The best method for removing ink stains from leather lounges is pretty basic as soon as you find out what kind of leather you have on your lounge. Leather can simply be referred to as naked leather or finished leather. Most lounges should be made with finished leather, which means that the leather is sealed and easier to clean. An example of unfinished leather would be suede, and an ink stain on something like suede can only be removed by a professional dry cleaner. However, with a lounge that is covered in unfinished leather, you should always treat the leather before you start using it.
But let’s say you are like most people and don’t take care of your new leather lounge like the directions say – and before you know it, you accidently leave an ink pen on one of the cushions and it breaks. The first thing to do to properly remove an ink stain from a leather lounge is not to panic. If you panic and start using any types of harsh cleaners on the leather, or rub the stain further into the leather by scrubbing it, you will just make it worse.
So the first thing that you need to do is find the instructions for cleaning your leather lounge – either from a pamphlet that came with the lounge or online. Usually, there will be general directions and then an 800 number you can call to speak to a representative. However, since they won’t tell you to use harsh chemicals, probably the most information that you will get is to use a mild, non-solvent soap (like Ivory) and warm water as the best method for removing ink stains from leather lounges. You may also try saddle soap.
One of these may work, but if the stain is old or deep, you may have to use some harsher methods that may harm the leather. If you do, always test a stronger cleaner on a place that won’t show. When you use harsher and unapproved cleaners, you will have to experiment a bit. Although, if the ink stain is on a cushion, you will be better off taking it to a professional leather cleaner. You can also buy the professional cleaning solvent yourself, if the ink stain on the leather lounge is not in a place that is removable. Professionally-used leather cleaner that will get an ink stain out will be expensive, but it is worth it if you have a particularly nice lounge.
If your leather lounge is older, you may want to try hair spray, nail polish remover (non-acetone) or isopropyl rubbing alcohol. The key here is to use it sparingly and just dab it on. If the stain is old or deep set into the leather, this may break up the stain, but won’t really get rid of it.
So the best method for removing ink stains from leather lounges is really preventative care, like using leather conditioner on a regular basis. This is not what anyone wants to hear when their new leather lounge looks like it is ruined – especially if you paid a lot of money for it – but if you get in the habit of protecting your leather lounge on a regular basis, it won’t be so bad next time.
