How to Remove Ink Stains from a Leather Couch

Having children who are at a growing age at home can lead to various unexpected happenings, such as grease stains on the upholstery and urine stains on clothing. There are also times when children tend to use the leather couch as their canvas, leading to ink stains – annoying and difficult to remove. Remember, although leather is durable, it is also delicate and hence, must be handled with great care. Using a wrong solvent on your leather couch can lead to discoloration, and removal of the leather finish.

Act on ink stains on your leather couch as soon as you see them. Fresh ink stains are easier to remove as compared to ink stains that have had time to set in. Before treating the stain with a solvent, always test it on an inconspicuous area of the couch. Different forms of leather react to the same ingredient differently. Dab the solvent on a cotton swab and apply it to a hidden area. Let it sit for 2 minutes, and then wipe it away with cloth dipped in plain water. If discoloration occurs, do not use that solvent on the stain. You can use one of the following ways to remove Ink stains from Leather Couch.

Method One (Using Rubbing Alcohol)

Things that you will require:

·      Cotton swabs or clean, white cloths

·      Rubbing alcohol

·      Leather conditioner

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   The first step towards the removal of an ink stain from a leather couch involves soaking a cotton swab or a clean, white cloth in rubbing alcohol.

2.   Apply the swab or the cloth on to the stained area, and start rubbing it very gently. Do so in a circular motion, moving from the outer edges towards the centre of the stain. The ink will start transferring on to the swab or cloth.

3.   If the cotton swab or cloth gets soaked in ink, change it. Repeat the above steps with another cloth till the ink is completely removed. Be careful. You do not want to soak the leather completely in rubbing alcohol.

4.   Let the stained area dry completely. Use a fan or a hair dryer if necessary.

5.   Lastly, apply a leather conditioner to the stain. This will return the leather’s moisture.

Method Two (Using Hairspray)

Things that you will require:

·      Hairspray

·      Clean cloths

·      Leather conditioner

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Grab a can of your usual alcohol based hairspray, and spray a small amount on to the affected area.

2.   Let the stained area be saturated in hairspray for 5 minutes.

3.   After 5 minutes have elapsed, grab a clean, dry cloth, and start rubbing the Ink Stain gently in a circular motion. Do not scrub or rub too hard such that it damages the leather. The ink will start getting transferred on to the cloth.

4.   Repeat the above steps till the ink comes off completely.

5.   Dip a cloth in clear water, and wipe the affected area with it. This will remove any residual of the hairspray that may be present on the leather.

6.   Use a leather conditioner in the end to moisturize the leather.

Tips:

Once you are done removing the stain from your leather couch, you can also use a leather protector on it. If the stain is large, has been in place for a long time, and is not getting removed, take your leather couch to a professional cleaner.

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