- White vinegar
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Clean white cloth
- Spray bottle (optional
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide:
Step 1: Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a cup of warm water.
Step 2: Dampen the cloth in the solution (don’t soak).
Step 3: Blot the stain until it completely fades.
Step 4: Use a damp cloth with clean water to remove soap
| Must know: Vinegar-based solutions are among the most popular DIY methods for tackling upholstery stains. |
Method 3: Hairspray Hack (for biro pen and marker stains)
What You’ll Need?
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Small bowl
- Clean white cloth
- Warm water
Steps To Clean:
Step 1: Spray a small amount of hairspray directly onto the ink stain.
Step 2: Let it sit for 30 seconds to break down the ink.
Step 3: Gently blot the stain with a clean white cloth.
Step 4: Wipe the area with a damp cloth soaked in cold water.
Step 5: Pat dry with a clean cloth under the fan.
| Note: Check the hairspray label for alcohol, as it’s the key ingredient. Avoid over-spraying to prevent soaking the fabric. |
Method 4: Baking Soda & Lemon Juice Paste (Natural Option)
What You’ll Need?
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Small bowl
- Clean white cloth
- Warm water
How to Do It?
Step 1: Mix baking soda and lemon to create a thick paste.
Step 2: Apply the paste to the ink stain using a clean cloth or your fingers.
Step 3: Rub the paste into the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Blot the area with a damp cloth to remove the paste.
Step 5: Wipe with a clean, water-dampened cloth and pat dry.
| Note: This tip is safe for families, pets, and eco-conscious homes; however, lemon juice may slightly lighten dark fabrics, so do a hidden patch test first. |
Bonus Tip:
Make sure the cloth you are using to clean the stain is white and doesn’t release colour.
How to Remove Grease Stains from Upholstery?
Here we provide the 2 hacks to remove the grease stains from the upholstery
Hack 1: Cornflour / Baking Soda Absorption Method
What You’ll Need?
- Cornflour or baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Clean white cloth
How to Do It?
Step 1: Sprinkle a generous amount of cornflour or baking soda over the grease stain.
Step 2: Cover the stain completely and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Vacuum the powder using the upholstery attachment.
Step 4: Clean the remaining stain with dish soap and fabric.
Step 5: Wipe with a cloth, then dampen in cold water until clean.
Step 6: Pat dry with a dry cloth and the fan air.
This method is great for fabric upholstery and works well on both fresh and set-in grease stains. It is also one of the most commonly suggested DIY methods to remove grease on Reddit. Check out here:
Hack 2: White Vinegar & Dish Soap Mix
What You’ll Need?
- White vinegar
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Clean white cloth
- Spray bottle (optional)
How to Do It?
Step 1: Mix 1 tbsp of dish soap, 2 tbsp white vinegar in 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle or bowl.
Step 2: Damp the cloth in the solution ( damp, don’t soak).
Step 3: Blot the grease gently, starting from the edges.
Step 4: Use a clean part of the cloth as the grease lift.
Step 5: Dampen another cloth with plain water and wipe the stain with it.
Step 6: Pat dry under the fan.
| Note: The DIY tip also works on old and dried grease spots. |
Special Requirements for Leather Sofas & Delicate Upholstery
Leather sofas:
Avoid using harsh cleaners containing vinegar or alcohol, as they can damage the leather and cause it to crack. Instead, use mild leather cleaners specifically designed for leather, or opt for professional upholstery cleaners to prevent any damage.
Delicate Upholstery:
Always perform a hidden patch test when cleaning a sofa, carpet, or cushion made with delicate fabric. Also, make sure to use a minimal amount of the product while cleaning to avoid liquid marks. If unsure, consult a professional cleaner to avoid permanent damage.
Tips to Protect Your Upholstered Furniture from Future Stains
Tip 1: Use Fabric Protectors
Use leather protector spray to repel ink and grease from the food or biro pens.
Tip 2: Cover High-Risk Areas
Cover the sofa with protective covers to shield it from toddler scribbles and pet messes.
Tip 3: Act Fast on Spills
Blot the spills immediately with a clean cloth to minimise the risk of staining.
Tip 4: Say no to sticky fingers and paws
Create a separate playing zone for the kids and pets to avoid staining the sofa.
Tip 5: Book Professional Maintenance
Schedule professional upholstery cleaning bi-yearly to remove hidden dirt and prevent stain buildup.
| Sofa Ground Rule Checklist ✅ 1. No meals on the sofa—for anyone. ✅ 2. Netflix? Yes. Nachos? Only with sofa covers! ✅ 3. Homework & art stay at the table. ✅ 4. Pets get their own spot. ✅ 5. Shoes off before you sit. ✅ 6. No jumping or climbing. ✅ 7. Daily quick tidy-up. ✅ 8. Covers and throws are your best friends. |
When to Call a Professional Upholstery Cleaner?
Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough to restore your upholstery. Here are key signs it’s time to call a professional:
| Sign | Why Call a Professional? |
| Old Stains | Old ink or grease stains are tough. Professionals use hot water extraction to remove them. |
| Delicate Fabrics | Silk or velvet can get damaged. Professionals use safe dry cleaning or gentle solvents. |
| Large Spills | Big spills soak deep into the sofa. Professional cleaners have the gear to clean thoroughly and avoid watermarks. |
| A Cleaning Blunder | Wrong cleaner or over-wetting can ruin fabric. A professional can fix discolouration or reverse the damage. |
| Persistent Odours | Smelly marks of pet paws linger on upholstery. Pros can deodorise with special treatments. |
Conclusion:
Still dealing with a stubborn sofa or cushion stain?
Don’t risk damaging your upholstery—book a free assessment with our expert cleaners and get peace of mind in minutes. Book our professional upholstery cleaning service and let us revive your furniture.
FAQ Section
- How to remove the biro mark from fabric?
Dab the biro stain with a clean white cloth, then dampen with rubbing alcohol. Blot gently until the stain is gone, then wash with clean water.
- Does vinegar remove biro ink stains?
Yes, vinegar removes biro ink stains. Mix 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp dish soap, and 1 cup warm water. Blot stain, wipe with water, and dry.
- How do you remove ink stains from furniture?
Remove ink stains from furniture with hairspray. Spray lightly, wait 30 seconds, blot with a white cloth, then clean with a damp cloth. Test on the hidden area first.
- How to remove pen ink from a suede couch?
Remove pen ink from the suede couch carefully. Use a mild leather cleaner or saddle soap, apply with a soft cloth, and wipe gently. Test first; consider a pro for suede.
- How do I remove ink stains from microfibre?
You can remove ink stains from microfibre with baking soda and lemon juice paste. Apply, rub gently, let sit for 10 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth. Test first on a hidden patch.