How to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain

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Ballpoint pens leak or break easily and the ink can get everywhere in an instant. Stains can be difficult to remove, especially if they've been sitting for a while. Tackle ink stains as soon as they happen and you'll save your clothes, carpet or furniture from permanent stains. A range of products can be used to remove stains, from household items such as hairspray and rubbing alcohol to commercial cleaning products to natural items such as butter.

Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Using Alcohol-Based Household Items on Fabric

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  1. Put a small amount of the cleaning product on an inconspicuous spot on the fabric. Rinse the fabric and let it dry.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Make sure the stained area is not resting on another part of the fabric. Place a towel underneath the area on which you're working. This will ensure that the ink stain will not run through the fabric and stain more of the fabric.
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  3. Household items that contain alcohol such as hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) or cheap hairspray are good options. Apply enough of the product to cover the stain.
    • Let the fabric sit for 10 minutes. Give the household product enough time to set on the stain.
    • Do not use drinking alcohol on the fabric. This type of alcohol will not treat the stain.
    • Although it is not alcohol-based, nail polish remover is also a good household item that can effectively remove ink stains.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    After the stained area has been moistened with the household product you've chosen, add a few drops of clear liquid laundry detergent to the stain area. Rub in the detergent with your fingers or a cloth. [1]
  5. Put a regular amount of laundry detergent in the washing machine and set it to use hot water. Do not include other items in the washing machine so that you don't risk any transfer of the ink to another item. [2]
  6. The stain should be gone, but if there is still a trace, repeat the process of applying the alcohol-based item to the stain. Wash the fabric again and if the stain is gone, then proceed to dry the fabric as usual.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Using Butter on Fabric

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Make sure the stained area is not resting on another part of the fabric. Place a towel underneath the area on which you're working. This will ensure that the ink stain will not run through the fabric and stain more of the fabric.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Rub in enough salted butter to cover the stain, using either a cloth. Rub the stained area in a circular motion, moving and frequently turning the cloth over to prevent the spread or transfer of ink.
  3. Find a place where the item will be undisturbed and sheltered from any rain. An outside location in the direct sunlight is best. Allow the item to sit for a couple of days. The butter's oil will soften up and break up the stain. The salt from the butter, coupled with the sunlight, will help to lift the stain.
    1. Wash the fabric in the washing machine. Put a regular amount of laundry detergent in the washing machine and set it to use hot water. Do not include other items in the washing machine so that you don't risk any transfer of the ink to another item.
    • If the fabric is not washable (vinyl, for example), wipe away the butter with a clean damp cloth. Apply a small amount of gentle laundry detergent to the cloth to help clean off the butter.
  4. The stain should be gone, but if there is still a trace, repeat the process of applying butter to the stain. Wash the fabric again and if the stain is gone, then proceed to dry the fabric as usual.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Using Commercial Stain Removers on Fabric

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  1. Stain removers such as OxiClean and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser are readily available at grocery and drug stores. These are designed to remove tough stains like ink, dirt, and other stains.
    • Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.
  2. Put a small amount of the cleaning product on an inconspicuous spot on the fabric. Rinse the fabric and let it dry.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Make sure the stained area is not resting on another part of the fabric. Place a towel underneath the area on which you're working. This will ensure that the ink stain will not run through the fabric and stain more of the fabric.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Following the instructions on the cleaner's packaging, apply cleaner to the stain. Let the cleaner sit for 1-5 minutes to soak into the stain and to allow it to work on dissolving the ink.
    • If you are using OxiClean, mix some of the powder with water to make a paste. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct proportions.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Choose a cloth that you don't mind getting stained, since the ink will transfer to this cloth. Blot gently by pressing the cloth into the stained area. Do not rub it around or scrub, as this can spread the stain.
    • Keep turning the cloth over to a fresh surface so that you are not transferring ink back onto the fabric. [3]
  6. Use lukewarm water to rinse the fabric thoroughly. You may need to rinse several times. Let the fabric dry.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Using Alcohol-Based Household Products on Carpet

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  1. Put a small amount of an alcohol-based cleaner such as cheap hairspray or rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous spot on the wood. Wipe the area clean and let it dry.
  2. Use enough hairspray or other alcohol-based cleaner to fully cover the stain. [4] If you're using hairspray, cheap hairspray is best, as it contains a higher percentage of alcohol than more expensive hairsprays. Use cotton swabs to apply the hairspray or other household item, especially if the ink stain is a thin line.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Choose a cloth that you don't mind getting stained, since the ink will transfer to this cloth. Blot gently by pressing the cloth into the stained area. Do not rub it around or scrub, as this can spread the stain.
    • Keep turning the cloth over to a fresh surface so that you are not transferring ink back onto the carpet. [5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Use lukewarm water to rinse the carpet thoroughly. Dip an old clean cloth into a bowl of water and wring out some of the excess water. Dab this cloth on the cleaned stain area to help rinse the carpet.
    • You may need to do this rinsing process several times to fully remove the hairspray.
  5. Leave the carpet overnight to give it time to dry. Turn up the heat in the room to help speed up the drying process. Vacuum the rug to remove any excess cleaning debris.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Using Stain Removing Products on Carpet

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  1. Stain removers such as OxiClean and Resolve are readily available at grocery and drug stores. These are designed to remove tough stains like ink, dirt, and other stains.
    • Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.
  2. Try to soak up any excess ink with an old towel or cloth. Dab gently to try to lift up the ink. Keep turning the cloth over to a fresh side so you don't transfer any excess ink back onto the carpet.
  3. Put a small amount of the cleaning product on an inconspicuous spot on the carpet. Rinse the carpet and let it dry.
    • If your carpet is colorfast, there shouldn't be a problem using a carpet cleaning product. If your carpet is not colorfast, however, the cleaning product might remove color from the carpet fibers.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Following the instructions on the cleaner's packaging, apply cleaner to the stain. Let the cleaner sit for 1-5 minutes to soak into the stain and to allow it to work on dissolving the ink.
    • If you are using OxiClean, mix some of the powder with water to make a paste. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct proportions.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Choose a cloth that you don't mind getting stained, since the ink will transfer to this cloth. Blot gently by pressing the cloth into the stained area. Do not rub it around or scrub, as this can spread the stain.
    • Keep turning the cloth over to a fresh surface so that you are not transferring ink back onto the carpet. [6]
  6. Use lukewarm water to rinse the carpet thoroughly. Dip an old clean cloth into a bowl of water and wring out some of the excess water. Dab this cloth on the cleaned stain area to help rinse the carpet.
    • You may need to do this rinsing process several times to fully remove the stain remover.
  7. Leave the carpet overnight to give it time to dry. Turn up the heat in the room to help speed up the drying process. Vacuum the rug to remove any excess cleaning debris.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Using Alcohol-Based Cleaners on Wood Furniture

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  1. Put a small amount of the cleaning product on an inconspicuous spot on the wood. Wipe the area clean and let it dry.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Use enough hairspray, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to fully cover the stain. Use cotton swabs to apply the household product, especially if the ink stain is a thin line.
    • Do not use nail polish remover on wood, as this might strip away the wood finish.
  3. Gently rub the stain in a circular motion to work out the ink stain. Keep turning the cloth over to a fresh surface so that you are not transferring ink back onto the wood.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Use a damp clean cloth to clean the hand sanitizer or other product from the furniture. This will remove any residue from the hand sanitizer as well as any residual ink. Wipe slowly and carefully, turning over the cloth frequently to make sure that no ink is left or being transferred to other parts of the furniture.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove a Ballpoint Pen Stain
    Use a natural oil or commercial furniture polish such as Pledge on the furniture to restore the wood finish. Vitamin E oil and olive oil are good natural options. [7] Pour a small amount of oil on a cloth and rub it into the wood. Let it dry completely.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I get ball point pen off of paper?
    Community Answer
    There are certain erasers that can rub the stain off. They are blue colored and kind of rough. Other than that, there is always correction fluid.
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  • Question
    How do I remove a ballpoint pen mark from a leather chair?
    The Four Trust Company
    Community Answer
    Use a magic eraser and rubbing alcohol. If that doesn't work, try white Dial bar soap and hot water. You must condition the leather after use. It may take a while to come out, because you CANNOT rub vigorously without stretching the leather. Be patient.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do you remove ballpoint ink from a white leather handbag?
    The Four Trust Company
    Community Answer
    Use a magic eraser and alcohol, and be sure to follow up with a leather conditioner. If all else fails, use Dial bar soap and hot water. Again, condition after use to prevent damage.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • Do not use flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, gasoline, etc., to remove ink stains from fabric, carpet or furniture. [8]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlZxkH2Luqc
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHzLckkSATI
      3. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-ballpoint-ink-from-carpet/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlZxkH2Luqc
      5. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-ballpoint-ink-from-carpet/
      6. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-ballpoint-ink-from-carpet/
      7. ↑ http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf885939.tip.html
      8. ↑ https://connectedfire.com/index.php/blog/2021/07/23/highly-flammable-everyday-items

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove a ballpoint pen stain, cover it with an alcohol-based product like hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. Then, let the product soak into the stain for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, add a few drops of laundry detergent to the stain and gently rub it in with your fingers. Finally, machine wash the stained fabric on a hot water cycle and repeat the process as necessary. If you want to learn how to get ballpoint pen ink out from carpet or wood furniture, keep reading the article!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Gunjan R.

        Nov 15, 2022

        "I removed the ball point pen mark from my pastel bedsheet using a hand sanitizer and it was easy! Thanks a lot!"
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