How to Remove Ink Stains from Wood Furniture

Ink stains can be tough to remove, but don't stress: we've got you covered. Below, we're walking you through every tried-and-true method that's sure to lift that stain from your treasured wooden furniture. From dish soap to baking soda, the perfect stain-lifter might be sitting right at home with you now. Ready to be rid of that annoying ink stain? Let's dive in.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Baking Soda

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Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is great for cleaning because it becomes a light abrasive when combined with water. It's safe to use on wood because it's mild yet effective. To make the paste, add the baking soda to a half cup of water. Put in small amounts at a time until the mixture thickens into a goop.^{[1]XResearch source}
Rub it in with your fingers, making sure to completely cover over the stain. You don't have to scrub at it: let the baking soda do the work. If you scrub too hard, you risk damaging the wood's surface. Wait 10 to 15 minutes.^{[2]XResearch source}
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Use a soft cloth dampened with water to remove the paste. Repeat the process until the ink is completely removed. For bigger stains, you might need to repeat this more times. Once you're satisfied with the results, finish by wiping the surface dry with another soft cloth.^{[3]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Mineral Spirits

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You can find mineral spirits in any hardware store. It is also known as turpentine substitute. Dampen a cotton ball lightly with the mineral spirits and wipe it on a hidden area of the furniture. If the cotton comes away with some of the finish on it, do not proceed any further.^{[4]XResearch source}
Buff the stained area lightly with the cloth. Then, clean it off with a wet rag. If the stain is still there, go on to the next step.
Rub the stained area using a piece of steel wool moistened with mineral spirits. Do this lightly and make sure you rub along the grain of the wood. Try to remove only as much finish as you have to. The less finish you remove, the easier it will be to refinish the furniture later.^{[5]XResearch source}
With a fresh cloth, wipe away the mineral spirits and the shavings created by the steel wool. The stain should be completely gone by now. Proceed with refinishing the piece if needed. If not, protect the finish by waxing or polishing it as soon as possible.^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Bleach

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1
Prepare the wood's surface. Apply denatured alcohol on a clean, soft cloth and wipe the surface with the cloth to remove dirt and other impurities. If the wood has a finish, you'll need to remove it. You can either sand it off, which takes a lot of work, or you can use chemical strippers.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you choose to remove the finish using chemical strippers, do the work in a well-ventilated area. They contain very harsh chemicals, such as methylene chloride, which can do serious damage to your eyes, lungs, and skin.
- Shellac and lacquer can be removed with just denatured alcohol.
2
Determine what type of bleach to use. Common household bleach contains chlorine, which works for dye stains and may work to remove set-in ink. Another choice is a wood bleach containing oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is great for iron-based stains, which covers some types of ink. Yet another choice is two-part wood bleach. The first part contains sodium hydroxide and the second part has hydrogen peroxide. The former open up the pores of the wood, while the latter reacts to the former. You can find either type of wood bleach at any hardware store.^{[8]XResearch source}
- As with any other harsh chemicals, be sure that your work area gets plenty of air. Use gloves to protect your skin and wear a mask to protect your lungs.
- When working with two-part bleach, use separate cloths for each part to prevent the two chemicals from reacting with each other.
Work it into the stained area with a clean cloth, avoiding getting any on the surrounding wood. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Repeat the process if necessary.^{[9]XResearch source}
Carefully wipe away the bleach with a cloth dampened in water. Avoid touching the surrounding wood. Follow up with another damp cloth and use it to wipe the entire surface. Next, towel it dry. Wait at least 24 hours before refinishing it.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Dish Soap

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This method is most effective for fresh ink spills. Dish-washing soap works because of its grease-fighting properties. It lifts the stain and prevents it from getting into the wood. Mix a half teaspoon of liquid dish-washing soap with a one third cup of hot water in a small bowl. Stir the solution to make lots of soap suds.^{[10]XResearch source}
Before using any cleaner on wood, you should test how the finish reacts to it. Stick a cotton ball into the soap suds and rub it against a small section of the furniture. Try to find a spot out of view. If the soap damages the finish, stop. If it doesn't damage the finish, proceed with the next step.
3
Gather some of the soap suds with a soft cloth. Make sure you're only getting into the suds, not in the solution. Then, gently wipe the ink stain with the soapy cloth. Follow up with a clean, damp cloth to rinse it off, then dry the area with a clean towel.^{[11]XResearch source}
- If the stain is still visible, you can use superfine steel wool (number 0000) dipped in liquid wax. Rub the steel wool lightly onto the stained area. The steel wool should remove only a fine layer of the surface. It's important to be gentle so that you don't remove too much wood. Wipe away the shavings with a clean cloth.

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Question
Can old ink stains be removed?
Erik Bakirov
Cleaning Specialist
Erik Bakirov is a Cleaning Specialist at Room413 Cleaning in Los Angeles, California. Erik specializes in deep, move-in, and move-out cleaning services. Room413 matches homeowners with reliable and trustworthy cleaning services. They also promote environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Erik Bakirov
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Answer
Sure! They can be removed with alcohol or a steamer. I personally recommend the steamer, since it's the best and the safest option.
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What is the easiest way to get pen ink off wood?
Community Answer
Begin by mixing water and baking soda to form a paste. Spread the paste over the ink stain and rub it in with your fingers. Moisten a soft cloth with water and scrub the area to remove the paste. For larger stains, repeat the steps above until all of the ink is removed.
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Do these methods work on wood doors?
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Yes, it should work too on wooden doors. Just remember to only clean the wooden parts of the door using this method.
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Warnings

Do not apply ammonia to your wood furniture, it can cause wood discoloration.
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Do not mix bleach with any other household cleaner, as it can cause a toxic gas.
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