Finding a felt tip ink or Indian ink stain on a household surface is enough to make even the coolest host flip their lid. Learn stain removal techniques while maintaining the grace and style even Martha would admire.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon,
Rope, Silk, Triacetate, Wool

Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area with a dry-cleaning solvent, K2r Spot Lifter (except on acetate blends) or Afta Cleaning Fluid, then apply a dry spotter to the stain. Cover with an absorbent pad moistened with dry spotter. Be sure to keep the stain from bleeding. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep the stain and pad moist with dry spotter. Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with one of the liquid dry-cleaning solvents. If stain persists, sponge with water and apply a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on silk or wool.) Cover the stain with an absorbent pad moistened with wet spotter. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep both the pad and stain moist with wet spotter and white vinegar. Flush with water and repeat as necessary. Allow to dry. Note: Permanent inks are almost impossible to remove.

How To Make Wet And Dry Spotters
Dry spotter:
To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may
be flammable.

Wet spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic

Sponge the area with a dry-cleaning solvent, K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid. If stain remains, mix a paste of powdered detergent, water, and a few drops of ammonia. Apply to the stain. Place an absorbent pad under the stain. When no more stain is being removed, flush thoroughly with water and launder. Note: Permanent inks are almost impossible to remove.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Enamel, Glass, Paint (flat or gloss),
Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes, Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Wallcovering

Wipe the surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well with clear water and wipe dry. Note: Permanent inks are almost impossible to remove.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Alabaster, Marble

Wipe surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse well and wipe dry. If stain persists, apply a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol; allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Next, apply a cloth soaked with ammonia for 15 minutes. Alternate alcohol and ammonia applications until stain is removed. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete Flagstone,
Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile,
Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo

Wash stain with a solution of washing soda or detergent (never soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to help scrub. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to dry.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Carpet (synthetic or wool)

Blot as much stain as possible without forcing it deeper into the pile. Sponge the stain with a concentrated solution of carpet spotter, either Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover or Afta Carpet Stain Remover. Caution: Never rub ink stains on carpet. Continue to sponge the area, rinsing the sponge as it picks up the stain. Repeat until no more stain is removed. If the stain persists, have the rug professionally cleaned. Repeated applications of a liquid all-purpose cleaner solution also will help remove the ink. Note: Permanent inks are almost impossible to remove.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile

Cover the stain with a compress made with rubbing alcohol. Let the compress remain in place for 5 minutes. Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with ammonia. Do not use ammonia on linoleum or vinyl tile. Rinse well with water and allow to dry. Note: Permanent inks are almost impossible to remove.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Felt, Fur (natural or synthetic),
Leather, Suede

Due to the nature of the material involved, this stain cannot be removed by a nonprofessional.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Grout

Wipe stain with cloth dipped in warm sudsy water. If stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush into a little baking soda or powdered cleanser. Gently scrub the spot. Rinse and wipe dry.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex

Sponge stain with detergent solution immediately. Then apply either K2r Spot Lifter or Afta Cleaning Fluid. Sprinkle lemon juice and salt over the stain and leave for 1 hour. Rinse well, repeat if necessary, and launder as soon as possible.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Wallpaper

Try erasing light marks with an art-gum eraser or a suede stone, an abrasive cleaner. Remember not to push hard. If stain remains, rub area lightly with a dry steel wool soap pad. If the stain persists, rub very gently with baking soda sprinkled on a damp cloth. Then wipe the area with a cloth or sponge moistened in cool clear water. Overlap strokes to prevent streaking. Use a clean pad to gently pat dry.

How to Remove Felt Tip Ink and Indian Ink Stains From:
Wood

Dilute oxalic acid in warm water and apply with an artist's brush to the stained area. Caution: Oxalic acid is poisonous, so wear rubber gloves when applying it. On painted surfaces, wipe with a cloth moistened with detergent suds. For unpainted or stripped surfaces, after applying the oxalic acid, neutralize the area with white vinegar and rinse with rubbing alcohol. Allow to dry. Note: Permanent inks are almost impossible to remove.

Ink stains happen, but these cleaning tips will help make you the host with the most -- stain removal approaches, that is.