How to Get Ink Off a Leather Sofa

Remove ink from leather carefully so the leather isn't damaged in the process.

A leather sofa is not only an accessory for your home, but an investment. Leather furniture does not come cheap so you want to keep it in the best shape possible. Fortunately, stains do not have to become a permanent fixture on your sofa. Use the right products to get ink off your leather sofa to preserve the integrity of the leather in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloths
• Leather cleaner
• Rubbing alcohol
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• Bucket
• Non-acetone nail polish remover

Instructions

1. Clean the affected area with a soft cloth and leather cleaner. Follow the instructions for using the leather cleaner as this will vary among products.

2. Moisten a clean, soft cloth with rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the cloth over the ink stain until no more ink is transferring from the leather to the cloth. Apply more alcohol and switch to a clean part of the cloth as it becomes filled with ink.

3. Mix 1 qt. of warm water with ¼ cup of white vinegar into a bucket. Dampen a clean cloth with the vinegar mixture and wipe down the affected area of the sofa. Follow up with a clean cloth dampened with plain water, then dry the leather completely.

4. Moisten a clean cloth with non-acetone nail polish remover if any traces of the ink remain on the sofa. Gently wipe the area until the ink disappears. Rinse the area with the vinegar solution, then plain water. Dry the sofa thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply leather conditioner after cleaning the sofa to restore any moisture lost during the cleaning process.

• Avoid rubbing too hard when cleaning leather furniture or you may damage the leather.

• Always test the product you are using on an inconspicuous spot of the leather first to check for any color changes or damage to the leather.

References

• Home Furnish.com: How to Remove Stains From a Leather Sofa
• "2001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2004