Ink stains on a leather sofa are undesirable. Ink is nearly impossible to remove from leather. The majority of the time, you’ll need to hire a professional to remove the ink and restore the leather. If that isn’t an option, you can try the following methods to remove ink from your leather sofa at your own risk.
Infographic: Tips how to remove pen ink from leather sofa. | Image: De Hygienique
It is critical to remove the ink stain as soon as possible. The longer stains are allowed to set in, the more difficult it is to remove them.
Option 1: Use a leather cleaner designed for removing ink stains
Cleaning leather sofa. | Image: Freepik
It’s important to identify the leather sofa type. Aniline leather is a more delicate type of leather that can be damaged by harsh cleaners, so you’ll need to take extra care when treating this type of stain.
For other types of leather, you can start by using a leather cleaner designed for removing ink stains. These cleaners contain solvents that can help to break down the ink, making it easier to wipe away. Check with your furniture retailer for stain remover product recommendation.
Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the sofa first to ensure it won’t damage the leather.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate cleaner, apply it to the stain using a soft cloth, taking care not to rub too hard. Gently blot the stain until it begins to fade.
These cleaners usually come in a gel or spray, and they often need to be applied several times before the stain is completely removed. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully, as some formulas can damage leather if used improperly.
Option 2: Mix white vinegar and olive oil
The first step is to mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts olive oil in a bowl.
A bowl of oil and vinegar mixture. | Image: Freepik
Next, dap a clean cloth into the vinegar and oil moixture. Use the cloth to blot the pen mark on the leather sofa. Be sure to work from the outside of the stain towards the center, so you don’t spread the ink further.
Let the mixture set on the stained area for about 15 minutes. Then use another clean damp cloth to wipe away the vinegar and olive oil mixture. Finally, buff the area with a dry cloth to restore the shine.
Option 3: Use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol
Start by blotting up as much ink as possible with a clean cotton cloth.
Then, saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently rub it over the stained area. The alcohol will help to break down the ink, making it easier to remove.
Continue blotting until the stain is gone, then wipe away any residual alcohol with a damp cloth.
Consider Professional Leather Sofa Cleaning
Image of professional leather sofa cleaning service. | Image: De Hygienique
While it is possible to remove ink from leather on your own, many furniture retailers recommend that you engage professional leather sofa cleaning services such as De-Hygienique to preserve the quality of the leather and avoid further damage.
Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation!
