Whether it’s the living room coach or your favorite strappy purse, ink stains on leather can be a real problem. Fortunately, there are several easy and affordable remedies for removing ink from leather fabrics. These remedies work well on couches, chairs, car seats, purses, brief cases, wallets, jackets, pants, shoes, belts, gloves, and anything else made of leather.
Continue reading to learn some effective ways to get rid of ink stains and prevent permanent discoloration in leather.
Leather is a delicate, luxury fabric that requires a higher degree of care and attention. Finding ink stains on such investment pieces can be quite devastating, especially considering the price tag. The best thing you can do when it comes to ink on leather is act fast. As soon as you discover an ink stain, begin the steps to remove it, promptly.
Here is what you’ll need:
☑ Leather Conditioner (Try Weiman® Leather Wipes – $2.99)
☑ Liquid Dishwashing Soap
☑ White Cloth Rags
☑ Cotton Swabs
☑ Rubbing Alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
☑ Liquid Cuticle Remover
☑ Hairspray (Isopropyl alcohol based)
☑ Clean Water
Unfinished Leather
If your leather is unfinished, it does not have a protective layer that helps to impede ink penetration. Ink stains on naked leather requires professional cleaning. How do you know if your leather is finished or not? Try the water runoff test. Simply drop a few beads of water on the surface and observe how the water behaves; if it rolls right off, the leather is finished; if it absorbs into the surface, it is naked.
Leather Dyes and Treatments
It is important to understand that some cleaning products and materials react differently depending on various factors. These include the type of dyes used on the leather, how often it has been conditioned, its age, and more. Always test a product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not react adversely and damage your piece.
Now You Are Ready To Get Started!
There are several ways to remove ink stains in leather, but these 4 do-it-yourself treatments seem to be the most popular and recommended. The method you choose will depend on the products you have on hand, or personal preference.
Remedy ❶ – Liquid Dish Soap
This is a mild approach compared to the others, so try this one first. Simply apply a few drops of soap onto a white rag and gently blot the stain until it dissipates. Do not scrub the stain, otherwise it could spread the ink and worsen the damage.
Remedy ❷ – Rubbing Alcohol
This product is a bit harsher than mild soap, so test it in a small space before using this method. Dip a cotton swab (or white cloth) in rubbing alcohol and gently dab at the stain until the ink lessens, being very careful not to smear the ink around. Finish this method with your leather conditioner.
Remedy ❸ – Hair Spray
When you do not have a bottle of rubbing alcohol on hand, hair sprays that contain isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) are a great “quick fix” for leather ink stains. Just spray a white rag or cotton swab, wait a few seconds, and then dab the stain.
Remedy ❹ – Cuticle Remover
This is a very popular and non-invasive approach to ink removal. Use a non-oil based product, and cover the stain with a generous application. Let the cuticle remover sit for 24 hours, and then blot it up with a clean white rag.