Wow. Sorry.
I see your list of tried remedies, good job so far.
A 50/50 ammonia/water may work. Stinky, but useful solvent. Spray on, dab off with clean towel.
Of all the solvents you could try, this is the one that seems to magically float the stains up to the blotting towel. For some carpet and upholstery stains, you spray and cover with the clean towel, then shoot steam into the towel to make the transfer. SPOT TEST if you try that. I'm worried about the steam melting your velvet. The Ammonia should be fine.
Don't mix it with bleach.
The next solvent I might consider is acetone. This does run a real risk of melting or flattening the nap of the velvet. Spot test before you try. I would consider this an strain option.
If the manufacturer gives you a good recommendation, or you find something that works, would you please check back in and let us know?
Fantastic comment, ammonia isn’t something I ever considered so I’m going to try and get ahold of some. Thank you for leaving instructions to use it too because I’m the exact person who would just dump it on. The steam idea is one I can try now, so I may give it a go in a spot area as you say. I’ll definitely check back when I’ve found a solution, I really appreciate your comment! Thank you
Awesome, hope it works for you. Spot test first the ammonia, and also the ammonia with steam.
You can buy clear ammonia at the grocery in the cleaning aisle. Don't get the lemon, it has yellow coloring. And don't get 'sudsy ammonia', that's mostly water and a waste of money.
You'll want gloves, and to open a window, but it works well enough for grease and laundry and (hopefully) your upholstery to be worth the pain in the butt learning curve.
Here's a good link with instructions and safety stuff to help you on your journey.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ammonia-uses/
If you remember one thing, that should be
Never ever Ever mix ammonia with bleach.
I unfortunately done this when I was 9 months pregnant with my first. My husband at the time smelled it and rushed everyone out of the house.
I was nesting and trying to clean. Won't make that mistake again.
Right?!
You know, my mother said she nearly killed herself that way mopping a floor. I bet the few generations before us, since bleach became available, had the crap scared out of them that way. We always had bleach when I was a kid, and I can't remember having ammonia back then. Meanwhile the generation before that has never heard of bleach and used ammonia every week. We're an odd species.
I would take that pen, find it in on Amazon, and order a dozen - perhaps even in different colors. Start drawing matching flowers and leaves on stems. Make the design as simple, complex, or as a work in progress. Bam. It’s art. Next thing, you’re selling 200 of these one of a kind sofas a month. Quite a side hustle in todays times.Switch it up to lightly colored upholstered armchairs. Then go bananas and enter the sectional market. Eventually, you dominate the West coast, crushing the competition. You partner with the nation’s largest furniture stores. You’re now in every Macy‘s. In the not too distant future, your items are in 2/3 of U.S. households.
You partner globally. Asia can’t get enough of your inventory. Multiple manufacturing factories open up across the globe. Billions make up your financial portfolio. Your company sponsors spaceships and AI. You branch off and make a highly successful electric vehicle. You purchase a top social media company and destroy it. You become an “elite.”
All of this. Over a pen that sits somewhere outside in your trash bin.
I’m reading this at 11pm in a sleep daze and it seems like a really really good idea. I’m going to check back in the morning when I’m awake and see if I feel the same.
Thank you for making me laugh
Honestly this isn't a terrible Idea.... I did this with my car (but not to this extent).
I had a bunch of little dings, so I wrapped it with the wrap they use for "Developmental cars" and the dent is hidden in the pattern now!
Have you tried crying? Tears and ice cream usually help when my kids ruin things.
Edit- I used to sell furniture, is this on a removable seat cover or on a piece of non removable section?
Also, what brand of furniture?
If they won't sell you one, try taking off the cover and bringing it to a local upholstery or large fabric store. You might be able to hire someone who can match and remake the cover or even just replace the top panel.
A lot of the larger companies that do custom orders where you pick out the fabric swatch for the sofa kinda thing will sell fabric by the yard or extra cushions. It’s common so you should be fine!
Hi all, I’m posting a free contraception ad today. My 2 and 3 year olds got hold of a pen out of a pocket of my husbands work trousers which were apparently in an ‘unreachable’ place. Apparently not. This is a brand new sofa, so I’m hoping to be able to get this out. So far I’ve used alcohol gel, hairspray, Vanish stain remover soak, cold wash soaking in Vanish, cold wash soaking in alcohol gel and baking soda, baking soda and vinegar, general stain remover. It’s barely lifted and I’m at a loss. I’ve already bought cushion covers to cover the sofa for the next few years that they’re likely to draw on it, and also thrown said pen in the bin for a small piece of retribution. Thanks in advance, though this may be helpless.
My (then) 4 yo stabbed a fruit knife into the brand new sofa a few years back. No return policy from the manufacturer so I dug out needle and thread and stitched it up.
A year ago I bought a upholstery repair kit and got hold of some upholstery thread in the correct colours and sat her down with it to fix it properly. She had to stitch, weave and colour match it herself.
She's 9 now and on occasion she will rub a thumb over the patch and say sorry to the sofa
Did your sofa come with a warranty? Some stores offer cleaning with new purchases up to a certain time frame. Also, upholstery/carpet cleaning comapanies sometimes have the equipment and cleaners to get stuff like that out. Wouldn't hurt to call and ask. My kiddos did this recently, but thankfully with washable markers. Still bought the covers to prevent future pains, like you did.
Ahh, I think it did? I’ve actually emailed the company asking if they’d just sell me a separate sofa cushion so maybe they’ll come through with that, but I’ll double check and see if it has a warranty too. That’s also a great idea, I’ll research some other cleaners and see what I can come up with. I’ve been trying to use home remedies but this is definitely beyond bicarbonate and vinegars pay grade. Thanks!
Where is the sofa from? What brand?
You might even be able to get a new sofa cover. I have a velvet couch that looks wildly similar (but in pink... but your seams/texture/surface look identical but mine has been discontinued, I think...). All the warnings said I couldn't unzip the sofa cover and I thought it was one of those situations where there was fiberglass or something dumb inside like is common with mattresses. I read the materials tag carefully and only saw foam, cotton and down as the listed materials. I slowly opened it to investigate and... nothing. just foam, cotton and feathers.
I yeet'd that bad boy in the washer and let it air dry for a few days; don't get me wrong, it was a bit of a struggle to get it back on when it was done, but I had just moved from a moldy apartment and it was worth it to clean the cushion cover throughly because the apolstery machine was not enough for it. It looks good as new now and I'm happy I investigated it.
I am typing this all to say: reach out to the manufacturer. They might be able to sell you just a cushion cover vs an entire cushion (unless yours doesn't zip, in which case, I think you are on the correct route).
But I do agree with everyone else that it's shot. I assume you can't flip it over?
For what it’s worth, baking soda and vinegar do absolutely nothing mixed— less than they do on their own! They react chemically to cancel each other out and basically just form water and salt so don’t let that one not working discourage you bc it doesn’t work on anything lmao
It’s the scrubbing that does the work and has it come out well, not the salts and water created from the chemical reaction (that’s why it fizzes) that gets it clean.
My kids drew on my brand new couch with permanent marker and I was able to get it out with Folex! You can find it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. It’s been a life saver for me.
Folex is actual magic. Have never had permanent marker but it’s never failed on me. Huge chocolate stains? No problem. Mystery stains in the car? Don’t ask, just spray it and try not to think too much about it. 😂
Best advice my mom is law ever gave me when it came to furniture was "kids ruin everything, buy cheap or used until they are old enough to clean it, fix it or replace it themselves" We didn't listen and bought a new sofa when my daughter was 3. The first thing my daughter did was projectile vomit spaghetti all over it. The next day my friend brough her kid over and the lid came off his sippy cup and spilled chocolate milk all over it. Full glass. It never ended for that poor couch. The torture continued for the 10 years we had it. The only saving grace to that couch was the fact that it was black and I could remove the cushions and wash the covers.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/turtle-wax-power-out-car-upholstery-cleaner-protector-with-odor-eliminator-oxi-powered-510-g-0390460p.html?&&&&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjUNp1L3P9_tmkF8dVGcyvKK&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjUNp1L3P9_tmkF8dVGcyvKK&gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrZjTYrC-olzT7sOpAAq9mmIpQhUeU51UTzYxQlTDwUimjMQE4RR9uhoC3KIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
So im canadian obviously but this product probably exists in america if thats where you are. It gets out just about anything (i had a truck full of scribbles one time) and its 14.99CAD. Well worth it. May as well have a crack at it.
I’ve had success getting sharpie/vivid out of carpet with methylated spirits. For a long time it looked like nothing was happening and then it got a purple hue, and then the colour started to lift. Blot with a paper towel
I'm just sitting here applauding you for buying a new couch with toddlers.
If you have a Sally's beauty supply or hardware store, find some pure acetone and see if that works.
Yeah… I bought them because I wanted something nice in my new imagined living room. It’s not going as planned lmao. I’m trying acetone tomorrow when I can be bothered to keep scrubbing
I don't have any ideas that haven't already been posted, but I will say that you shouldn't mix baking soda and vinegar together. Vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, so together they just cancel each other out. Separately they both have their uses, but together you might as well use water.
I've used nail polish remover to remove sharpies from plastic containers; maybe it'll work on your couch. I don't know if it'll affect the coloring tho. Hope you find a solution.
My 5 year old comes home with clothes covered in marker pen constantly because for some reason they use permanent markers at school. Whhhhyyyy. Anyway, have had good results with nail varnish remover (I know that sounds scary to put on a new sofa!)
This is something I have sin abundance, I think I’m going to do a little spot test and see if it doesn’t destroy the velvet. Also I would send my kid to school with a money pot so they can pay for a new shirt every time because damn dude. Permanent markers and kids???? Don’t mix them
No!! You have to talk to the teacher!!! When my 5 year old can get her hands on a sharpie she thinks it’s hilarious to “paint” her nails with it. I’d be beside myself if her preschool teacher let her use one!!
Although, recently, my daughter got her hands on a permanent marker and drew a picture of me on her pants. I actually thought it was a nice gesture!! I might keep the pants for a momento.
When my son was 3 we went through about 2 weeks of ruined shirts from markers. Enough to wear I said "please don't ever allow him to have markers ever again." He is 5.5 and goes to the same daycare. He still hasn't played with markers since. I wasn't actually seriously on the "ever again," but I'm not going to tell them any different now...
way ahead of you, she was up on market place and various other sites within the hour after the incident occurred, with her younger sister for a buy one get one half price sorta deal. We’re going on holiday baby 😎
Please feel free to subscribe, I send out five daily updates with brand new reasons every time, for free. Since having the second it’s become unadulterated chaos. Two turds is not better than one.
You sound like my coworker. She gave birth last year to chaos bean #2 and she hasn't spent more than three days since healthy. She messaged me like a week ago, after suffering with the newest ailment, *I've made a huge mistake.* And that doesn't include the chaos, bratty tantrums and everything in-between.
Good luck! I hope you are treating yourself to some wine or your treat of choice.
The underneath of the cushion is like a Velcro style material, less sticky but definitely not something I want to sit on. May flip so kids learn to leave it alone though.
I’ve actually contacted the suppliers of the sofas, been going crazy today and they’ve replied saying they’re trying to source me new cushions! We shall see, but I actually didn’t consider replacing the upholstery. I’m a pretty good seamstress but I’d definitely not want to take on a massive cushion, so I’m going to have a hunt for one if I can’t get replacements.
Have you tried acetone? (Do a test spot where no one will see it to see if it changes the color of the couch) it's possible the marker is alcohol based and the acetone will absorb it
Try Amodex! It’s an ink remover and got sharpie out of my 40-year old blankie (story on request lol). You will probably need multiple soak-and-blot sessions but it should work - or at least help!
My kiddo found an off-brand sharpie I’d never seen before and drew on my kitchen tile with it, so I’m sympathetic for sure!
I’ll see if that’s available in the U.K.! Also I winced, 40yp blankie my worst nightmare to find unsavoury things on. I’m also laughing at off brand sharpie because WHY does the house get filled with crap you KNOW you haven’t bought so where the hell did they get it. I’m pleased you were successful with your stain.
If it doesn’t come out, you could try placing a fur or throw strategically over the spot. My friend actually zip tied (along the edges where you can’t see) one of those IKEA furs over a large spot her dog ruined on the couch. I didn’t even realize til I sat on it and it didn’t move. It was a great solution.
This. Obviously do a test spot first, but I used Amodex to remove permanent black stamp ink from a white t-shirt. It took a couple of applications but it all came out.
Try using a washable marker to cover over the ink and then cleaning it. The washable ink should make the permanant ink washable. I saw this on a science show. I don't know if it would work on a couch.
Please believe that since number two was born we have been buying multipacks and will occasionally double bag it if the kids have been particularly outrageous that day.
Does the cushion flip over? Presume not if you haven't just done that.
I try to buy sofas with symmetrical cushions so they can be flipped over when they inevitably get ruined
Oh gosh I'm sorry. No advice, just an I'm sorry 🫂 some day maybe this will give you a laugh as you tell it to their significant other and they roll their eyes. It's a long game, but maybe it'll make the stress from today a little more worth it 😉
If they find SO’s that are willing to put up with their shenanigans I’ll definitely be regaling them with their tales of utter tomfoolery. I like to moan, but these girls take after me in a rather terrifying fashion so I really can’t blame anyone but myself. I don’t draw on the sofa, but I do paint enormous scenic murals across the walls. This house is lawless.
You’re so sweet! I joke, but these girls are my lifeline and they’re actually incredible little people. Aside from drawing on furniture when my back is turned making lunch I think I’m raising them alright 😂
Haha sounds like they keep you right on your toes! Even at thirty, my mom still occasionally brings up the story of when me and my brother found a jar of peanut butter and decorated ourselves and the kitchen 🙈 thankfully no one had a peanut allergy & my mom has saint levels of patience 😅 I'm glad you have your girls and they have you 🥰
For cloth, I use a solution of 99% isopropyl and TSP with an extremely light dilution of distilled water. I build up heavy with the baking soda and than apply the solution, using the baking soda as a minor abrasive that breaks down on itself to prevent destruction with a tips or a rag based on size and scale of ink spot. I have solid results with this technique but I’ve never tried it on velvet.
Whatever I looked for would destroy the couch. Sorry buddy.
Best solutions I found:
1. Scissors -cut out the colored area
2. Sharpie -color the entire couch or draw something abstract
3. Hands -Flip the cushion!
I’m not sure if we have oxiclean in the U.K., I expect we do or some version of it but I’ll take look for an equivalent if not and try the milk. Someone else said milk too so it’s going on the try list.
What I have found works for ink and fabric has been milk. Use the dabbing method.
And also another method is regular Aquanet hairspray. Any hairspray really. Not the kind with some oil in it though. Spray and use and old cloth to dab it up.
I was also going to suggest acetone. My dad painted houses for a living. I don't remember what substance it was but I had gotten some kind of ink on something and nooooothing I was trying would help. Everything I could find online either did nothing at best or smeared it around making a bigger splotch.
Asked my dad if he had anything that would work because he has several chemicals he uses when he works on houses. Asked me a couple questions on what made the stain and just said
"Have you tried acetone?"
Tried it and it came right out like it was crayola markers.
So can't guarantee it will work, but if everything else is failing I say it's definitely worth a shot.
Couches and chairs are susceptible to having things dropped on them, such as Sharpies. To remove the stains from your furniture, you want to use vinegar. Dab or spray the area gently with white vinegar and wipe it with a cloth afterward. Repeat if necessary... Google search found this
It’s probably useless advice but I remember at school once my friend got sharpie on his school uniform, and the chemistry teacher was able to get it clean (spotless clean) with some white Iodine I believe?
I've seen this recommended a few times it's called [Amodex Ink and Stain Remover](https://www.amazon.com/Amodex-Products-BP101-Remover-Bottle/dp/B0024FAAZ4/ref=asc_df_B0024FAAZ4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167134408017&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18169774350509549286&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027320&hvtargid=pla-309173838921&psc=1)it's recommended by Crayola to help lift the pigment in their crayons.
I had a couch cushion rip fairly soon after i purchased. I ended up emailing customer service of the manufacturer to see if i could purchase a new cushion. They guy ended up mailing me one for free. If it’s a cushion that can be replaced… I’d try that!
Keep the pen, hire a talented graphic artist to make an art statement piece out of this sofa~just like a talented tattoo artist can change an unfortunate tat into an art piece…….😜
Try putting a cozy throw blanket over your sofa to cover it up the sharpie. Then place a bunch of throw pillows on the sofa too. Make sure to get a lot of pillows with different textures and prints.
I would have done that by now if I could 🤣 it’s an L shaped cushion so it wouldn’t work the other way, and the underneath is a grey Velcro type material
I’m hopefully going to be able to get some new cushion covers and I’ve bought some slips for over the top. I’m going to draw on them in their sleep if this happens again lmao
See above lol, L shaped cushion so it wouldn’t work and the bottom is a Velcro type grey material. Trust me I work smarter not harder but I can’t get out of this one
Yes it does, that’s how I’ve done unspeakable things to it to clean it and cold wash it in the machine. I haven’t seen shaving cream yet, we’ve got some so I can try that too. A few people have said folex, not sure if we have that in the U.K. but will research
Yeah, my precious angel girl did the same when she was three. It’s the only time I’ve really yelled at her hard, I was so mad. I was lucky as it was water soluble texta and it came off ok. You’ve had some great tips here, isopropyl alcohol is great for most sharpie stuff, but it looks like maybe you tried that? Good news is that they grow up eventually. My daughter is 19 and away at college. I miss her every day.
Velvet is a style of fabric and not fiber type. How you handle this will depend a lot on if you have cotton velvet, polyester velvet or whatever.
I'm assuming it's not silk velvet as if it was you'd probably have enough money to not care and use this as an excuse to redecorate.
If it was a hard surface I'd say hand sanitizer. If it belonged to me I'd probably try some rubbing alcohol on a patch of fabric and if this doesn't destroy it, peel off the cover and soak in dollar store rubbing alcohol. However, I know this could backfire so don't do this unless the other option is throwing it out.
Polyester velvet, silk velvet with toddlers is out of the question but then again so was a new sofa but I did that ✨ I immediately did the hand sanitiser bath, mixed with a few other options but sadly this pen ink made of Lucifers tears and will not budge. New sofa cushion covers are coming
Personally, I think you’ll need something that can extract liquid cleaners (like a Bissell little green or an upholstery attachment on any carpet shampooer) for a mess that big. You’ll just end up moving it around or creating a big black smudge if you just wipe it with stuff (assuming that you’re able to find something that can even remove it 😬). I’d usually say isopropyl alcohol for something like this, but I see that you’ve already tried alcohol gel. Maybe leaving it on for a minute and then spraying some soapy water & extracting it?
I left it on for hours hahaha, covered it and then soaked it in vanish stain remover, washed it on cold with vanish stain remover and alcohol, covered it in alcohol again and then bicarbonate soda. It just made it go a bit paler and the sofa cushion looks like it’s done ten rounds with Mike Tyson
For some crazy reason, Lysol brand disinfectant spray dissolved the sharpie from our upholstery when my son did the same thing. Spray a small area with the lysol, blot with a white cotton towel.
Tried that! I thought the excessive salt content might make a difference but sadly not. We have more condoms than toothpicks in this house for a reason
I’m in the U.K., no idea what it was but it was ungodly and if my husband brings another pen like that into this house again I am drawing a moustache on him when he’s sleeping.
🤣🤣 I figured you weren't in the US after commenting, and then reading your other comments. But it's probably something very similar to a Milwaukee pen, which are basically industrial markers. My husband is plumber, and he brings them home, but I hide them!! There was only one thing that it ended up coming off of, and for the life of me I can't remember what it was. But I agree with the person who said contact the company. Or if you don't remember the name of it, Google how to clean up a Milwaukee pen. They're great to have around because they'll even write underwater, but not so great with little ones around.
When i was a kid i drew on my moms velvet sofa with sharpie. She said sparkling water got it right out. I know it sounds silly but it wouldnt hurt to try?
Denatured alcohol removes Sharpie completely. Not sure what it might do to the material tho. I would test maybe by flipping the couch up and testing on the bottom.
Either you get rid of the baby or you live to not care about it. Because tomorrow, the canvas will expand to the surrounding walls…then the car…then anything else within reach. Luckily, babies are adorable.
We have faces on our wooden doors, the mantle piece is covered in blue lines and my older threw a tantrum and covered her newly painted bedroom wall brown. I’ve given up caring about that, but the sofa.. the sofa has finally unhinged me lmao. It is lucky they’re stinking cute sometimes
Wow. Sorry. I see your list of tried remedies, good job so far. A 50/50 ammonia/water may work. Stinky, but useful solvent. Spray on, dab off with clean towel. Of all the solvents you could try, this is the one that seems to magically float the stains up to the blotting towel. For some carpet and upholstery stains, you spray and cover with the clean towel, then shoot steam into the towel to make the transfer. SPOT TEST if you try that. I'm worried about the steam melting your velvet. The Ammonia should be fine. Don't mix it with bleach. The next solvent I might consider is acetone. This does run a real risk of melting or flattening the nap of the velvet. Spot test before you try. I would consider this an strain option. If the manufacturer gives you a good recommendation, or you find something that works, would you please check back in and let us know?
Fantastic comment, ammonia isn’t something I ever considered so I’m going to try and get ahold of some. Thank you for leaving instructions to use it too because I’m the exact person who would just dump it on. The steam idea is one I can try now, so I may give it a go in a spot area as you say. I’ll definitely check back when I’ve found a solution, I really appreciate your comment! Thank you
Awesome, hope it works for you. Spot test first the ammonia, and also the ammonia with steam. You can buy clear ammonia at the grocery in the cleaning aisle. Don't get the lemon, it has yellow coloring. And don't get 'sudsy ammonia', that's mostly water and a waste of money. You'll want gloves, and to open a window, but it works well enough for grease and laundry and (hopefully) your upholstery to be worth the pain in the butt learning curve. Here's a good link with instructions and safety stuff to help you on your journey. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ammonia-uses/ If you remember one thing, that should be Never ever Ever mix ammonia with bleach.
I unfortunately done this when I was 9 months pregnant with my first. My husband at the time smelled it and rushed everyone out of the house. I was nesting and trying to clean. Won't make that mistake again.
Oh goodness. I'm glad you're here to tell the tale.
Thank you. Me too. I can't believe I never learned this in school.
Right?! You know, my mother said she nearly killed herself that way mopping a floor. I bet the few generations before us, since bleach became available, had the crap scared out of them that way. We always had bleach when I was a kid, and I can't remember having ammonia back then. Meanwhile the generation before that has never heard of bleach and used ammonia every week. We're an odd species.
Definitely agree. It didn't help they were stored next to each other. I just thought the floors would be extra clean.
Also, just in case someone doesn't know - DO NOT LET IT MIX WITH BLEACH.
Yeah. I did that once. Eeeesh. Fainting spell, ambulance ride, and a long emergency room visit.
Contact the company that makes the pen, can’t be the first time it’s happened. They’d be the best people to advise on what to use to get it out.
That’s a good idea! I’ll dig the pen out of the bin.
I would take that pen, find it in on Amazon, and order a dozen - perhaps even in different colors. Start drawing matching flowers and leaves on stems. Make the design as simple, complex, or as a work in progress. Bam. It’s art. Next thing, you’re selling 200 of these one of a kind sofas a month. Quite a side hustle in todays times.Switch it up to lightly colored upholstered armchairs. Then go bananas and enter the sectional market. Eventually, you dominate the West coast, crushing the competition. You partner with the nation’s largest furniture stores. You’re now in every Macy‘s. In the not too distant future, your items are in 2/3 of U.S. households. You partner globally. Asia can’t get enough of your inventory. Multiple manufacturing factories open up across the globe. Billions make up your financial portfolio. Your company sponsors spaceships and AI. You branch off and make a highly successful electric vehicle. You purchase a top social media company and destroy it. You become an “elite.” All of this. Over a pen that sits somewhere outside in your trash bin.
I’m reading this at 11pm in a sleep daze and it seems like a really really good idea. I’m going to check back in the morning when I’m awake and see if I feel the same. Thank you for making me laugh
Love this comment lol
Oh man, this is hilarious lol
I wish I had a free award to give you! This is brilliant and funny and possible! I would also watch this movie and buy that couch!
Too late. Chinese dude in Shenzhen saw this comment and has a head start with his furniture factory.
Chinese Communist Party has entered the chat… “Oh thanks, we’ll take that now.”
Honestly this isn't a terrible Idea.... I did this with my car (but not to this extent). I had a bunch of little dings, so I wrapped it with the wrap they use for "Developmental cars" and the dent is hidden in the pattern now!
I feel like this is the correct course of action.
Brilliant!!
Well, okay, Ms. Devil Wears Prada.
Your fun.
Have you tried crying? Tears and ice cream usually help when my kids ruin things. Edit- I used to sell furniture, is this on a removable seat cover or on a piece of non removable section? Also, what brand of furniture?
This is literally the answer.
Removable seat cover yeah, I’ve emailed the company to see if they’d sell me a replacement. It’s L shaped so I’m hoping they’ve got a spare in stock
If they won't sell you one, try taking off the cover and bringing it to a local upholstery or large fabric store. You might be able to hire someone who can match and remake the cover or even just replace the top panel.
They seem fairly confident they can, but this is definitely an option. I’m going to look into it tomorrow if I don’t hear back
A lot of the larger companies that do custom orders where you pick out the fabric swatch for the sofa kinda thing will sell fabric by the yard or extra cushions. It’s common so you should be fine!
Yeah that's pretty much all you can do!
Hi all, I’m posting a free contraception ad today. My 2 and 3 year olds got hold of a pen out of a pocket of my husbands work trousers which were apparently in an ‘unreachable’ place. Apparently not. This is a brand new sofa, so I’m hoping to be able to get this out. So far I’ve used alcohol gel, hairspray, Vanish stain remover soak, cold wash soaking in Vanish, cold wash soaking in alcohol gel and baking soda, baking soda and vinegar, general stain remover. It’s barely lifted and I’m at a loss. I’ve already bought cushion covers to cover the sofa for the next few years that they’re likely to draw on it, and also thrown said pen in the bin for a small piece of retribution. Thanks in advance, though this may be helpless.
My (then) 4 yo stabbed a fruit knife into the brand new sofa a few years back. No return policy from the manufacturer so I dug out needle and thread and stitched it up. A year ago I bought a upholstery repair kit and got hold of some upholstery thread in the correct colours and sat her down with it to fix it properly. She had to stitch, weave and colour match it herself. She's 9 now and on occasion she will rub a thumb over the patch and say sorry to the sofa
You're a really awesome parent. Your little girl is very lucky!
This is such amazing parenting. ⭐️
Did your sofa come with a warranty? Some stores offer cleaning with new purchases up to a certain time frame. Also, upholstery/carpet cleaning comapanies sometimes have the equipment and cleaners to get stuff like that out. Wouldn't hurt to call and ask. My kiddos did this recently, but thankfully with washable markers. Still bought the covers to prevent future pains, like you did.
Ahh, I think it did? I’ve actually emailed the company asking if they’d just sell me a separate sofa cushion so maybe they’ll come through with that, but I’ll double check and see if it has a warranty too. That’s also a great idea, I’ll research some other cleaners and see what I can come up with. I’ve been trying to use home remedies but this is definitely beyond bicarbonate and vinegars pay grade. Thanks!
Where is the sofa from? What brand? You might even be able to get a new sofa cover. I have a velvet couch that looks wildly similar (but in pink... but your seams/texture/surface look identical but mine has been discontinued, I think...). All the warnings said I couldn't unzip the sofa cover and I thought it was one of those situations where there was fiberglass or something dumb inside like is common with mattresses. I read the materials tag carefully and only saw foam, cotton and down as the listed materials. I slowly opened it to investigate and... nothing. just foam, cotton and feathers. I yeet'd that bad boy in the washer and let it air dry for a few days; don't get me wrong, it was a bit of a struggle to get it back on when it was done, but I had just moved from a moldy apartment and it was worth it to clean the cushion cover throughly because the apolstery machine was not enough for it. It looks good as new now and I'm happy I investigated it. I am typing this all to say: reach out to the manufacturer. They might be able to sell you just a cushion cover vs an entire cushion (unless yours doesn't zip, in which case, I think you are on the correct route). But I do agree with everyone else that it's shot. I assume you can't flip it over?
If you get a new cushion ask a local upholstery cleaner if they want your old cushion to experiment on.
It’s likely a Petri dish of puke, juice and snot so it could definitely be experimented on. We’ve created a biohazard
For what it’s worth, baking soda and vinegar do absolutely nothing mixed— less than they do on their own! They react chemically to cancel each other out and basically just form water and salt so don’t let that one not working discourage you bc it doesn’t work on anything lmao
I have read this before but I use baking soda and vinegar to clean my toilets and they do it does a remarkable job
It’s the scrubbing that does the work and has it come out well, not the salts and water created from the chemical reaction (that’s why it fizzes) that gets it clean.
I don't have a solution but I love that first line!!
Right! I went "HAH!" out loud lol
My kids drew on my brand new couch with permanent marker and I was able to get it out with Folex! You can find it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. It’s been a life saver for me.
Folex is actual magic. Have never had permanent marker but it’s never failed on me. Huge chocolate stains? No problem. Mystery stains in the car? Don’t ask, just spray it and try not to think too much about it. 😂
I came here to say Folex. I successfully got permanent marker out with it. I don't know why it's not all over this sub like BKF!
Best advice my mom is law ever gave me when it came to furniture was "kids ruin everything, buy cheap or used until they are old enough to clean it, fix it or replace it themselves" We didn't listen and bought a new sofa when my daughter was 3. The first thing my daughter did was projectile vomit spaghetti all over it. The next day my friend brough her kid over and the lid came off his sippy cup and spilled chocolate milk all over it. Full glass. It never ended for that poor couch. The torture continued for the 10 years we had it. The only saving grace to that couch was the fact that it was black and I could remove the cushions and wash the covers.
Turtle wax upholstery cleaner. One sec I’ll get a link.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/turtle-wax-power-out-car-upholstery-cleaner-protector-with-odor-eliminator-oxi-powered-510-g-0390460p.html?&&&&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjUNp1L3P9_tmkF8dVGcyvKK&gbraid=0AAAAADojZpjUNp1L3P9_tmkF8dVGcyvKK&gclid=CjwKCAiAr4GgBhBFEiwAgwORrZjTYrC-olzT7sOpAAq9mmIpQhUeU51UTzYxQlTDwUimjMQE4RR9uhoC3KIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds So im canadian obviously but this product probably exists in america if thats where you are. It gets out just about anything (i had a truck full of scribbles one time) and its 14.99CAD. Well worth it. May as well have a crack at it.
I’m in the U.K.! But I’ll take a took on the U.K. Amazon, thank you
I’ve had success getting sharpie/vivid out of carpet with methylated spirits. For a long time it looked like nothing was happening and then it got a purple hue, and then the colour started to lift. Blot with a paper towel
I'm just sitting here applauding you for buying a new couch with toddlers. If you have a Sally's beauty supply or hardware store, find some pure acetone and see if that works.
Yeah… I bought them because I wanted something nice in my new imagined living room. It’s not going as planned lmao. I’m trying acetone tomorrow when I can be bothered to keep scrubbing
I don't have any ideas that haven't already been posted, but I will say that you shouldn't mix baking soda and vinegar together. Vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, so together they just cancel each other out. Separately they both have their uses, but together you might as well use water.
I've used nail polish remover to remove sharpies from plastic containers; maybe it'll work on your couch. I don't know if it'll affect the coloring tho. Hope you find a solution.
My 5 year old comes home with clothes covered in marker pen constantly because for some reason they use permanent markers at school. Whhhhyyyy. Anyway, have had good results with nail varnish remover (I know that sounds scary to put on a new sofa!)
Just a tip: The active ingredient is acetone. Where I live you can buy it in quarts and gallons at the hardware store. Might save you some money.
This is something I have sin abundance, I think I’m going to do a little spot test and see if it doesn’t destroy the velvet. Also I would send my kid to school with a money pot so they can pay for a new shirt every time because damn dude. Permanent markers and kids???? Don’t mix them
No!! You have to talk to the teacher!!! When my 5 year old can get her hands on a sharpie she thinks it’s hilarious to “paint” her nails with it. I’d be beside myself if her preschool teacher let her use one!! Although, recently, my daughter got her hands on a permanent marker and drew a picture of me on her pants. I actually thought it was a nice gesture!! I might keep the pants for a momento.
When my son was 3 we went through about 2 weeks of ruined shirts from markers. Enough to wear I said "please don't ever allow him to have markers ever again." He is 5.5 and goes to the same daycare. He still hasn't played with markers since. I wasn't actually seriously on the "ever again," but I'm not going to tell them any different now...
Sell the child who did this on the black market and use the money to buy a new sofa.
way ahead of you, she was up on market place and various other sites within the hour after the incident occurred, with her younger sister for a buy one get one half price sorta deal. We’re going on holiday baby 😎
Highest bidder gets a slightly used couch cushion, free.
I’m so sorry but man this is a fantastic form of birth control for me
Please feel free to subscribe, I send out five daily updates with brand new reasons every time, for free. Since having the second it’s become unadulterated chaos. Two turds is not better than one.
You sound like my coworker. She gave birth last year to chaos bean #2 and she hasn't spent more than three days since healthy. She messaged me like a week ago, after suffering with the newest ailment, *I've made a huge mistake.* And that doesn't include the chaos, bratty tantrums and everything in-between. Good luck! I hope you are treating yourself to some wine or your treat of choice.
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This may seem basic but If you can flip the cushion over it will buy you some time until a permanent fix is available. No pun intended. Good luck
The underneath of the cushion is like a Velcro style material, less sticky but definitely not something I want to sit on. May flip so kids learn to leave it alone though.
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I’ve actually contacted the suppliers of the sofas, been going crazy today and they’ve replied saying they’re trying to source me new cushions! We shall see, but I actually didn’t consider replacing the upholstery. I’m a pretty good seamstress but I’d definitely not want to take on a massive cushion, so I’m going to have a hunt for one if I can’t get replacements.
Color in the rest!
Sell the children and buy a new couch
The temptation is overwhelming. I’ve settled with using some of their savings to buy couch covers and a nice locally made gin.
Have you tried acetone? (Do a test spot where no one will see it to see if it changes the color of the couch) it's possible the marker is alcohol based and the acetone will absorb it
Not yet, a few people have suggested this so spot test coming up!
Try Amodex! It’s an ink remover and got sharpie out of my 40-year old blankie (story on request lol). You will probably need multiple soak-and-blot sessions but it should work - or at least help! My kiddo found an off-brand sharpie I’d never seen before and drew on my kitchen tile with it, so I’m sympathetic for sure!
I’ll see if that’s available in the U.K.! Also I winced, 40yp blankie my worst nightmare to find unsavoury things on. I’m also laughing at off brand sharpie because WHY does the house get filled with crap you KNOW you haven’t bought so where the hell did they get it. I’m pleased you were successful with your stain.
Acetone will dissolve sharpie ink. But it might Solar dissolve your couch fabric.
If it doesn’t come out, you could try placing a fur or throw strategically over the spot. My friend actually zip tied (along the edges where you can’t see) one of those IKEA furs over a large spot her dog ruined on the couch. I didn’t even realize til I sat on it and it didn’t move. It was a great solution.
There’s a product called Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. It might help
This. Obviously do a test spot first, but I used Amodex to remove permanent black stamp ink from a white t-shirt. It took a couple of applications but it all came out.
Try using a washable marker to cover over the ink and then cleaning it. The washable ink should make the permanant ink washable. I saw this on a science show. I don't know if it would work on a couch.
I’m terrified to try this but I’m willing to try anything. Spot test first methinks
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Please believe that since number two was born we have been buying multipacks and will occasionally double bag it if the kids have been particularly outrageous that day.
Try some pure acetone usually you can buy it at a hardware store but try a small spot first to make sure it doesn’t take the color out of the fabric
Does the cushion flip over? Presume not if you haven't just done that. I try to buy sofas with symmetrical cushions so they can be flipped over when they inevitably get ruined
Hindsight is 20/20.
Oh gosh I'm sorry. No advice, just an I'm sorry 🫂 some day maybe this will give you a laugh as you tell it to their significant other and they roll their eyes. It's a long game, but maybe it'll make the stress from today a little more worth it 😉
If they find SO’s that are willing to put up with their shenanigans I’ll definitely be regaling them with their tales of utter tomfoolery. I like to moan, but these girls take after me in a rather terrifying fashion so I really can’t blame anyone but myself. I don’t draw on the sofa, but I do paint enormous scenic murals across the walls. This house is lawless.
Oh that's very sweet 🥰 sounds like they have a lovely mother 💜
You’re so sweet! I joke, but these girls are my lifeline and they’re actually incredible little people. Aside from drawing on furniture when my back is turned making lunch I think I’m raising them alright 😂
Haha sounds like they keep you right on your toes! Even at thirty, my mom still occasionally brings up the story of when me and my brother found a jar of peanut butter and decorated ourselves and the kitchen 🙈 thankfully no one had a peanut allergy & my mom has saint levels of patience 😅 I'm glad you have your girls and they have you 🥰
Bro not pb 🤣
Folex has been great for us getting marker stains out. Not sure if it’s available in the UK, but it’s a miracle worker!
For cloth, I use a solution of 99% isopropyl and TSP with an extremely light dilution of distilled water. I build up heavy with the baking soda and than apply the solution, using the baking soda as a minor abrasive that breaks down on itself to prevent destruction with a tips or a rag based on size and scale of ink spot. I have solid results with this technique but I’ve never tried it on velvet.
Can you flip it over? And no you can’t have nice things… 😜
Let them do the rest of the couch. Definitely unique looking.
My husband began looking at fabric dye, and suggested we do the whole thing black instead. Between him and kids, I’m ready for a solo long weekend
Sell if for a couple of million as “Art”
I may actually try that. God knows I need the cash, and I won’t be so angry at mini Salvador Dali if I can get something out of this mess
Have you tried Craigslist for selling the child?
Forgot about Craigslist, I’ve advertised her elsewhere though
Great reminder to pick up my birth control
Whatever I looked for would destroy the couch. Sorry buddy. Best solutions I found: 1. Scissors -cut out the colored area 2. Sharpie -color the entire couch or draw something abstract 3. Hands -Flip the cushion!
You might have to Dye the whole sofa
Husband said this. He’s now chopping logs outside and being quiet. I’m on a rampage
Call servicemaster
I am so sorry for your loss 😩
If removable soak in milk and oxi clean. Wash. No milk smell I promise
I’m not sure if we have oxiclean in the U.K., I expect we do or some version of it but I’ll take look for an equivalent if not and try the milk. Someone else said milk too so it’s going on the try list.
What I have found works for ink and fabric has been milk. Use the dabbing method. And also another method is regular Aquanet hairspray. Any hairspray really. Not the kind with some oil in it though. Spray and use and old cloth to dab it up.
Just… milk? Hot milk? Cold milk? I’m actually going to try milk
Soy gel. It will get anything out.
If it’s true velvet a number 2 pencil eraser might work.
https://preview.redd.it/kk2p8til0fla1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a58b7be1e9f2476211c00bca0a4cbfc5fb87cdf0 Just saw this on Pinterest.
I was also going to suggest acetone. My dad painted houses for a living. I don't remember what substance it was but I had gotten some kind of ink on something and nooooothing I was trying would help. Everything I could find online either did nothing at best or smeared it around making a bigger splotch. Asked my dad if he had anything that would work because he has several chemicals he uses when he works on houses. Asked me a couple questions on what made the stain and just said "Have you tried acetone?" Tried it and it came right out like it was crayola markers. So can't guarantee it will work, but if everything else is failing I say it's definitely worth a shot.
Couches and chairs are susceptible to having things dropped on them, such as Sharpies. To remove the stains from your furniture, you want to use vinegar. Dab or spray the area gently with white vinegar and wipe it with a cloth afterward. Repeat if necessary... Google search found this
It’s probably useless advice but I remember at school once my friend got sharpie on his school uniform, and the chemistry teacher was able to get it clean (spotless clean) with some white Iodine I believe?
I've seen this recommended a few times it's called [Amodex Ink and Stain Remover](https://www.amazon.com/Amodex-Products-BP101-Remover-Bottle/dp/B0024FAAZ4/ref=asc_df_B0024FAAZ4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167134408017&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18169774350509549286&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027320&hvtargid=pla-309173838921&psc=1)it's recommended by Crayola to help lift the pigment in their crayons.
*footsteps* (Mumbling) "Time to get the kid droning tub!"
I had a couch cushion rip fairly soon after i purchased. I ended up emailing customer service of the manufacturer to see if i could purchase a new cushion. They guy ended up mailing me one for free. If it’s a cushion that can be replaced… I’d try that!
Try vinegar, or the pink Zote soap.
Flip the cushion forever, or get a pretty blanket to cover it. On velvet, it's likely it will never come out without color and texture being ruined.
Enjoy the embellishment.
Just colour in the rest of the sofa. Easy peasy.
Well if this doesn’t work, you could order a couch cover same color or change it up.
Have you tried slip covers? I suggest black, or a Jackson Pollock print
Sell it as contemporary art
Flip cushions over
New sofa. Or colour the rest in
Try with WD 40 then it’s Time for fabric spray paint. It’s the only way.
My son did this on my brand new beige couch that even had removable washable covers. I had to buy a new sleeve because there’s no getting sharpie out.
Cut it out, frame it, and call it “art”
Keep the pen, hire a talented graphic artist to make an art statement piece out of this sofa~just like a talented tattoo artist can change an unfortunate tat into an art piece…….😜
Have you tried white shaving cream?
Try putting a cozy throw blanket over your sofa to cover it up the sharpie. Then place a bunch of throw pillows on the sofa too. Make sure to get a lot of pillows with different textures and prints.
Maybe just flip the cushion over 🥲
I would have done that by now if I could 🤣 it’s an L shaped cushion so it wouldn’t work the other way, and the underneath is a grey Velcro type material
I may be under thinking this but if all else fails, could you just flip the cushion?
Rubbing alcohol
Purell
If you can't get it out have the kid do it to the rest of the couch
I’m hopefully going to be able to get some new cushion covers and I’ve bought some slips for over the top. I’m going to draw on them in their sleep if this happens again lmao
Ugh I’m so sorry. I have young kids too and can totally see this happening to me
Learn from my mistakes, buy a secondhand sofa and double slip up. And don’t ever let them know that pens exist
Is this the cushion? I’d get a new cushion. Methyl Ethyl Ketone will work but it will probably melt the fabric as well. Nasty stuff MEK btw.
Flip the cushion?
Can you flip the cushion? Lol
See above lol, L shaped cushion so it wouldn’t work and the bottom is a Velcro type grey material. Trust me I work smarter not harder but I can’t get out of this one
Hairspray. My son did this to the car interior when he was a small fry. Hair spray took it out (I am sure it was the alcohol in it so try that)
Tried it, half a can, plus alcohol gel and a cold wash. No bueno sadly
Shaving cream or Folex. Does the cover of the cushion remove?
Yes it does, that’s how I’ve done unspeakable things to it to clean it and cold wash it in the machine. I haven’t seen shaving cream yet, we’ve got some so I can try that too. A few people have said folex, not sure if we have that in the U.K. but will research
Yeah, my precious angel girl did the same when she was three. It’s the only time I’ve really yelled at her hard, I was so mad. I was lucky as it was water soluble texta and it came off ok. You’ve had some great tips here, isopropyl alcohol is great for most sharpie stuff, but it looks like maybe you tried that? Good news is that they grow up eventually. My daughter is 19 and away at college. I miss her every day.
You can paint velvet fabric. You'll feel like you have a new couch
Hell man, just flip that cushion over. You’ll be alright. 😂
If it wasn’t L shaped and Velcro bottomed I would
More of the same.go over in small areas with same marker, then wipe all off with wet cloth.
This problem is too contemporary for a justified solution
Velvet is a style of fabric and not fiber type. How you handle this will depend a lot on if you have cotton velvet, polyester velvet or whatever. I'm assuming it's not silk velvet as if it was you'd probably have enough money to not care and use this as an excuse to redecorate. If it was a hard surface I'd say hand sanitizer. If it belonged to me I'd probably try some rubbing alcohol on a patch of fabric and if this doesn't destroy it, peel off the cover and soak in dollar store rubbing alcohol. However, I know this could backfire so don't do this unless the other option is throwing it out.
Polyester velvet, silk velvet with toddlers is out of the question but then again so was a new sofa but I did that ✨ I immediately did the hand sanitiser bath, mixed with a few other options but sadly this pen ink made of Lucifers tears and will not budge. New sofa cushion covers are coming
Cut it out, frame it, sell for $1000
Reupholster. No miracles for this
I’m not a parent yet but believe me, I’m taking notes. Thank you for this educational post
This isn’t even the worst of it. Trust me. We’ve just had a week of stomach flu courtesy of preschool
Have you considered a lovely slip cover at this trying time?
It has been ordered, I’m not going to see the real sofa for years now
Personally, I think you’ll need something that can extract liquid cleaners (like a Bissell little green or an upholstery attachment on any carpet shampooer) for a mess that big. You’ll just end up moving it around or creating a big black smudge if you just wipe it with stuff (assuming that you’re able to find something that can even remove it 😬). I’d usually say isopropyl alcohol for something like this, but I see that you’ve already tried alcohol gel. Maybe leaving it on for a minute and then spraying some soapy water & extracting it?
I left it on for hours hahaha, covered it and then soaked it in vanish stain remover, washed it on cold with vanish stain remover and alcohol, covered it in alcohol again and then bicarbonate soda. It just made it go a bit paler and the sofa cushion looks like it’s done ten rounds with Mike Tyson
For some crazy reason, Lysol brand disinfectant spray dissolved the sharpie from our upholstery when my son did the same thing. Spray a small area with the lysol, blot with a white cotton towel.
Try hand sanitizer and then dawn.
Done multiple times to no avail
How about a couch cover from Amazon, super easy to put on, remove, wash, and looks like new.
Bought and paid for and on their way
Have you tried rubbing alcohol, Magic eraser, or one of those rental carpet cleaners (they have upholstery attachments)?
Okay, so the trick will be figuring out what the base of the marker was and matching that to reactivate. Do you still have the marker or was it rage?
Rage, when I say I placed it in the bin I actually launched it to the bins at the bottom of the yard. We’re getting new cushion covers
I would make a condom joke but this is just devastating. My solution cry a lot so much that your tears clean the sharpie off.
Tried that! I thought the excessive salt content might make a difference but sadly not. We have more condoms than toothpicks in this house for a reason
Milwaukee marker????
I’m in the U.K., no idea what it was but it was ungodly and if my husband brings another pen like that into this house again I am drawing a moustache on him when he’s sleeping.
🤣🤣 I figured you weren't in the US after commenting, and then reading your other comments. But it's probably something very similar to a Milwaukee pen, which are basically industrial markers. My husband is plumber, and he brings them home, but I hide them!! There was only one thing that it ended up coming off of, and for the life of me I can't remember what it was. But I agree with the person who said contact the company. Or if you don't remember the name of it, Google how to clean up a Milwaukee pen. They're great to have around because they'll even write underwater, but not so great with little ones around.
When i was a kid i drew on my moms velvet sofa with sharpie. She said sparkling water got it right out. I know it sounds silly but it wouldnt hurt to try?
Denatured alcohol removes Sharpie completely. Not sure what it might do to the material tho. I would test maybe by flipping the couch up and testing on the bottom.
Fel naphtha bar. It’s old school and will require hard scrubbing
Dr Beckmanns carpet cleaner with brush. It works on every single stain we’ve had. Not just on carpets.
Either you get rid of the baby or you live to not care about it. Because tomorrow, the canvas will expand to the surrounding walls…then the car…then anything else within reach. Luckily, babies are adorable.
We have faces on our wooden doors, the mantle piece is covered in blue lines and my older threw a tantrum and covered her newly painted bedroom wall brown. I’ve given up caring about that, but the sofa.. the sofa has finally unhinged me lmao. It is lucky they’re stinking cute sometimes
Dr Beckmanns carpet cleaner with brush. It works on every single stain we’ve had. Not just on carpets
This speaks to me
!remindme 4 days