Some people recommend lighter fluid, hairspray or nail polish remover. In each case, you should take a little of the fluid on a wad of cotton wool, and test it on a part of the fabric that nobody can see, like down the back. Have water handy to wash the product off straight away if it looks like doing any damage.

Soap and water can also get a lot of marks off - you can even use a special leather product such as saddle soap, which won't hurt your sofa even if it doesn't get all the mark off.

If no home remedies work, you could try a specialist leather stain or ink remover. The advantage there is that you can contact the manufacturer if it doesn't work, to ask for further ideas. There is a 24-hour contact number so you can try that too.

Otherwise, it can be worth getting your furniture and carpets professionally cleaned now and then - it's not as expensive as you might think, and if you choose a good firm they do a great job.