How do I get Ink off a leather bag?

Answer 1

This will depend on what type of leather you have.

If the ink is on a pigmented leather then the first thing you should try is an ink stick (find one that is a professional product used in the industry - LTT do one). The fresher the ink the more chance you have of removing it. Be sure to check the type of leather you have before doing this as if you use this on an aniline style it will not work and may leave a greasy mark which will not go away.

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.

Using hairspray/WD40 and all these other solvent cleaners is very risky as it can make the matter far worse as it can spread the ink over a bigger area and can sometimes then be impossible to fix.
Using alcohol can also be a little risky depending on how stable the finish is. If the finish is unstable this would remove pigment form the leather.
Nail varnish remover or any other solvents will also 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 or toothpaste these are silly ideas that will leave sticky residues on the surface which will help to break down the finish on your leather.
Magic erasers usually remove finish and pigment along with the ink.

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/furniture polish 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 does not need conditioning it needs cleaning and protecting on a regular basis with water based products this will keep it rehydrated and supple. Oils will make things much worse.

Leather should be cleaned gently not scrubbed so 'elbow grease' will only do damage to the finish.

Hide food will not remove ink and will leave residues on the leather which will attract dirt and oils.

Using a good quality leather protector (one that works) will help make this problem easier should it happen again, it also does your leather good by protecting it against oils and dirt which ultimately make the pigment crack and the leather deteriorate.


If the ink is on an aniline leather then there is nothing that will work if leather cleaner has not. Basically you have redyed the leather and you would need a specialist to resolve the problem. Using a cleaner and protector on a regular basis will help to dissipate the ink and eventually it will not be so obvious.

Good Luck

Source(s):

http://www.LTTsolutions.net
Leather care consultnts to the furniture and cleaning industries

Answer 2

Hairspray. For colourfast items spray it freely on the item and dab off with a damp cloth then wash as usual. For items that are not colourfast dab the hairspray on after it's been sprayed onto the damp cloth. The other great ink remover is eucalyptus oil. Use it the same as hairspray and always test on an inconspicuous area first!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 3

Hi,

You can use the leather ink remover kit to remove ink stains from leather - http://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/LeatherInkRemover.htm

Answer 4

That's going to be hard because if it soaked into the leather your doomed and the only way to conquer your problem when all fails is to dye your leather a darker color.

Answer 5

rub the ink with nail-enamel remover or use the liquid soap of any good company.

Answer 6

Try some detergent powder/liquid

Answer 7

Try the link below.

Answer 8

leave stain remove on it for a day then wash it in cold water

Answer 9

lighter fluid on a cloth, lightly dab.

Answer 10

pencil eraser, or baking soda on a wet sponge....