A moment of inattention, a budding artist a little too inspired… and there’s a clearly visible pen mark on your immaculate white furniture. We sigh, we hesitate to rub… but good news: this little everyday accident is not irreversible! With a few simple tips and products that we often already have on hand, it is entirely possible to restore your furniture to its former glory.
Why is pen ink so stubborn?

Before you get out your sponges, a quick word about the enemy: ink. It’s made up of powerful pigments and solvents that quickly penetrate surfaces, especially if they’re porous or coated with a delicate varnish. As a result, a simple line can seem to stick for a long time. Don’t panic, though ! Just proceed methodically… and delicately.

Household alcohol: the quick reflex
This is a solution to keep in mind when the stain is still fresh. Simply soak a cotton ball or soft cloth in rubbing alcohol or hydroalcoholic gel , then gently dab the mark. The idea is not to rub insistently, but to let the alcohol do its job: dissolving the ink. Once the mark has faded, wipe over with a damp cloth to remove the residue. Quick, effective, and safe for most surfaces!

Baking soda, an ally for tough stains

If the stain is a bit old or ingrained, we bring out our favorite multi-purpose household product : baking soda. Mix about 100g of baking soda with 95ml of water to form a thick paste. Apply it to the stain with a cloth, using small circular motions. This gentle cleaning helps reduce stains without damaging the surface. A damp sponge to rinse, a dry cloth to dry, and you’re done!