How To Remove Ink From Leather [vii Proven Methods!]

Discovering that you have an ink stain on a leather production isn't something that anyone wants to bargain with, but it is possible to save your products. Say your child was running around and managed to get ink on the couch, or peradventure you were cleaning out your briefcase and realized a pen exploded. Wherever the stain came from, we tin assistance you. We're going to show yous exactly how to remove ink from leather.

Jump To:

  • What to Consider Earlier Cleaning
  • Spot Testing
  • Soap & Water
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Hairspray
  • Smash Polish Remover
  • Olive Oil & Vinegar
  • Commercial Leather Cleaner
  • How to Forestall Stains On Leather

What to Consider Before Cleaning

You lot want to brand sure to tackle the stain as soon equally you notice it, even if it's already set in and dried. If the stain is still fresh, dab upwardly any backlog ink before you endeavour to make clean information technology upwards and then you lot won't take chances smudging it fifty-fifty more.

Before yous tackle the ink stain on your leather, y'all besides have to determine if it's finished or naked leather. Suede is a naked leather, for example. Finished leather, however, will have a polish or pebbled texture. If y'all aren't sure, you tin examination the leather. Detect a spot on the item that can be hidden hands and put a drop of h2o on the leather. If the h2o beads up, it's finished leather then you can get alee with cleaning. If information technology soaks into the leather, it'due south naked and you shouldn't endeavour to treat an ink stain yourself.

ballpoint pen on leather

Photo via Crystal Clutch

Spot Testing

Regardless of what cleaning method you choose for removing the ink stains, yous should e'er do a spot test on the leather first. Detect a more than hidden area of the leather detail and apply whatever remedy y'all've chosen. In one case the production or remedy is applied, get out information technology to sit down for v to 10 minutes, so come up back and see how it looks. If the leather still looks normal, with no signs of discoloration or annihilation else, you tin proceed.

Something else to notation is that yous should always utilize a white or uncolored material/rag when cleaning leather. Colored fabric can transfer the dye to leather products.

Lather & Water

The least invasive option for removing ink stains from leather is going to be your classic soap and h2o solution. Yous want to employ a soap-based cleaner or saddle soap for this. Moisture your material and wring it out to make sure it's damp, not soaking moisture. Rub the damp material over your soap, then gently rub information technology over the ink stain. Avert scrubbing at the spot. Repeat the process until the stain is removed, then blot it dry.

Saddle soap is a peachy production to have on hand if yous have leather goods. It can be used to make clean things like ink stains off of leather, but information technology also weather condition the leather and can be used as a preventative product to end whatsoever damage from happening in the future.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective method, but it tin also be harsh on your leather products and can cause impairment which is why it'due south important to test the method commencement. If you're using rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol to tackle your ink stain, don't pour the alcohol directly onto the surface. Accept a cotton ball or cotton pad and pour the booze onto it, then dab the cotton ball onto the ink stain. The stain will lift off as the cotton absorbs the ink. Once you're finished, dry out the afflicted surface area immediately. A hairdryer is a good way to chop-chop and thoroughly dry out the area. In one case you're finished, condition the leather to keep information technology intact.

Hairspray

If you don't have rubbing alcohol available to y'all, hairspray is a good secondary selection because isopropyl booze is i of the main ingredients in hairspray. Position the nozzle of the hairspray can every bit shut to the ink stain as possible, to avoid spraying the not-stained areas. Apply the hairspray to the spot then allow information technology to sit for five minutes. Rinse the area off with cold water, then dab the affected area with a paper towel or a cloth to remove excess production.

Pro Tip: If you have both rubbing alcohol and hairspray available to yous, choose the alcohol. Rubbing alcohol volition be more effective since hairspray manufacturers have reduced the alcohol content in the production—though it can still get the job washed.

hairspray and non-acetone nail polish remover

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Nail Polish Remover

Blast shine is a strong, effective option for removing more deep-set ink stains—for those stains that you didn't notice correct abroad and have had time to prepare. The important thing to call up when using boom polish remover to remove ink stains from leather is that it must be an acetone-free polish remover. Acetone is harsh and will break down the basic structure of the leather over time, which can lead to the leather being brittle or croaky. It volition piece of work in the moment merely you'll be doing more damage to the leather in the long run.

For applying the nail smoothen remover, use the same method as with rubbing alcohol. Apply a modest amount to a cotton wool pad or ball and dab it into the spot. Once the spot has been lifted, clean off the affected expanse and dry it.

Olive Oil & Vinegar

Olive oil and vinegar is a cleaning combination that is specifically best for removing stains on white leather. Most commercial cleaners or habitation remedies won't work on white leather considering they will cause the surface to corrode and potentially go out a worse mark behind.

White vinegar in general is good for stain removal and is a rubber option for your white leather products. Combine 1/4 loving cup of white vinegar with 1/2 loving cup of olive oil and mix it in a spray bottle. Like with the hairspray method, utilize the mixture straight to the stained area and let information technology sit for 5 minutes. After the time has passed, rinse the area off and dab off any backlog product.

Commercial Leather Cleaner

Using a commercial leather cleaner is going to be a safe choice for all types of leather products, whether you lot're trying to remove an ink stain on a pair of leather shoes, a car seat, or a couch.

Amodex's Ink Stain Remover is one of the most popular options for removing tough ink stains, every bit is a Magic Eraser. For the most effective use, follow the instructions that come with the product.

amodex ink and stain remover

Photo Credit: Amodex

Dry Cleaner

When in dubiety, your all-time option is always going to be finding a professional leather cleaner or taking your stained items to a dry out cleaner. If yous've tried all the remedies you can and information technology's still not coming out, you tin take it to an good to see what they tin do. This is going to be your merely choice if you're trying to remove an ink stain on naked leather also.

How to Prevent Stains On Leather

Other than the obvious method of non spilling ink on your leather products, there are a few things you lot tin do to maintain leather and prevent stains. While finished leather is already treated, you can add together a leather protector of your own. It will create a barrier for your leather items that makes cleaning easier and volition prevent stains from penetrating. To maintain your leather over time, use a leather conditioner one time or twice a year. The conditioner will minimize nifty or peeling and tin can aid protect from stains.

leather sofa closeup

Photograph Credit: Taylor Deas Melesh via Unsplash

Related Reading:

  • How To Soften Leather
  • Beginner'south Guide To Leatherworking
  • How To Make clean & Care For Leather Boots