Any suggestions for cleaning a stain on leather car seats?

Question

Somehow, the seat in my car was stained by a red post it note that may have gotten some sugar on it from candy and also got a little wet from the rain. However it happend, it seems the leather has become dyed as a result.

In any case, there is now a pink stain on the leather seat. I tired using Lexol pH Leather Cleaner, but that hardly did anything.

Any suggestions on how I might get that stain off without ruining the leather?

Answer 1

Since the stain is a combo of 3M adhesive, sugar and water you have a semi-permanent glucose transfer stain. Since the stain is made of mostly protein try the following:

use a 1/2 teaspoon of a laundry stain remover such as spray n'wash or shout. Dip a clean white cloth (T-Shirt) in the stain remover then try to buff the pink stain out. If this does not work wash the stain remover off with warm water (never cool because this sets the stain further). If that does not work try a small amout of product called Goo Gone.

Both the stain remover and Goo Gone are protein based removers and should work - always try the product on an inconspicuous area of leather first to test for colour fastness.

If this does not work an auto detailer may need to be called in for help.

Hope this Helps!

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Any suggestions for cleaning a stain on leather car seats?
Somehow, the seat in my car was stained by a red post it note that may have gotten some sugar on it from candy and also got a little wet from the rain. However it happend, it seems the leather has become dyed as a result.

In any case, there is now a pink stain on the leather seat. I tired...

Answer 3

Unfortunately.. I have no suggestion. Stains on leather are difficult.. or should I say.. impossible to get off. I have tried everything but cannot get it off. I have lightened the stain by using shoe polish the same color as the leather.. that has helped

Answer 4

Basically what you have is dye transfer from the post it note. This can be difficult to shift but LTT have just developed a good product for this problem. Maxi Cleaner is specifically for the removal of dye transfer from leather. It should not be used as a general cleaner as it is too strong but results have been good on cars with dye transfer.

Answer 5

A couple of links you might like to try:

http://www.leatherworldtech.com/StainRemoval.aspx

http://www.urad-leathermate.com/tips.htm