Introduction
Ink stains can appear out of nowhere—one distracted moment with a pen, and suddenly your desk, chair, or cabinet has an unwanted signature. Fortunately, removing pen marks from office furniture doesn’t require expensive cleaners or professional help. With a few simple household ingredients, you can lift ink safely and restore your workspace to its clean, polished look. This guide walks you through easy, effective DIY methods tailored for different furniture types.
Ingredients (What You’ll Need)
You don’t need everything on this list—just pick the method that matches your furniture material.
Rubbing alcohol (70% or 90%)
White vinegar
Baking soda
Dish soap
Magic eraser sponge
Cotton balls or soft cloths
Olive oil or furniture polish (for finishing wooden surfaces)
Warm water
Instructions
1. For Wooden Furniture
Method: Alcohol + Mild Soap
Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.
Gently blot—do not rub—until the ink begins to lift.
Mix a drop of dish soap with warm water and wipe the area to remove residue.
Apply a small amount of olive oil or furniture polish to restore the wood’s sheen.
2. For Laminate Desks
Method: Magic Eraser
Lightly dampen the magic eraser.
Rub the ink mark using small circular motions.
Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Note: Test in an inconspicuous spot first because magic erasers are mildly abrasive.
3. For Upholstered Office Chairs (Fabric)
Method: Vinegar + Baking Soda Paste
Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar with enough baking soda to create a thick paste.
Apply it directly to the stain and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft cloth.
Rinse with warm water and blot dry.
4. For Leather Furniture
Method: Diluted Soap Solution
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap.
Dip a soft cloth in the solution and gently clean the stain.
For stubborn marks, lightly dab with rubbing alcohol.
Finish with a leather conditioner to prevent drying or discoloration.
Serving and Storage Tips (How to Maintain the Results)
Dust weekly to prevent buildup that can trap more stains.
Apply protective polish on wood or laminate surfaces once a month.
Keep pens capped or stored in containers to avoid accidental leaks.
Blot stains immediately—fresh ink is much easier to remove than dried ink.
Store cleaning supplies in a labeled container for fast access next time a stain happens.
Variations (Alternative Methods to Try)
Hairspray: The alcohol content can break down ink; spray lightly and wipe off.
Toothpaste (non-gel): Works on light ink stains on plastic or laminate surfaces.
Hand sanitizer: Acts like rubbing alcohol in a pinch.
Baking soda + water scrub: Good for removing smudged or old ink on tough surfaces.
FAQ
