BEAT IT FOR £0
With stuff already in your cupboard
Rubbing alcohol dab
Dab with surgical spirit or hand sanitiser on a cotton pad, blotting from the outside in. Rinse, then wash as normal.
Does it work? Yes, for ballpoint on cotton.
Tap another number to meet that monster.
EASY WIN
Bedroom · monster 2 of 5
How to get biro out of a duvet cover
Meet Inky Ian. Someone was doing homework in bed.
Scare-o-meter1/5
Ink looks scary, but fresh marks often lift.
FIRST MOVE
Put a folded cloth under the stain so it doesn’t spread.
BIG GUNS
If the free fix gives up
Ink stain remover
Worth it for gel pens and markers. Test a hidden bit first.
Myth or not? · Busted
“Hairspray gets biro out”
Modern hairsprays contain stiffeners that can make ink stains worse. Rubbing alcohol works better and costs less.
OOPS. DON’T…
- Washing it before treating. Heat sets ink.
- Rubbing. It spreads.
CALL A PRO IF…
It’s silk or dry-clean only. Take it to a dry cleaner.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
More monsters in the bedroom
WASH DAYBedroomYellow stains on pillowsMeet Yellow YolandaYour pillow has a tan. It didn’t go on holiday.Free fix: Bio powder + warm washAIR ITBedroomMusty mattressMeet Musty MorrisSmells a bit… lived in.Free fix: Hoover, bicarb, wait5-MIN JOBBedroomDusty skirting boardsMeet Dusty DoreenA whole dust bunny village down there.Free fix: Damp microfibre clothAIR ITBedroomMusty wardrobeMeet Whiffy WilfYour clothes smell like a charity shop. Without the bargains.Free fix: Empty, wipe, air