Don't despair over that accidental biro mark on your sofa! While it might look disastrous, you can absolutely tackle it with the right technique and a little patience. Restoring your sofa is completely achievable, and we have the definitive guide to help you do it right. The key is to identify your sofa's material—fabric or leather—and use the correct method.
For fabric sofas, the most powerful tool in your arsenal is often rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol. Before you begin, always test the alcohol on a small, hidden area of the sofa to ensure it doesn't damage the color or texture. Once you're confident it's safe, apply a small amount of the alcohol to a clean white cloth, not directly onto the stain. Gently dab and blot the ink mark. You should see the ink begin to transfer from the sofa to the cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fibers. Hairspray can also work in a pinch because it contains alcohol; simply spray it onto your cloth and dab in the same way.
If you're dealing with a leather sofa, the approach is similar but requires a crucial final step. Again, isopropyl alcohol is your best friend here. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or a Q-tip and gently rub the biro line. Work carefully and with light pressure. The ink should lift from the leather and onto the cotton. Use fresh cotton balls as needed until the stain is completely gone. This next step is non-negotiable for protecting your furniture: after the area is clean and dry, you must apply a quality leather conditioner. The alcohol will strip the natural oils from the leather, and conditioning it will restore moisture and prevent the area from drying out and cracking. With this expert method, you can erase the ink without a trace and keep your leather looking its best.
