How to Get Washable Marker Off a Leather Sofa

Proper maintenance keeps leather sofas looking new for years.

A leather sofa's sleek, natural finish adds an exquisite look to any home. However, marker ink on a leather sofa appears dingy. Households with small children are particularly likely to acquire marker stains on leather sofas. Although washable markers offer simple clean up, failure to promptly remove the ink from leather sofas allows it to penetrate the leather. The longer the ink stays on leather sofas, the harder it becomes to remove. Immediately get washable marker off a leather sofa to prevent damaging the leather finish.

Things You'll Need

• 3 soft, white cloths
• 1/4 tsp. soap-based liquid body wash
• Bowl
• Soft, absorbent towel

Instructions

1. Attempt to remove the washable marker ink with plain water first. Begin by moistening a soft, white cloth with clean, lukewarm water.

2. Wipe the leather with the moistened cloth to dissolve the washable marker stain. Continue wiping the marker stain with clean sections of the moistened cloth until no more marker ink transfers onto the cloth.

3. Prepare a soap-based solution if any ink lingers on the sofa. Add 1/4 tsp. of soap-based liquid body wash to 1 qt. of warm water. Mix the soap-based solution thoroughly in a bowl.

4. Moisten a fresh cloth in the soap-based solution. Wipe the sofa with the soapy cloth to remove the remaining marker. Continue wiping the marker stain with clean portions of the soapy cloth until no more washable marker ink transfers onto the cloth.

5. Dampen another fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe the leather with the damp cloth until all soap is rinsed from the sofa.

6. Buff the damp leather until dry using a soft, absorbent towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Solvent-based soaps may discolor leather sofas.

References

• Professor's House: Buying a Leather Couch
• "Real Simple"; Removing Ink Stains from Leather; Ashley Phillips
• Crayola: Washable Markers