Microfiber is a popular sofa upholstery fabric due to its softness, affordability, and ability to repel dirt and liquids. But removing ink stains poses a tougher challenge given the stubborn, penetrating nature of ink. With the right stain removal methods and cleaning solutions, ink can be lifted from microfiber upholstery WITHOUT damaging the delicate woven fabric.

Act Quickly to Lift Fresh Wet Ink

Time is of the essence for removing fresh ink before it has a chance to set and become a permanent stain. Here are tips for fast action on wet ink:

• Blot the stain immediately with a clean white cloth or paper towels. Don’t scrub vigorously as this can push the ink deeper into the weave.
• For water-based fountain pen inks or markers, quickly rinse the stained area under cold running water to dilute and flush out the ink while still wet.
• Use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol directly on the fresh stain. The alcohol helps break down inks and lift the pigment.
• Avoid using a hot blow dryer or iron on wet ink – the heat can actually set and bond the stain permanently. Thoroughly blot excess ink before air drying.

Use a Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

For dried ink stains that have set into the microfiber, a non-acetone nail polish remover can prove effective at dissolving and lifting pigment.

• First, always check the upholstery tag to ensure acetone-free formulas are approved for use on that specific microfiber.
• Test on a small inconspicuous area first. Gently dab the stained spot with a soft cloth lightly soaked in the nail polish remover.
• Carefully blot the stain rather than rubbing aggressively. This avoids damaging the microfiber weave.
• After spot treating, rinse the area with clean water to flush away dissolving ink and residual remover.
• Repeat applications allowing time for the remover to fully penetrate and soak into the set-in stain in between. This breaks down stubborn ink gradually.

Lift Stubborn Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide

As an alternate solvent, hydrogen peroxide can lift and bleach extremely stubborn dried ink stains on microfiber upholstery.

• Mix a solution of 3 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part cool water. Apply directly to the stain with a spray bottle or use a sponge or cloth soaked in the peroxide solution.
• Cover the treated area with plastic wrap or a towel. Allow the peroxide solution to sit for 1 hour before rinsing thoroughly. This gives time to lift the pigment.
• For tougher stains, make a spreadable paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Work into stain, let set, then rinse. The baking soda adds a gentle scrubbing component.
• Use only 3% concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Higher concentrations can discolor or damage microfiber permanently.

Seek Out Professional Cleaning for Extensive Ink Staining

For large stained areas or ink stains that have set permanently despite home treatment methods, seek out professional microfiber cleaning services.

• Spot stain removal machines use targeted suction and specialized cleaning solution jets tailored for microfiber that lift stubborn stains.
• Professional strength solvents and agents can dissolve tough set-in stains while preserving dyes and preventing damage to microfiber fibers.
• Avoid general “scrub and steam” carpet cleaning services. The agitation and heat can destroy microfiber weaves. Spot stain removal is gentler.

With some persistence and the proper stain fighting techniques, even tricky ink stains can be removed from delicate microfiber sofa upholstery without ruining the fabric. Acting quickly when ink spills gives the best results, removing this stubborn stain.