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Kelli asked: How do I remove a battery acid stain from a leather sofa. My cream leather sofa has got a battery stain on it, and I need to try and remove it. Please, any ideas?
Just like acid can eat through fabric, it can cause permanent damage to a leather surface. You cannot undo the damage caused by battery acid on your leather, but you can prevent the damage from spreading by neutralizing the acid as quickly as possible.
You Will Need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Sponge
- Soft dry cloth
Steps to Neutralize the Acid:
- Make a paste of baking soda and water.
- Use the sponge to wipe the paste onto the area of the leather affected by the acid spill. You may see some bubbling or fizzing. This is normal, it is just the reaction between the acid and the baking soda. It will result in a neutral substance that will not cause harm to the leather or to you.
- Rinse the sponge well in clean water, or use a fresh sponge.
- Wipe away the baking soda and neutralized acid with the clean sponge.
- Dry the area with a soft cloth.
- Although the acid will be neutralized, and will not cause further damage, this process will not remove the stain left behind. This will have to be professionally replaced or repaired.
- Since the leather itself has been damaged or “eaten” by the acid, there is no topical stain to remove. If there is no way to replace the section, you may have to replace a larger area.
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Additional Tips and Advice
- Battery acid will burn your skin, so avoid touching the affected area until it has been neutralized.
- When dealing with an alkaline battery spill, neutralize it by wiping with a cloth dipped in vinegar.
- If the spill is a large one, you have sensitive skin, or you will have to touch the battery acid, wear rubber gloves for protection.
I had a battery in my trunk and it exploded and leaked onto the floor of my backseat. My bag toppled onto it one day and it got on the fabric and the leather strap. I used the baking soda and water paste to neutralize it and it didn’t harm my bag, but I see the leather straps are cracking now. This is a really expensive bag and I’m not sure if I should try the baking soda mix again or just leave it? A black spot is on the handle but it’s withering away. Any suggestions? Don’t even ask how this happened; I’m oblivious to a battery acid spill obviously.
All the steps talk about how to neutralize the acid and nothing about removing the actual stain; except step six, which tell you to replace the damaged piece. Hah.
How did you get battery acid on your leather couch? Car = garage, couch = living room.
I have battery acid ALL OVER my back leather seat in my Cadillac Escalade!!! I’m talking a HUGE amount of my seat has been FRIED due to a former associate of mine neglecting to inform me of such damage! (He had used truck for moving) I tried the baking soda solution. This is pointless though because the seat is not repairable with the amount of damage done unfortunately! Not even a specialist could do anything I’m guessing! Sad sad sad day! I can’t afford this!!!!