How to Clean Adhesive From Leather

Leather is a durable material used for a variety of purposes, including clothing, upholstery, shoes and books. Leather needs to be cleaned and conditioned regularly to keep it dirt free and looking shiny. When an adhesive from a name tag, sticker or other item containing glue comes in contact with leather, the adhesive needs to be cleaned from the leather surface immediately. Failure to remove the adhesive can damage the leather permanently.

Things You'll Need

• 2 soft non-abrasive cloths
• Denatured alcohol or fondue fuel
• Cotton balls
• Latex gloves
• Mask (optional)
• Lukewarm water
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Place the leather item on a clean flat surface. If removing an adhesive from a piece of leather furniture or other large leather surface, arrange the leather item so you have access to it from different angles so you can clean it properly.

2. Sweep the area where the adhesive is on the leather gently with a soft son-abrasive cloth to remove any loose dust and dirt from the surface.

3. Apply a teaspoon of denatured alcohol or fondue fuel to a cotton ball. Wear latex gloves to keep the chemical off of your hands. If the smell of the denatured alcohol or fondue fuel is overpowering, wear a breathing mask.

4. Test the soaked cotton ball on a hidden portion of the leather surface by blotting the cotton ball on to the surface. Look to see if any color from the leather is transferring to the cotton ball. Do not rub the cotton ball on to the surface. Just blot it gently.

   If any color is transferring, stop blotting and reduce the amount on the cotton ball to 1/2 teaspoon of alcohol or fuel.

5. Blot the adhesive spot on the leather surface with the cotton ball from the outside to the inside of the adhesive spot. Do not rub the leather surface---just blot it.

   The denatured alcohol or fondue fuel is breaking up the adhesive from the surface of the leather.

6. Reapply the denatured alcohol or fondue fuel to a clean cotton ball and continue blotting until the adhesive is gone.

7. Wet a non-abrasive cloth with lukewarm water. Wring out excess water.

8. Clean the leather surface where the adhesive was with the damp cloth.

9. Dry the leather surface with a dry, non-abrasive cloth.

10. Apply 1 tbsp. of a leather conditioner to a dry, non-abrasive cloth.

11. Wipe the leather surface with the conditioner-soaked cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• If the adhesive spot is large, work in sections and change cotton balls frequently.

References

• My Lot.com: How Can I Remove Adhesive from a Patent Leather Purse?

Resources

• Good Housekeeping.com: Leather Care Tips