How to Remove Pen Ink From Soft Leather

Keep an eye on your pens so they don't leak on your leather goods.

Because leather is an expensive material, ink stains on leather items can cause distress. Whether the stain was caused by an accidental pen swipe or a leaking pen, the stain can become permanent if not treated properly. Although it may take a little work, there are solvents that can be applied to the leather than will effectively remove the ink stain from it. The ink stain is much easier to remove the fresher it is so treat stains as soon as they occur.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• White cloth
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Apply 1 to 2 tsp. of rubbing alcohol to a white cloth. Do not use a colored cloth as the color may transfer onto the leather.

2. Place the cloth on top of the ink-stained leather and press the alcohol into the ink stain for five to 10 seconds to moisten it.

3. Turn the cloth to a clean section and begin blotting the ink stain to remove it from the leather. Turn the cloth often so that you do not transfer the ink back onto the leather. Continue blotting until you can no longer see the ink stain.

4. Allow the leather to dry completely and examine it for evidence of the ink stain. If any of the ink still remains, continue to blot it with the alcohol-dampened cloth. Once the stain is gone, let the leather dry.

5. Apply 1/2 tsp. of the leather conditioner to a clean cloth and massage it into the leather until it disappears. Allow the leather to dry before sitting on it or wearing it. Consult the leather conditioner packaging for detailed application instructions.

References

• HowtoCleanStuff.net: How to Remove Ink Stains from Leather Upholstery