Ballpoint pens are commonly called "biro" in Europe. If biro, or ballpoint ink, spills on wood, or your child decides to draw on the wood using the pen, the ink can be difficult to remove. However, several household products can lift or dissolve the ink. Depending on the size of the stain and type of wood, it may take several attempts to remove all of the ink.

  • Ballpoint pens are commonly called "biro" in Europe.
  • If biro, or ballpoint ink, spills on wood, or your child decides to draw on the wood using the pen, the ink can be difficult to remove.

Combine 1 tbsp of baking soda with 1 tbsp of water to form a paste. If the paste is watery, add a bit more baking soda; if the paste is too thick, add a little more water.

Dip your finger into the paste. Rub the paste over the biro stain. Allow the stain to dry on the biro, absorbing it.

Dampen a cotton cloth with water. Wipe away the baking soda paste. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.

Dampen a cotton ball or cotton swab with vinegar. Rub the vinegar into the biro stain.

  • Dampen a cotton cloth with water.
  • Rub the vinegar into the biro stain.

Saturate a soft cloth in a bowl of milk. Lay the cloth over the stain, placing a cup or bowl over the cloth to hold it in place directly over the stain.

Allow the milk to work into the stain for 30 minutes. Remove the cloth.

Dampen a soft cloth in water. Wipe away residue remaining from the milk. Repeat the process until the stain has lifted.

  • Allow the milk to work into the stain for 30 minutes.
  • Dampen a soft cloth in water.

Dampen a cotton ball or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. If rubbing alcohol is not available, use a hairspray containing rubbing alcohol.

Dab at the biro stain to lift the stain. Continue dabbing until the stain lifts.

Dampen a cotton cloth with water. Wipe the area to remove rubbing alcohol residue.