How to clean an ink stain off of leather???

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I had a pen bust in my back pocket today and didn't realize it at the time. I jumped in my Dodge truck with leather seats and when I got out, noticed the spot. Can anyone tell me something I can use to try to remove the stain. I tried hot water and simple green, (all I had at the moment) and it didn't work. I'm desperate. I feel awful for messing up my husband's truck seat! Thanks!!!

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  1. sugarcandice says:
    June 26, 2009 at 6:54 am

    Leather is virtually maintenance-free as a seat covering, but ink from a ballpoint pen can be particularly hard to remove.
    Ink marks are certainly easier to remove than a rip, however. :)

    STEP 1: Work on removing the stain as soon as you discover it. Dried ink is especially difficult to get out, unless you act quickly.

    STEP 2: Blot the stain with a soft dry cloth or cotton ball.

    STEP 3: Moisten another cloth and clean lightly with circular movements. Dry the surface with a soft cloth.

    STEP 4: Try a little saddle soap or another leather cleaner, but first read the label regarding its safety for use on your particular kind of leather. You may also try removing the stain with lukewarm water and shampoo.

    STEP 5: Contact the manufacturer for a remedy for the type of ink used – the company may sell its own solvent.

    Tips:

    Traditional wisdom recommends treating ink stains with milk or tomato. Cover the stain with a little milk or rub it with the cut side of a half a tomato. Take more care with the tomato remedy, as tomatoes contain some acidity. Rinse either treatment well.

    Avoid any kind of cleaner or detergent, unless it's specified for the particular sofa or particular leather, as it could harm the leather.

  2. kevlar t says:
    June 26, 2009 at 6:54 am

    well if you use leather ink stain removal that you buy at costco it will be all better

  3. bonsta_babe says:
    June 26, 2009 at 6:54 am

    stain remover for leather material, at any home improvement store :)

  4. Frances T says:
    June 26, 2009 at 6:54 am

    Try spraying hairspray on the seat and let it sit awhile. It should wipe clean with a paper towel.

  5. Judy B says:
    June 26, 2009 at 6:54 am

    If it is on a pigmented leather (which yours will be) then the first thing you should try is an ink stick. The fresher the ink the more chance you have of removing it. It is a good idea to have one in your house if you have a pale leather and children!!!!
    You should also be using a good quality leather protector on a pale suite. This will act like a 'scotchgard' and will make any more mishaps easier to clean off.
    If an ink stick doesn't work a solvent based remover will need to be used and it may also remove finish and pigment so is best left to the experts.

    Hairspray sometimes works but can also make the matter far worse as it can spread the ink over a bigger area. Nail varnish remover or any other solvents will remove the finish and pigment which will need replacing.

    DO NOT USE Baby wipes as theyare about the worst thing you can use on a leather sofa as they break down the finish and will eventually ruin your suite.

    Old ink will be harder to remove than new ink and may mean resorting to solvents which will also remove the finish. This is probably best left to the experts.

  6. Lola Falana says:
    June 26, 2009 at 6:54 am

    Frances T is right. You might want to try hairspray before you go through a lot of rigmarole.

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