How can I remove biro ink from a leather sofa?

Answer 1

Nice going. Was that you or one of the kids? Anyway, what might be helpful is to find someone nearby who specializes in auto upholstery cleaning/repair. When I worked for BMW, we always knew the number for one of those, they are lifesavers when it comes to leather car seats, which are very close to if not identical to the same material they use in the house. If it comes to redying the sofa, they can do a very small spot so that it's undetectable.

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.

DO NOT USE Baby wipes as they are about the worst thing you can use on a leather as they break down the finish and will eventually ruin it.

Please do not try milk it is a silly idea that this will work and will leave sticky residues on the surface which will help to break down the finish

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.

Old ink will be harder to remove than new ink and may mean resorting to solvents which will also remove the finish. This is probably best left to the experts.

Silicones are the worst thing to use on leather as they will form a coating on the surface of the leather which will not allow any moisture to get to the leather and will eventually break all the finish down and make it crack. Leather needs water and should not be protected against it.

Products on QVC are made by people who do not know about leather and so should not be recommended for this purpose.

Source(s):
www.LTTsolutions.net
Leather care consultants to the furniture and cleaning industries

Answer 3

You can use babby wipes, they work quite well. The other way is to invest in a leather cleaning system, they have a good one on QVC. Good luck :-)

Answer 4

I have been AMAZED at the things I've gotten to come out without surface damage with the Mr Clean Magic Eraser.

Good LUCK!!! ; )