How to remove ink stains from wood ? Whether it is ink from a pen, these stains are particularly hard to clean because they seep deep into the wood. 

So follow our tips to remove ink stains from on a piece of furniture or different types of wood .

How to Remove Ink Stains from Wood Step by Step

If you don’t act right away it can be very difficult to remove ink stains from wood. It is important to remember that a fresh ink stain will be much easier to remove that a dried one.

Step 1. Prepare a paste mix using baking soda

Make a paste with baking soda. Baking soda, also known as “sodium bicarbonate”, is very good to remove ink stains from wood because it becomes a fine abrasive when combined with water. It is safe to use on wood because it is smooth as well as effective. To make the paste, add the Baking Soda to 1/2 cup of water. Put small amounts at a time until the mixture thickens in a poultice.

Step 2. Apply the paste to the ink stain

Spread the paste over the ink stain. Rub it in with your fingers, making sure to spread it fully over the ink stain. It is not necessary to rub it in the moment: let the baking soda work. If you rub too hard, you may damage the surface of the wood. Wait 10-15 minutes.

Step 3. Remove the ink stain from wood

Wash the wood surface. Use a soft cloth dampened with water to remove the paste from the wood surface. Repeat the process until the ink stain is completely removed from wood. If the is a huge stain you will likely need to repeat the process again. After the stain has completely disappeared, wipe the surface with a soft dry cloth.

Did you had a hard time removing candle wax from wood? I have got the solution to this problem in this step by step easy guide!

5 Alternative Methods How to Remove Ink Stains from Wood

Some home remedies have proven to be effective in removing the ink stains. We will present 5 alternative methods:

Method #1. How to Remove Ink Stains from Wood using Baking Soda

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) is one of the most used solution in cleaning all types of stains including ink stains because it has a lightly abrasive property.

Baking Soda is safe enough to remove ink stains from wood surfaces.

Step-by-step instructions for removing ink stains from wood using baking soda:

1. Mix 0.5 cups of water with baking soda. This will make a pastry mixture.
2. Apply this mix on the ink stain
3. Using your fingers, cover the entire ink stain with this mix paste
4. Leave the baking soda mix to act for 15 to 20 minutes
5. Remove the mix paste with a soft cloth dampened with water.
6. If the stain is large and cannot be removed the first time, repeat the process.
7. Wipe the wood surface with a soft dry cloth to remove the ink residue.

Remove wood glue from wood with these simple step by step instruction. I have written all the tips and tricks so you can do the best job!

Method #2. How to Remove Ink Stains from Wood using Dishwashing Liquid

This method is most effective for removing fresh ink stains from wood.

Dishwashing detergent is known to work well with grease, so it is also great for removing ink, and it also prevents a fresh stain from absorbing into the wood.

However, before using the product, be sure to check its effect on an small wood area of ​​furniture.

Step-by-step instructions for removing ink stains using the dishwashing liquid:

1. Prepare a solution: Mix half a teaspoon of detergent with half of cup of hot water.
2. Stir the solution thoroughly to get a lot of foam.
3. Apply soapy water to a cotton pad, check the effect of the drug on an inconspicuous area of ​​furniture. 
4. If the dishwashing liquid does not spoil the wood surface, then you can proceed to remove the ink stain from the entire wood surface.
5. Dip a soft cloth in the lather (not in the solution itself) and gently wipe off the dirt with a soapy cloth.
6. Remove the solution from the wood with a clean, damp cloth.
7. Wipe the wood with a dry cloth.

Gorilla Glue is a hard glue which is difficult to remove. I have wrote the 3 easiest ways you can remove gorilla glue from wood like a pro!

Method #3. How to Remove Ink Stains using White Spirit

White spirit is another method of removing ink stains from wood

Before using white spirit (turpentine substitute), test its effect on an small wood area of ​​a wooden surface.

1. Soak a cotton pad in white spirit and wipe the wood in an small area.
2. If the top coat is not damaged, you can dampen a cloth with white spirit.
3. Wipe the ink stained area with a cloth.
4. Remove with a damp clean cloth.

Silicone caulk is the best sealant but if it gets to unwanted wood surfaces it can be difficult to remove. I will present you the best methods to remove it from wood!

Methods #4. How to Remove Ink Stains From Wood using Bleach

Bleach can also be used to remove ink stains from wood surfaces.

When you plan to use aggressive products like bleach, you should take into account safety rules and decide the choice of bleach:

• Common household bleach containing chlorine is excellent at removing any stain.
• Another option would be oxalic acid bleach, which is great for removing ink stains.

Here is how to do it:

1. Prepare the wood surface by cleaning it using denatured alcohol
2. If the wooden piece of furniture has a finish, you will need to remove it as well using sanding.
3. Choose which bleach you want to use: Household bleach or Oxalic bleach
4. Apply the bleach to the wood stained area.
5. Wait 15 minutes
6. Rinse the wood surface with a clean cloth damped in water.

The Quickest & Easiest Way To HOW TO REMOVE PAINT FROM WOOD!

Method #5. Remove Ink Stains From Wood with Nail Polish Remover

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Gently blot the blot with a rag or cotton wool
2. Pour the substance on it
3. Wait a while
4. Remove the dye, being careful not to smudge it
5. Wet a cotton ball or napkin with the same agent, and wipe off the rest
6. Wipe the wood area with a clean, damp cloth
7. Freshen up the air in your home.

The nail polish removes large ink stains from the wood.

How to Remove Ink Stains from Waxed wood:  5 methods 

1- Alcohol at 70 °

Dab these ink spots with a cloth dampened with 70 ° alcohol.

Immediately after stain removal, wipe off with a damp cloth then dry and finally wax. 

2- Ammonia

Dab the ink stains with a sponge soaked in cold soapy water with a few drops of ammonia.

If the wood remains colored, sand, dust, clean, wax and finally polish.

3- Cork stopper

Clean the ink stain by erasing it with a cork.

If the stain persists, start again by sprinkling the trace with baking soda beforehand.

4 – Lemon

Rub ink stains using a lemon cut in half.

Repeat until the stain has completely disappeared.

5 – Sandpaper

As a last resort, sand the ink stain with sandpaper then dust, pass a damp cloth, recolor the wood with a stain or wax of the same color and finally polish.

Polyurethane paint is a widely used paint but sometimes it gets applied on wrong wood surfaces. I have prepared the best step by step instruction to help you remove polyurethane paint from wood!

How do you remove ink from a wooden table?

An ink stain on a wooden table can diminish the appearance of the entire surface. 

If you have an ink stain from a pen, or marker, you can remove it with a variety of methods. 

Some wooden tables can be delicate, so you may have to try different methods to find the one that works for yours.

 Test the product you are using in an inconspicuous spot on the table before applying it to a more sensitive area to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor the wood.

Baking soda method

Step 1

Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl to make a thick paste. Use your fingers to spread the mixture over the ink mark.

Step 2

Rub the baking soda on the stain. Don’t rub hard; Baking soda is a bit abrasive and can damage the finish if done vigorously.

Step 3

Dampen a soft cloth with water and rub the ink stained area to lift the stain while removing the baking soda paste.

Step 4

Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol to remove any baking soda film left on the table.

Alcohol method

Step 1

Apply rubbing alcohol or hairspray to a cotton ball. Alcohol is very effective in removing ink stains. Hairspray generally contains high levels of alcohol.

Step 2

Clean the ink stain carefully with the cotton ball. Be careful when cleaning the stain with rubbing alcohol, because rubbing too hard can remove the finish from the wood or leave a stain.

Step 3

Dampen a cloth with water and clean the area. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.

Toothpaste method

Step 1

Put white toothpaste on the ink stain. Avoid using a toothpaste with additives, such as crystals or other abrasives.

Step 2

Rub the toothpaste over the ink stain with your fingers.

Step 3

Dampen a clean cloth with water and rub the wooden table. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.

How do you remove ballpoint pen stains from wood?

There are several cleaning methods that can remove ballpoint pen stains and make wood surfaces look like new.

• First, apply a paste of baking soda and a little water to the stain and apply gently to the soiled surface. 
• Avoid vigorous cleaning because you can damage wood furniture.
• If this does not help, then moisten a cotton swab with alcohol or nail polish remover (containing alcohol) and wipe off the dirt.

To remove ballpoint pen stains from wood, you should start with home methods.

Remedies such as soap, toothpaste, or baking soda are not only cheap but affordable.

Remove an ink stain from wooden furniture

To remove ink from wooden furniture, several solutions are available to you.

Pour dishwashing liquid into a container to which you add a few spoons of hot water. 

Depending on the size of the ink stain, use a cotton ball or cloth and rub the stain gently. 

Do not hesitate to repeat the operation if necessary.

You can also prepare a mixture of baking soda and water until it forms a paste. 

Spread the preparation on the stained area and rub it gently with your fingers. 

Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with a cloth dampened with water and wipe the wood with a dry cloth.

As an alternative, ink stain can be cleaned off wood using white spirit applied to a cloth. Rinse with a second damp cloth and wipe down the surface.

The post How to Remove Ink Stains from Wood [5 Simple Ways] appeared first on Start Woodworking Now.