Bob Vila shows how to remove ink stains from leather and fabric car seats.
By Katelin Hill.
Leather goods are investment pieces that require delicate care, which is why it is frustrating when they get stained with ink splatters.Whether a pen burst in your handbag or a felttip marker leaked on your car seat, you need to act quickly when ink hits leather to prevent lasting discoloration.You can save a trip to the store if you use one of the four methods for how to remove ink from leather.
The remedies only work on finished leather, which has a protective coating that blocks the ink from being completely absorbed.Professional help to eliminate stains is required when leather is naked or unfinished.Water can be dropped on an area to determine if your leather is finished or unfinished.If the water rolls off, your leather is finished, if it is soaked up, it's unfinished.
Several variables affect how leather will react to different cleaning agents, from the type of dye your leather is treated with to how frequently the leather has been conditioned with a protective substance.It's important to test each cleaning method on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won't cause lasting damage to your couch, handbag, car seat, wallet, or jacket.
Liquid soap can be used to remove ink from leather.To remove the ink stain from the leather, apply a few drops of dish soap to a white rag.If you want to avoid spreading the damage, never use harsh solvent-based cleaning products.
If blotting with a soapy rag doesn't work, try rubbing alcohol.Take care not to spread the ink around by gently rubbing the stain with a Q-tip or white cloth.Keep a light hand because isopropyl alcohol is a powerful cleaning agent.You can make your own leather conditioner, which you can find at most big-box and home improvement stores.
The popular hair styling product can help remove ink stains.Wait a few seconds and apply a small amount of alcohol-based spray to a Q-tip or white rag.If you want to use a product that won't leave a stain, always test it on an unconscious part of leather.If the leather surface looks dry or cracked, follow this method with leather conditioner.
If you want to remove ink stains from leather, you can use a paint-on cuticle remover, which is typically found in the beauty section of most drugstores.Apply a thick layer over the stain with a non-oil based formula.Allow it to soak in for up to 24 hours before using a white rag to reveal ink-free leather.