How to Remove Ink Stains from Leather Upholstery

Table of Contents:

You Will Need
Steps to Remove Ink Stains
Additional Tips and Ideas

Shashi asked: How do I clean ballpoint ink stains from leather chairs?

Ink and leather do not make a pleasant combination. Though these stains can be difficult to remove, it’s definitely worth the effort to save the furniture piece from a trip to the dump! Here are several methods you can try to remove the ink.

You Will Need:

Leather cleaner
Leather conditioner
Rubbing alcohol
White soft cloth

Steps to Remove Ink Stains:

Start by applying a leather cleaner such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. Follow the manufacturer’s application instructions.
After the stain is removed, allow the area to dry completely.
If necessary, apply a conditioner to the area to keep the leather supple.
If the leather is smooth, you can also try rubbing alcohol to remove the ink.
Moisten a small part of a soft white cloth with the rubbing alcohol and gently blot at the stain. As you are blotting, you should notice the ink transferring to the cloth.
Work from the outside of the stained area towards the center and switch to a new section of cloth frequently to keep from spreading the stain.
Allow the area to dry.
Older stains may take several applications to be removed completely.
When finished, condition the leather to keep it from drying out.

Additional Tips and Ideas

If the piece is valuable and you don’t want to risk damaging it, consult a professional who is experienced in removing stains from leather.
Stains on leather can sometimes be erased away. However, use this method sparingly and with caution. When erasing, a layer of the leather will be removed and may result in a weakened area that may lead to a hole.
If the above home remedies don’t work, there is a specific product you can buy for the job: Furniture Clinic’s Leather Ink Remover, which can be used on any kind of leather.
There are also ink remover sticks you can try, such as Leather Master Ink Lifter or in the U.K., LTT Ink Remover, that are designed to remove ink from automotive leather, or leather that is pigment-coated (has no pores showing).
Don’t procrastinate! Fresher ink stains are much easier to remove. As the ink sets on the leather the dyes will soak into the leather and be much more difficult, if not impossible, to remove.