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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think there's nothing I can do?

38 replies

NoThatsBad · 04/03/2024 21:19

On holiday in Spain just now, leaving at 5am on Wednesday so 1 day left. I've just noticed that DS (3) has managed to get a BIG blue ink stain on the full length, lined, sand coloured curtains that cover the full wall (2 large sliding doors). Am I right in thinking I've no way of fixing this? If anyone has any ideas then please do share!

AIBU to think there's nothing I can do?
OP posts:
YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 04/03/2024 21:21

I mean I would definitely be trying! What have you tried? Dr Beckmans would always be my first port of call.

IncompleteSenten · 04/03/2024 21:22

I seriously doubt that's coming out tbh
Did you take out insurance for accidental damage?

Whattodo112222 · 04/03/2024 21:25

Yep. That looks pretty hard to get off...

Do you have insurance? Is it a hotel or apartment?

Onelifeonly · 04/03/2024 21:26

Get a dry clean remover for ink if you can. I once got black ink out of a pair of beige trousers using one. Took ages and many applications, but it worked. You also need a clean white cloth to blot it with.

MixingPlaydough · 04/03/2024 21:27

I wouldn't think there's anything you could do to get it out to be honest.

I echo a previous poster do you have insurance?

springcantcome2soon · 04/03/2024 21:27

Are you sure it was him, wondering how you know it's him?
Milk is good but might leave a stain .

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 04/03/2024 21:27

So rubbing or soaking the patch in cows milk is always my ink go to (lots of experience) but you will need to be able to at least rinse it out or blot it out with water or obviously it will smell

Hellocatshome · 04/03/2024 21:28

Are you sure he did it and it wasn't there before? Is it a hotel, AirBnB, private house?

I would own up and pay to have them cleaned. Anything you do at this point is likely to make it worse and take up the last day of your holiday.

Original poster
NoThatsBad · 04/03/2024 21:29

It's an aparthotel.

I've not tried anything yet. Literally just noticed it when I went to close the curtains and I'm scared to do anything in case I make it worse (if that's even possible).

We have insurance.

OP posts:
CheapThrillsMeanNothing · 04/03/2024 21:31

Hand sanitising gel (with a high alcohol content) can removed biro ink.
What sort of pen did he use?

Lesina · 04/03/2024 21:32

If it’s a hotel and they don’t have a damages policy I’d think nothing of it. I work in the hospitality industry and honestly they will have seen much worse :)

Snipples · 04/03/2024 21:32

Hairspray works. It's the alcohol in the spray that lifts the stain. Spray it liberally and blot with a paper towel and keep going til you get it all. Good luck!

MixingPlaydough · 04/03/2024 21:32

NoThatsBad · 04/03/2024 21:29

It's an aparthotel.

I've not tried anything yet. Literally just noticed it when I went to close the curtains and I'm scared to do anything in case I make it worse (if that's even possible).

We have insurance.

Was it there yesterday when you closed the curtains? Does he actually have a pen that might have made the stain?

Also good on the insurance if it was him that did it then I'd be claiming.

Original poster
NoThatsBad · 04/03/2024 21:36

It was definitely him. We've been here a week and never noticed it before. He was also colouring in earlier with felt tips. Looks like the pen has rolled into the groove of the sliding doors and been sitting against the curtain.

Think I'm just going to have to take the hit and pay for them to be replaced 😣

OP posts:
CaptainMyCaptain · 04/03/2024 21:39

Another vote for milk.

Estellaa · 04/03/2024 21:49

You can buy bottles of 70% alcohol in the toiletry section of any supermarket, and chemists, they also have hydrogen peroxide.

Original poster
NoThatsBad · 04/03/2024 21:53

Lesina · 04/03/2024 21:32

If it’s a hotel and they don’t have a damages policy I’d think nothing of it. I work in the hospitality industry and honestly they will have seen much worse :)

This is giving me hope!

OP posts:
SalmonEile · 04/03/2024 21:53

What kind of felt tips was he using

Original poster
NoThatsBad · 04/03/2024 21:57

SalmonEile · 04/03/2024 21:53

What kind of felt tips was he using

Just a thin one that came with his colouring book. He hasn't actually drawn on the curtain, it's like the pen has been lying against it and the ink has spread. The back of the curtain is almost plastic-y feeling.

OP posts:
alwaysmovingforwards · 04/03/2024 22:44

You're on hols.. if that happened at home you'd spend all day buying products and trying lots of ways to sort it. You really want to do that in hols??

So I'd just enjoy my trip and not use my time trying to sort it. And accept it'll cost me a professional cleaning bill or an insurance claim for accidental damages. These things happen, so I'd accept it and not let it ruin my precious family holiday time.

BeckyWithTheGoodHair010101 · 04/03/2024 23:32

Felt tip will come off with water surely! Soak it in a bowl of water with some liquid soap or similar

Gunnersmanager · 04/03/2024 23:35

All these barmy solutions , don't do it!

TrainsPlanesAutos · 05/03/2024 00:44

Get some isopropyl alcohol and fill a cup and dip the ink stain in the alcohol. Then squeeze the inky/alcoholy area into a sink or somewhere and repeat, repeat, repeat until it’s gone. I have removed 30 year old pen ink stains from the lining of a vintage purse with isopropyl alcohol. It will take some time to get it all out but it will work! Good luck.

Nearlythere80 · 05/03/2024 01:43

Just tell the owners that this has happened and what do they want you to do. None of these crackers ideas are practical on holiday

RogueFemale · 05/03/2024 01:47

Fess up, accept the consequences.