Ballpoint ink stains are quite a nuisance, especially when they get on leather items. Whether it’s your couch, bag, or journal cover, these ink stains can leave permanent damage if left untreated. Throwing away your expensive leather goods just because of some stain would be such a needless waste, but what solutions are there? Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of ballpoint ink stains so that you can save your beautiful leather belongings. Here are some of the best ways to remove those pesky ballpoint pen stains from leather.
Precautions To Take Before Cleaning Leather
Before we dive right into the leather cleaning solutions you can try, there are a few important things to remember. First, the longer the stain stays on your leather item, the more difficult it will be to remove. The sooner you discover the ink stain, the better. It will be easier to remove if the stain is fresh.
It is also essential to perform a spot test before cleaning your leather goods with any of the methods we will outline below. Various types of leather may respond differently to different solutions. Before trying to remove the stain completely, perform a spot test with the cleaner in a hidden area. If your leather item doesn’t react negatively after a few minutes or even several hours, then it should be fine to proceed with removing the stain.
How To Get Ink Out Of Leather
As sturdy as leather is, it is also a delicate material to clean. The right cleaning solutions are imperative to keep your leather products in good condition. Here are some of the best methods we can recommend:
Leather Cleaner
The best option is to use a solution specifically designed for cleaning leather. Some even specialize in removing ink stains, so try to get this to remove ballpoint ink stains from leather. Otherwise, regular leather cleaners should work just fine. The reason we recommend a leather cleaner is that it does two things. First, it cleans your leather thoroughly. Second, it moisturizes and protects your leather products. If you can’t get leather cleaners in time or if you are unable to find them, then you can try these other ink removal options instead.
Soap and Water
Some ink stains are not as tough as others. If your ballpoint pen ink is less viscous and easier to remove, then soap and water may do the trick. Mix a few drops of dish soap in water and gently rub the spot where the leather has been stained. Dry well with a paper towel. You can repeat these steps until the stain is gone.
Vinegar
Vinegar is also a great option for removing stains. Instead of using straight vinegar, which can be too strong, dilute it in equal parts water. Using a clean, soft cloth, dip it into the vinegar and water mixture and then carefully dab at the stain. Continue blotting the stain until the ink lifts from the leather. After removing the ballpoint pen ink from the leather, use a dish soap and water mixture to clean the area to remove any vinegar odor from the leather.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol almost always cleans anything, so using it on your leather items makes sense if you’ve got ink stains on them. For this cleaning method, you will need rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, and a blow dryer. You can start by applying the alcohol to the leather directly or by wiping it on with the cotton swab. Rub the cotton swab on the stain repeatedly until it lifts off the leather. Once done, dry the leather quickly with the blow dryer.
Baking Soda
Another effective leather cleaning option is baking soda. This natural compound has a pH between 8 and 9, which makes it mildly alkaline and gentle enough for use on leather. Not only can it remove ink stains, but baking soda can also remove any build-up of oil and dirt from your leather goods without causing any damage. If the ink stain on your leather item is difficult to remove, then the mild abrasiveness of the baking soda should do the trick. Mix with water to form a paste and rub it on the affected area. Similar to the other cleaning solutions on this list, it is best to do a spot test before proceeding with cleaning your leather.
The Bottom Line
Getting ink stains may not always be avoidable. However, ink stains don’t have to mean the end of your beloved leather items. We’ve outlined ways to clean your leather belongings if you get ballpoint pen ink stains on them. It may also be useful for you to learn how to stop ballpoint pens from leaking to avoid any more mishaps and unwanted ink stains, not just on your leather goods but also on your other belongings.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
