How do you remove ink stains from a leather suite?

Answer 1

I think I saw this on How Clean Is Your House - they used hairspray - spray onto a cloth and then gently do a test patch area on your sofa. If OK, go for it.

Answer 2

This really depends on what type of leather it is.

If it is on a pigmented leather then the first thing you should try is an ink stick. The fresher the ink the more chance you have of removing it. It is a good idea to have one in your house if you have a pale leather and children!!!!
You should also be using a good quality leather protector on a pale suite. This will act like a 'scotchgard' and will make any more mishaps easier to clean off.
If an ink stick doesn't work a solvent based remover will need to be used and it may also remove finish and pigment so is best left to the experts.

Hairspray sometimes works but can also make the matter far worse as it can spread the ink over a bigger area. Nail varnish remover or any other solvents will remove the finish and pigment which will need replacing.

Baby wipes are about the worst thing you can use on a leather sofa as they break down the finish and will eventually ruin your suite.

If the ink is on an aniline style, there is nothing that will remove it because the ink will have re-dyed the leather. It may dissipate over time with cleaning and protecting.

Answer 3

Leather upholstery has always been synonymous with luxury. Do-it-yourselvers have two options for attacking stains on leather upholstery: using household products or a commercial cleaner formulated especially for the job. Either way, the sooner the stain is addressed, the better—the less the stain soaks in, the easier it is to remove.

First you will need to do is a test.
To do the test spray the cleaner, using the back edge of the cushion on the leather part. Spray a spot about the size of a quarter and wipe it with a white towel and let it dry on it’s own.
If you get colour transfer onto the towel it is not safe to clean.
If there is no change in colour and no watermark then it is safe to clean or spot clean.
If there is a watermark but no colour change it is safe to clean only thing is you will need to clean the whole thing. (to stop watermarks) you can not spot clean.


If you want to try household cleaners, begin with a solution of water and "neutral" soap (one with a pH factor of 7).
Regardless of products used, begin by blotting liquid spots with paper towels. Massage the solution onto the spot with a soft, terrycloth towel, turning the towel often. Wipe the area dry immediately; use a hairdryer held away from the seat if necessary to avoid getting a ring where the soap and water were applied. If the stain still lingers, use a solvent type product. Be cautious about attacking stains all at once to preserve the upholstery's protective layer.

Remember to always due a pre test with all products that you try.

From a carpet cleaner for 14 years

Answer 4

Normally hairspray removes ink from fabrics and surfaces. However, before using hairspray on the ink stain on your leather, test it on a section of leather someplace no one can see. You need to make sure that the hairspray doesn't remove the dye or finish from the leather's surface before using it directly on the ink stained areas. This "rule" would also be true for almost anything you try on leather or furniture fabrics. Always test them someplace that doesn't matter if the color or finish is altered.

Answer 5

To remove ink stains/spots from leather, dap a thin layer of cuticle remover on the spot with a soft cloth and let set for up to 10 minutes .Rub & buff with the soft cloth and wipe off. Reapply if necessary.

Good luck :D

Answer 6

attempt rubbing alcohol, the type you purchase on the drug keep. Soak and rub, soak and rub, rinse with water. it could take some cycles yet isopropyl alcohol often does a stable job on ink. yet another decision is nail polish remover. it rather is acetone and does a large job dissolving ink.

Answer 7

Get a specialist leather cleaner from a leather shop.

Answer 8

You should take it to a dry cleaners. They usually have to send it out to a place that specializes in suede and leather.

Answer 9

you could try sour milk it works on clothing....do a patch test somewhere discreet first. let the milk go off in the sun and dab it on you may need to do it a few times but please check its not going to take the colour out of your lounge first by doing a patch test

Answer 10

Try hairspray