How to Clean Pen Off Leather

Use rubbing alcohol to dissolve ink stains on leather.

Leather comes in a variety of colors and finishes. It is used for furniture, car interiors, clothing and many other applications. Most leather has a tendency to stain, and requires careful cleaning and protective measures to ensure it stays in top condition. Ink poses a staining hazard to leather, but you can keep your leather pristine with a little elbow grease and a few household products.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Patent-leather shoe cleaner
• Cotton swabs
• Cloths
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Apply a small amount of patent-leather shoe cleaner or rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab.

2. Wipe the ink stain gently with the cotton swab. Repeat this until the ink comes up from the leather. Use a new cotton swab if necessary.

3. Dampen a cloth with warm water and wring it out. Wipe the leather with the damp cloth to remove any residue, and dry it with another cloth.

4. Apply leather conditioner to a clean cloth and apply it to the leather to bring back the material's texture.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the cleaning solutions on the leather in an inconspicuous area before attacking the stain.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Ink Stain on Car's Leather Interior
• Leather Care Central: Leather Care Tips