Quick Fixes: How to Remove Ink from Leather

Learning how to remove ink from leather is an easy job if you act quickly. While taking it to the dry cleaners is the best option, you can also use cleaning materials and tools you already own at home. Here are some easy tips for removing ink stains from leather that can save your favorite bag or shoes if you act quickly.

Nail Polish Remover or Perfume

Nail polish removers have acetone as the main stain-fighting ingredient while perfume has some alcohol in it. You can opt to use acetone-free nail polish removers for less damaging effects.

• Natural? No
• Best for: Ink removal when the stain is new.
• Harsh on leather? Moderately. It can cause dryness.
• Limitations: May discolor or damage leather, not suitable for all types of leather.

You’ll need: Nail polish remover or perfume, cotton swab or cloth, and leather conditioner.

Steps:

1. Dampen a cotton swab or soft cloth with nail polish remover or spray perfume on the cotton.
2. Gently dab the ink stain and allow the ink to transfer to the cotton swab.
3. Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess acetone.
4. Allow the leather to air dry.

Vinegar

Vinegar is made of water and acetic acid, which can break down ink stains. It is a milder solution for treating your leather over acetone or alcohol. 

You’ll need: Vinegar, microfiber cloth, leather conditioner

Steps:

1. You can use the vinegar as is or create a 1:1 vinegar and water solution.
2. Apply white vinegar on soft cloth and gently rub it in a circular motion.
3. Wipe the area with a cleaner part of the cloth to absorb excess vinegar.
4. Repeat if necessary until the stain is removed.
5. Allow the leather to air dry then apply leather conditioner.

Natural Stain Remover

Leather is a delicate material and some store-bought chemicals might be too harsh. Puracy’s Laundry Stain Remover or Carpet & Upholstery Spot Remover can help lift leather ink stains safely using plant-enzymes.

You’ll need: Puracy’s laundry stain remover for your leather clothing or Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover for your leather couches, microfiber cloths

Steps:

1. Spray on the stain remover and let it sit for about 15 minutes for new stains to let the enzymes do their work. 
2. Wash it according to fabric care instructions or wipe of with a clean cloth.
3. Do not machine dry. Let it air dry so any stain left will not set.
4. Repeat the process for tougher stains by letting the stain remover sit for up to 8 hours.

Hairspray

Hairspray contains alcohol, which helps dissolve ink stains, and polymers that can trap the ink. However, the additional ingredients may leave residue on the leather.

You’ll need: Hairspray, soft cloth, leather cleaner

Steps:

1. Spray a small amount of hairspray onto the ink stain.
2. Dab the area with a soft cloth to lift the ink.
3. Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove residue.
4. You can use a leather cleaner as a last step for additional cleaning power.

Soap and Water

Your hand or dish soap can be used as a mild detergent and they might be the gentlest method to remove ink stains. These are appropriate for new and light stains, but may be less effective on tougher ones.

You’ll need: Puracy’s Natural Hand Soap or Dish Soap, warm water, soft cloth, leather conditioner

Steps:

1. Mix mild soap with warm water to create a soapy solution.
2. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring out excess water.
3. Gently rub the ink stain in a circular motion.
4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.
5. Allow the leather to air dry, then apply leather conditioner to prevent drying the material.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers have ingredients that may remove the stain but it may not be the most appropriate. Delicate materials like leather may dry out and crack or it might fade from the surface.

You’ll need: Hand sanitizer, cotton swab, leather conditioner

Steps:

1. Apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to a cotton swab or cloth.
2. Dab the ink stain gently, avoiding excessive pressure.
3. Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess gel.
4. Let it air dry. Do not use drying tools like hair dryer.
5. Apply leather conditioner to restore moisture.

Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift ink stains without damaging the leather. It is a natural and safe option when mixed with water to make a paste.

You’ll need: baking soda, water, a soft cloth

Steps:

1. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
2. Apply the paste to the ink stain using a soft cloth.
3. Gently rub the stain in a circular motion.
4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the paste.
5. Repeat the process if necessary.
6. Let it air dry, then apply leather conditioning solution.

How to Remove Ink on Various Surfaces

Use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently dab the stain, then blot with a clean cloth. Follow with a leather conditioner to restore moisture.

Gently rub the stain with a white eraser or a suede cleaning brush. For stubborn stains, use a small amount of white vinegar on a cloth, then brush to restore the snap.

Apply a leather-specific ink remover following the product instructions. Test on a hidden area first. Finish with a leather conditioner.

Wipe the stain with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. If needed, use rubbing alcohol sparingly. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Dab the stain with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Blot with a clean cloth and apply a leather conditioner.

Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and gently dab the stain. Blot with a clean cloth and finish with a leather conditioner to maintain the leather's quality.