How to Eliminate Water Marks on Leather Chairs
Ironically, the answer to eliminating water stains on leather is more water---plain water at first, then water with vinegar and water with alcohol. You'll achieve a uniform color that may appear a little darker at first, but in time will dry lighter. In the interest of preserving the leather, start with the least aggressive (water), and move to the more aggressive only if needed. These techniques work for smooth leathers, both surface-painted and raw. None of these techniques uses detergents; a little dampness is less injurious to leather, over time, than are detergents. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soft, clean cloths (white)
- Vinegar
- Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- Saddle soap
Instructions
-
-
1
Dampen a soft, white cloth in water.
-
2
Rub lightly and in circles over the entire leather surface of the chair, not just the stains. The stains should become invisible as the leather is dampened.
-
-
3
Allow the leather item to dry. You will see quickly (in about a half hour) if this technique has worked.
-
4
Repeat once with water, if the stain has lightened but not disappeared.
-
5
Repeat the above steps using a solution of three parts water to one part white vinegar. Repeat this step once if needed. The vinegar will smell badly, but will evaporate over time.
-
6
Repeat the above steps using a solution of three parts water to one part isopropyl alcohol, if vinegar fails. Repeat this step once if needed.
-
7
Clean with glycerin-based saddle soap, if the above three methods fail. Soap the entire leather piece, not just the stain.
-
8
Treat the furniture with a lanolin-based leather conditioner, to make it more waterproof and stain resistant.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not soak the leather. Instead, moisten it just enough to darken the surface while wet.
Colored leather should respond well to the water by itself. But a natural-colored leather will likely need the vinegar and alcohol treatments.
Suede should respond to water as well, but will require brushing with a suede brush (available where shoe polish is sold) to raise the nap.
These techniques work for other stained leather items, such as shoes and coats.
Use only white cloths, to risk coloring the leather.
Do not use an oil-based conditioner or cleaner on your leather furniture. You will darken it permanently. Oil conditioners also have a strong, unpleasant smell, and will stain clothing.
References
- Photo Credit comfortable leather chair image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
