How To Get Pen Ink Out Of Leather

Leather Problems: How to Get Ink Out of Leather?

18 January, 2021 In The Journal

Ink stains are the worst. Whether it be on your leather couch, your leather bag, or other leather items. If left untreated these ink stains will probably leave a permanent mark on your leather. Covering the ink stain up is not a good option. Far worst, you do not want to throw away expensive leather just because of some stain. The best way is to clean the leather. But cleaning leather is a delicate job. You might ruin your leather more if you try to remove the ink stain. However, you need not worry. In this article, we will show you the proper method(s) of getting ink out of leather.

How To Get Ink Out of Leather: The Sooner The Better

If you are the owner of a handmade leather bag, you have probably noticed that over time it takes on a beautiful aged look. This is a desirable effect and you want to retain it for as long as possible. However, there are some problems associated with this look, specifically, ink stains. So how do you fix ink stains on your leather bag? This is a much more difficult task than removing ink from clothing or other fabrics. However, it is possible to remove ink stains from leather, so long as you take the right precautions and use the right products and tools.

Ink stains are difficult to remove. The longer they stay on your leather the harder it is to get rid of them. Therefore, it is important that we remind you that the sooner you discover the ink stain, the better. Stains are easier to remove especially when it is still fresh. They are easier to handle and require less work.

And in such a case, you may wipe the ink with a dry paper towel. Be careful not to spread the stain since it is still fresh. We suggest you dab the paper towel rather than wiping. Let the paper towel absorb the ink. Next is to use a small amount of moisturizing soap and water to clean what is left. Dry it off with a dry paper towel.

How To Get Ink Out Of Leather: Your Cleaning Options

It is important to understand before cleaning your leather that it is a delicate material to clean. If you use the wrong cleaning solutions, your leather may dry out and end up craking. Fortunately, for us, there are some tried-and-true methods for cleaning leather. Specifically, from getting ink out of leather. Likewise, it is fortunate for us to have a number of options. These options may range from store-bought ink removers to things that you can find in your household.

For ink stains that have been left untreated here are a couple of options for getting ink out of leather.

Option 1: Leather Cleaner

This the best option there is. If a leather cleaner is readily available we suggest you choose to clean your leather with this first. Moreover, there are leather cleaners that specialize in removing ink stains. We highly suggest you choose one that is made to remove ink stains over regular leather cleaners. However, if there are none, regular leather cleaners are still safe to use.

The main reason why we highly suggest leather cleaners is that it does two things to your leather. First is that it cleans your leather. The second is that it will also moisturize and protection to your leather products. However, leather cleaners are not a substitute for leather conditioners. Furthermore, leather cleaners are easy to use, just be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

If there are no leather cleaner's available you can try these other ink removing options instead.

Option 2: Soap And Water

Some stains are not as tough as others. Just like a fresh stain, you may remove ink stains just by using soap and water. Likewise, use a dry paper towel to soak up or remove the ink. Then use a damp paper towel and moisturizing soap and gently wipe the leather clean. Be sure to dry the leather once you are done. You may continue these steps until all the ink stains are gone.

Option 3: Rubbing Alcohol

The next option in how to get ink out of leather is to use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can clean almost anything. You will only need three things: rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, and a blow dryer. The first step is to apply the alcohol to the ink. You may either apply it directly or apply it to the cotton and then wipe it on the stain. You may need more than a few cotton swabs for this project. Continue to do this until you remove all the stain. The next step is to dry the leather as quickly as possible. We suggest you use a blow dryer because it is easy to use and almost readily available in every household. This last step is crucial. While alcohol may clean most anything it will have an adverse effect if left too long on leather.

Option 4: Hairspray

This option for how to get ink out of leather is easy to use however it is not the most environmentally friendly. According to others, hairspray is great not only for style but for cleaning fabric as well. Simply spray the ink-stained area until it is fully saturated. You may then use a dry paper towel or cloth and blot the area immediately. Be sure you soak up all the hairspray. This will breakdown the ink stain making it easier to clean. You may finish the cleaning process by applying water and moisturizing soap. Always make sure to dry the leather thereafter!

Option 5: Perfume Or Nail Polish Remover

Finally, we have perfume or nail polish remover (acetone-based). When soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hairspray are not readily available you may use either of the two as your last option. Again you may use a cotton swab, a dry paper towel, or a dry cloth. Apply the perfume, cologne, or nail polish (acetone-based) on the stained area. Gently wipe off the stain and the "cleaning solution" as best as you can. Just to be safe, you may clean it with soap and water. We need to make sure that no alcohol or chemical is left on the leather. Otherwise, it would dry and eat the fabric up.

leather bags — Handmade Leather Duffel Bag

How to Get Ink Out of Leather | Final Reminders

Be sure to be as delicate as you can in removing the stains.
Make sure to clean the area of dust and grime before proceeding to clean the stain off. A little dusting and wiping will do.
Besides the leather cleaner, these options may possibly harm your leather. Therefore, always wipe off any excess.
If possible, apply the leather conditioner after you remove the ink stain. This will not only moisturize the leather but will also give it an additional protective layer.