Some leather pieces are not dye stable.

Others have protective coatings that can be damaged by stain removal methods.

Warning

You should not use these ink stain removal practices onnubuck or suede leather.

How to Remove Ink Stains From Leather

Call a professional upholstery cleaner or take the garment to a dry cleaner that specializes in their care.

Test the Leather

Dampen a cotton swab or white cotton cloth withrubbing alcohol.

Dont use a colored cloth because it can transfer dye to light-colored leather.

A variety of leather cleaners on top of a leather chair

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Dab the Stain

Dip a fresh cotton swab or white cloth in the alcohol.

Working from the outside inward to prevent the stain from spreading, gently dab the stain.

Replace the swab or cloth as you see the ink being extracted to avoid re-staining the garment.

The Leather Hero Leather Color Restorer is used to clean leather bag

Continue to blot gently until the ink is gone.

Allow the treated section of leather to air-dry after or between treatments.

Additional Tips for Removing Ink Stains from Leather

An assortment of upholstery cleaners we recommend, including the Bissell Little Green Original Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner, side-by-side on a wood floor

Materials needed to remove ink stains from leather

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Testing a hidden area of the leather with stain removing ingredients

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Dabbing the ink stain on the leather with a clean cloth

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Air drying and conditioning the leather

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic