How do you remove ink from leather furniture?

Donna
by Donna
I bought a rather expensive Smith Brothers genuine leather couch. My grandson, without my knowledge made a couple of ink pen marks on it and I don't know a safe way to get it out. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

  11 answers
  • Ginny Ginny on Jun 23, 2017

    I have heard that a dab or two of rubbing alcohol will remove ink from some surfaces. I once used washing soda (NOT baking soda) on the sleeve of a white blouse that accidentally touched an ink stamp pad. Removed all of the black ink and saved and $50 blouse. Try one or both of the above on an area of leather that does not show before attacking the spot. Good luck.

  • Liz Toone Liz Toone on Jun 23, 2017

    These instructions are geared toward leather car seats, but I imagine it would work for your couch.

    https://mom.me/lifestyle/1817-remove-pen-marks-car-leather/

  • Julie Julie on Jun 23, 2017

    Try a cotton swab or a q-tip ,dipped in rubbing alcohol. Or spray ink spot with hair spray don't let it dry though, and swap area lightly. Don't spread stain by rubbing BLOTTING stain is a better idea.Then use leather cleaner and conditioner . Repeat until all ink is gone. .Remember less is more don't oversaturate the stained area . Little at a time The longer the stain has time to set, the harder it is to remove, Good Luck

  • Shi13665433 Shi13665433 on Jun 23, 2017

    I would try a touch of nail polish remover but very little.

  • Claude Claude on Jun 23, 2017

    Okay...try hand sanitizer a clear bottle, then rinse. I would not use stright alcohol or nail polish remover(acetone) because it's a living product. Hand sanitizer actually removed ink from my white burber carpet. Use a lean, soft WHITE rag. Like an old tee shirt, turn it often.

  • Joyce days Joyce days on Jun 23, 2017

    don't laugh but try shaving cream. It removed nail polish from my leather chair

  • Julie Boger-Rusaw Julie Boger-Rusaw on Jun 23, 2017

    hair spray is what I use on cloth and clothing. But I'd try a hidden spot 1st no matter what you try

  • Sue Sue on Jun 23, 2017

    Go to a fine furniture store and ask them. They will also give you the name of a furniture doctor, if all else fails. Be careful with alcohol. An alcohol drink was spilled on my leather sofa and it left a bleach spot.

  • Pamela Pamela on Jun 23, 2017

    try Folex, Carpet And Spot Remover!!!!! This Stuff Is Great , About $ 6-7 At Home Depot. It Removes All Kinds Of Stains Including Ink.

  • Lavonne Lavonne on Jun 27, 2017

    here are several ways:

    1. Spray the ink spot with hairspray. Let it sit for about a minute, but do not let it dry.
    2. Remove the stain with rubbing alcohol if hairspray does not work.
    3. Lift deeper-set ink stains with nail polish remover.

    4. Apply aerosol brake parts cleaner to deep ink stains.


    Just test on a hidden piece of the leather first!

  • Janice Janice on Jul 01, 2020

    Here's some instructions from youtube.com video.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpEuOdfcKkQ