Instead, gently blot the stain for best results.

Keep reading for step-by-step directions on how to remove an ink stain from your fabric couch in four ways.

Blot the Ink

Using a paper towel, blot as much of the ink as possible.

pen lying on a white couch with a ink stain

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Gently dab the ink stain but avoid rubbing it which can cause it to spread or set in.

Repeat the process until the stain is gone.

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blotting ink out of a couch with a paper towel

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

If the stain is not lifted immediately, repeat the process until you see it begin to fade.

Most pens wash out of fabric with a little bit of time and repeated blotting.

The best way to remove permanent ink from fabric is to use rubbing alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover.

Mix a dish soap solution in a bowl

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Removing a couch stain with a microfiber cloth

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Removing soap residue from stained couch with cloth

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Dry cleaned sofa with a microfiber cloth

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly