DSDynamics

I would turn it inside out and try to blot from the backside using nail polish remover, or hairspray, Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) also works and in my experience is less likely to damage fabric; also less likely to remove stain.Test to make sure that whichever wouldn't also stain/damage the fabric.

Having a couple of daughters around teaches one which are the useful chemicals around.

Then I would pretreat and throw in the washer; in your case, i'd then hit it with upholstery cleaner...

I've also had gd luck using engine starting fluid...

BTW, unless he's older than age 6, its not defacing, its experiential learning.

After 6, it could be willful defacing.

I'll send you the t-shirt...

milo

Isopropanol in high concentrations (like 99%) behaves very much like a non-polar solvent. Think lighter fluid or gasoline. It is pretty good at removing what's left when you peel off a sticky label. Ordinary isopropyl rubbing alcohol is 70% isopropanol, 30% water. It behaves mostly like a polar solvent (think water), and is very good for cleaning glass.

Orange oil (like De-Solv-It) is an excellent cleaner for things you might otherwise clean up with mineral spirits. It's non-toxic, won't hurt your skin, and washes off with water, but it dissolves latex and some adhesives.

Blotting is a good way to remove dissolved stains, because it wicks the dissolved stain away from the material you are treating. Facial tissue and good quality paper towels work well; finely powdered diatomaceous earth, such as that used in swimming pool filters, works better but leaves a residue that must then be removed.

It's always a good idea before you begin in earnest, to check the effect your cleaning materials will have on an inconspicuous area. Some fabrics and some finishes react very badly to anything stronger than water, and some of them won't even tolerate that!

If you can identify the manufacturer of the offending material, you might ask them for recommendations on cleanup. Good success!

I recall industrial alcohol (methylated spirit), which is mostly ethanol, being adequate, but the ink dissolves rather slowly. Has anyone compared the effectiveness of different alcohols or other organic solvents?

My preference is rum. If I consume sufficient rum, I don't see the stains.

Holyyyy! Probably a little steam gun and some 'Oxy Clean' Spray stuff with a nice vacumm will do it. I don't know. Otherwise check it out with an upholtery shop tech around they will know about it as well. So far so good. The answers here at CR-4 make a bunch of sense to me too. Nice deal!

Clean Time,

MC

If the covering is permanent then I don't have anything to add to the helpful comments you already have gotten.

If, by chance, the covering is removable (zippers?) then there is also the option of taking it down to a dry cleaning shop and letting an expert give it his/her best try.

If not "snow white fabric...#2's post says hairspray, works a my house.

Mr. Guy

Hi: Have you tried WD-40, I've tried WD-40 to remove many different substances from a few different cloth & other fabrics, I ussually try a test patch in an unconspicuos place like the edge of the material where folded under the frame, even if you have to make a spot under there with the same ballpoint pen. I Know you'll be amazed at how well WD-40 works. P.S. I'm Not A Salesman for WD-40. Just an Old Retired Troubleshooter, Carl.

I have used one of the citrus fruit based cleaners - such as Simple Green and water to remove ball point ink from clothing - it worked well and is non toxic,non flammable and won't damage fabric. Ed K

If the chemical methods fail or are too harsh, and you are in the mood to experiment then you might want to explore some light treatments. I have noticed that art restorers use lasers for cleaning artworks. A small laser might selectively bleach the ink marks. The UV fiber optic probes used for hardening epoxy might also work. Still, I hope the chemicals work.

Here is a trick which works for sure.

Take the toy which he like most, preferably a soft toy. Take a ball point pen and pretend defacing it. If still he does not get the message you may actually try doing it.

Preferably do this while inspecting the defaced couch so that he may compare.

Another point why not preserve it as a memento. We have several such items at our home. Both our boys are now grown up, both abroad one working and one just joining uni. What they did when they were small (when they were naughty!) is what is left in our house for we two (old couple- 51& 49 years) to remember.

I am sure you will understand what I mean in probably another 15-20 years!

Do not wash in hot water (if you decide to wash at all!) it may "set" the ink.

I find "Quik 'n Brite" to be the best cleaner I have ever used for problem stains.....I bought mine off a TV advertising show, fantastic stuff!!!!!

If the stain is still visible, skin child, have skin tanned, repair settee with the new leather.....

I have no idea why you ask, but I do believe that you meant RoAld Dahl, you should learn to spell.

No I am not. He is a very clever Guy and I would be quite happy to be related to him....

I am remotely related to Alan Turing if you are looking for some connection with me to someone famous and highly intelligent!

Why the obtuse question?

Yes Andy what I meant was Roald Dahl. Sorry about spelling mistake, spell checker tried to prompt me to change it to Rolf Dahl but i would not listen! (just joking). I should have done better. By the way English is my second language and I am happy as long as I can convey my message, which in this case I have been able to.

There is a great short story about a painting (tatoo) done on skin titled SKIN by Roald Dahl. Very interesting. Try to get a hold on the book. I dare not tell you the story less it may spoil the suspense!

OK, will do....

workin' on it

try a magic eraser. or try using PowerGreens H2Pro Cleaner/Degreaser. It's a green cleaner that actually breaks down grease and oils into their base fatty acids and allows for a better cleaning with no residue. Place parts in aqueous solution, agitate or scrub, then rinse clean. I would also recommend blowing off the part to remove all excess water. This will get oils and grease off in a safe manner without the worry of solvents, voc's or other toxic chemicals in the mix. it seams to work on everything I try it on. Check it out at www.thepowergreen.com