How to Remove Ink Stains from Polyurethane Fabric

A splatter of black ink spilled from an ink bottle.
What You'll Need
Microfiber cloth
All-purpose spray cleaner or hairspray
Towel
Washcloths
Rubbing alcohol
Warm soapy water
What You'll Need
Microfiber cloth
All-purpose spray cleaner or hairspray
Towel
Washcloths
Rubbing alcohol
Warm soapy water

Polyurethane fabric is essentially an organic polymer that is used to make a variety of items, including earplugs, upholstery, mattresses, and clothing. In fact, even if you are not aware of it, you are probably wearing some piece of clothing that has polyurethane in it. For example, Spandex, a material widely used in undergarments, is actually made from polyurethane, as are many jackets. So, what do you do if you manage to stain your brand new jacket or drop ink on your favorite couch? Fortunately, removing ink stains from polyurethane fabric is not all that tough. Let us find out how.

Step 1 - Spot Test

You should first perform a spot test in order to determine whether your cleaner can damage the fabric. Pick an unobtrusive spot on the polyurethane and spray it. Then, check the fabric after a few hours. If the area appears frayed, dull, or discolored, the cleaner is not suitable for your purpose. If the fabric is undamaged, you can proceed to step two.

Step 2 - Clean the Fabric

Use the microfiber cloth to gently clean the entire area that has been stained. This will remove any dirt, grease, or debris that has accumulated which could hinder the removal process.

Step 3 - Spray the Fabric

Spray the cleaner or hairspray on the ink. You can also spray the cleaner (or hairspray) on a soft towel and then gently rub the stained area with it. Check to see if the blotch lightens as you're rubbing; if not, you will need to try something different.

Step 4 - Use Rubbing Alcohol

If the all-purpose cleaner or hairspray does not seem to be doing the trick, or if there are still some stains left behind, here is what you can do. Dab the stained area with a soft cloth that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. Once again, it is advisable to carry out a spot test before using the liquid on a large, prominent area.

Step 5 - Wipe it Clean

Once the ink stain has been removed, dip a clean washcloth in the warm soapy water and wipe the area clean. Repeat this process a couple of times to remove all traces of the cleaning chemicals. Then, allow the fabric to dry and it should look as good as new.

Step 6 - Take Precautions

Never use bleach to clean ink stains from polyurethane, and when buying an all-purpose spray cleaner, ensure that it does not contain any bleach either. There are many cleaners available on the market designed specifically for cleaning polyurethane fabric.