How Does Leather Stain?

Determining type of leather

Before you can deal with stains in leather, you have to discover what type of leather it is. There are many types of faux leather and real leather. Each leather can also have a different treatment applied to it during manufacturing. That is why it is important to determine the type of leather, as some chemicals will damage some types of leather while working perfectly on others. Find the tag on the leather item to discover the type of leather.

If the leather is polished, you needn't worry as much about the products used to get the stain out. However, if it is Suede Nubuck, you must buy a specific cleaner for the leather item.

Substances that stain leather

There are many different substances that can stain leather. Household greases are the most common type of leather stain. This can come from food greases such as butter, oil or even peanut butter. However, paint, markers, ink and dirt can also leave stains.

Tips on removing stains from leather

After you have determined what type of leather the item is and what the stain consists of, you can work to remove the stain. Always remember to use a lint-free cloth, and never rub in a circular pattern. Always rub with the grain of the leather, or from the outside of the stain toward the center.

Oil or grease: Wipe as much of the substance off the leather as you can. Take a bottle of baby powder and cover the entire stain. Let the baby powder sit overnight, then wipe it away in the morning. The baby powder will draw the rest of the oil or grease from the leather.

Dirt: Buy a soap made specifically for leather. Slightly dampen your cloth (don't soak it) and wipe with the grain of the leather. If the dirt is stubborn, a soft, small brush like a toothbrush may help.

Other stains: Other stains, such as ink, can most often be removed by rubbing alcohol. Take a cotton swab and dip it into the rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the alcohol on the stain, making sure not to saturate the stain or get the rubbing alcohol on the unaffected areas of the leather.

Work Fast

The best time to get a stain out is right after it happens. The longer a stain has time to sit on the leather, the more saturated and permanent the stain becomes. Acting quickly will give you much better odds of removing the stain.

Test Areas

Before using any cleaning method, even a cleaner made for leather, always find an inconspicuous spot to test the cleaner first. Always keep in mind that even some mild cleaners can leave faded or damaged spots on your sofa.