Whether it’s that signature handbag, the jacket you swear by, or a cherished piece of furniture, one rogue ink blot can shatter the appearance of leather. Don’t worry, while it can seem impossible to remove ink stains from leather, it’s possible if you take quick action and work on removing that stain cautiously.
Even if you’ve got an old, stubborn ink stain on your leather for a long time, don’t worry, it can still be removed. This blog will tell you what to do immediately when you get ink stains on leather, what not to do, four ways to remove the ink stains from leather, and what to do after you remove the stains to prevent leather damage.
What Not To Do When You Get Ink Stains On Leather
Before removing stains, you must not do these things when you get ink stains on leather; they’ll worsen the condition rather than remove stains.
- Don’t wait: When you see an ink stain, grab a clean cloth and dab it immediately so the ink stops seeping deep into the fibers.
- Don’t rub or scrub: Rubbing pushes the ink further in and damages the leather’s texture, so stick with a gentle dab instead.
- Don’t use vinegar or other harsh chemicals: Vinegar and similar agents strip away natural oils, dry out the leather, and cause severe damage and discoloration.
4 Ways to Remove Ink stains From Leather
1. Using a leather cleaner
Official leather cleaners rely on specially formulated products that tackle stains without harming your leather’s natural finish and guarding it against drying out or stripping away its essential natural oils, which maintains the leather’s durability and visual appeal.
On the other hand, DIY solutions often mix household chemicals that disregard the delicate balance required for leather care and risk further damage like discoloration or over-drying. Therefore, if you have an official leather cleaner specialized for the type of leather you have, it’s recommended to use it to clean ink stains.
- How to apply it: Apply a small amount of leather cleaner on a lint-free cloth and carefully rub the stain.
2. Using Mild Soap Solution
A mild soap solution is best effective when the ink stain is fresh.
- How to make It: Mix a few drops of gentle soap into a cup of lukewarm water until you create a lightly soapy solution that evenly blends without producing excessive bubbles.
- How to apply It: Dip a soft, lint-free cloth into the solution and wring out any excess liquid, then gently dab the ink stain without rubbing until you see improvement, and allow the leather to air dry naturally.
3. Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is typically more effective on stubborn, dried ink stains, but it comes with a higher risk of leather damage if misapplied. Mild soap should be your go-to for fresh ink stains as it’s gentler on the material.
On the other hand, rubbing alcohol can dry out leather if overused or applied too aggressively, leading to cracks or discoloration over time. Always spot-test it on an inconspicuous area of your leather product before applying it to the stain.
Mix rubbing alcohol with water in a one-to-one ratio to form a balanced solution that cleans without overstripping the leather’s natural oils.
- How to apply it: Apply a small amount onto a lint-free cloth and gently blot the stain without rubbing too hard, focus on the edges first and work your way in to prevent spreading the ink, then let the leather air dry and follow up with a conditioner to restore its moisture and resilience.
4. Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild, non-chemical cleaner that reduces the risk of damage, but it can leave a residue if not fully cleaned after applying. Baking soda avoids the drying effects of alcohol and is gentler than some soaps on leather. However, it may be less effective on deep ink stains.
- How to make it: To create your baking soda remedy, blend a modest amount of baking soda with water until you form a thick, uniform paste.
- How to apply it: Using a lint-free cloth, gently dab a small quantity of the paste onto the ink stain without rubbing vigorously. Let the paste sit for a few minutes to absorb the ink before carefully wiping it away with a clean, damp cloth, and finally, allow the leather to air dry naturally.
What To Do After You Eliminate Ink Stains From Leather
Let it Dry Naturally:
After removing the ink stain, allow the leather to air-dry at room temperature. Natural drying helps the leather retain its moisture balance, preventing it from becoming too dry or brittle.
Using an air dryer or applying heat can force the leather to lose moisture rapidly, which may lead to cracking or a stiff, uneven texture. If you don’t let it dry naturally, you risk compromising the leather’s suppleness and overall appearance.
Condition It:
Once the leather is completely dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore its natural oils. Conditioning is crucial because the cleaning process can strip the leather of essential moisture and oils, leaving it vulnerable to drying out and cracking.
