We have all had to deal with leaky pens and what they do to leather—put a broken ballpoint pen or Sharpie in a pants pocket or leather bag by mistake, and suddenly, a blue or black blotch appears on your leather jacket or couch. These pen marks last forever if untreated, and if you don’t know how to remove pen ink from leather, cleaning these stains can be frustrating and may result in a bigger mess.
You don’t want to cover up or throw away an expensive and good-looking piece of furniture or purse because of an ink stain, but what cleaning options do you have?
Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true methods for getting ink out of leather – some methods require specialized ink removers, and some of them need nothing more than household cleaning products. In this article, we’ve gathered some of the most effective ways to remove pen ink from leather
How to Get Ink Out of Leather
Evaluate your stain and determine the best way to treat it. How to remove an old oil stain from a leather bag is a little different than dealing with ink.
Use Hair Spray on the Stain
The magic ingredient in hair spray that works on ink stains is isopropyl alcohol, otherwise known as plain old rubbing alcohol. Over time, companies have reduced or phased out isopropyl alcohol levels in hair spray completely, so this method is not as effective as it once was.
However, if you don’t have rubbing alcohol in the home, you can use a hair spray with a relatively high alcohol content to clean your leather. Before you try to clean pen marks with hair spray, you should test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous place on the leather.
Spray the pen marks, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then rinse the spot with cool water. Afterward, dab – don’t rub – the place with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Apply Alcohol to the Stain
Alcohol can be useful for how to remove Sharpie or other ink from leather but it can damage leather if you apply it carelessly. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is the most effective. Denatured alcohol or nail polish remover may work better, but you run a higher risk of damaging the leather.
Make sure to test the alcohol in a hidden spot before using it on the stain to ensure that you will not harm the fabric. Apply the alcohol with a cotton swab or cotton ball and rub lightly as you apply.
The ink should soak into the cotton swab. Do not allow the alcohol to sit too long after application – quickly dry the area with a hairdryer, if possible, or it might eat away at the leather.
For Non-White Leather, Try this Homemade Leather Cleaner
This home remedy is effective and safe to use on non-white leather, but always make sure to test the mix on a small area first.
Lemon Juice-Based DIY Leather Cleaner Recipe
1 part lemon juice
1 part cream of tartar
Mix the two ingredients into a paste. Then, apply the mixture to the ink spot using a microfiber cloth. Work the paste into the stain, and let it sit for a few hours if the stain remains.
Once you have cleaned the area with a damp cloth, apply a commercial or DIY leather conditioner to ensure that the leather is maintained, and you are working on a piece of leather furniture, be sure to always follow the tips for cleaning a leather couch for best results.
Homemade Cleaner for White Leather
White leather is more sensitive to caustic ingredients, so if you have an ink spot on white leather, use this cleaner. Make sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
DIY White Leather Cleaner Recipe
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the affected area, and let it sit for five minutes or so before wiping it off.
As with non-white leather, you should apply a professional or DIY leather conditioner to properly maintain the leather, and if you are cleaning leather furniture, make sure to follow the tips for cleaning a leather couch.
Use a Commercial Leather Cleaning Product
If your home remedies don’t work for removing acrylic paint from leather, commercial cleaners might be the way to go. They can cost a bit, but they are guaranteed to not damage your leather if used correctly.
As with home cleaning solutions, however, you should always test the product on a small area before trying them on the stain.
Commercial Cleaning Product Advantages
They are carefully tested and should be safe for cleaning leather.
They may work better on stubborn stains.
They usually require no mixing or measuring.
Melamine foam, also known as a Magic Eraser, is a significant first step toward stain removal. If the Magic Eraser doesn’t do the trick, try to remove pen from leather with liquid cleaners.
There are many excellent commercial leather products available, and many of them are valid on ink stains. Choose the best one for your needs, and you should always follow the included cleaning instructions.
Take It to a Dry Cleaner
If all else has failed you and you’re willing to pay to get your leather
purse or sofa back to pristine condition, you might consider a trip to the dry cleaners. Dry cleaners have a lot more tools and tricks to get Sharpie off of leather, and they have access to more powerful cleaning chemicals.
If you choose to take your leather to a dry cleaner, you should always do research and choose a reputable business. And, be sure to inform the cleaning staff of any special care instructions before entrusting them with your leather.
After you’ve cleaned out the stain, consider applying a leather protector to avoid future stains. It doesn’t require ballpoint ink to damage leather, after all—a single drop of water on unprotected leather can ruin it.
If you’re the victim of a broken ink pen and have been unfortunate enough to find yourself with a big black or blue ink stain spreading across your favorite leather item, we hope that you found this article on how to get pen ink out of leather to be helpful.
Whether you use a home cleaning solution or a professional, patience and persistence can get your leather goods clean, ink-free, and beautiful again.
Thanks very much for reading our tips on how to remove pen ink from leather. Please share these ink stain removal tips with your friends on Facebook and
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s daughter Bella shares a rare selfie
When Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise married in 1990 after meeting on the set of movie Days of Thunder they instantly became Hollywood’s Golden couple.
Two years later the couple adopted daughter, Isabella Jane and then three years later son Connor Antony.
When Hawaii-born Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise married in 1990 after meeting on the set of the movie Days of Thunder, they instantly became Hollywood’s golden couple.
See photo below
While Bella may not possess the same level of fame as her parents, she is an integral and beloved part of the Cruise-Kidman family. She continues to forge her own path with grace and independence, following her own passions and maintaining a low-key profile.
Before we dive into the beautiful bond between Tom Cruise and Bella, let’s take a moment to revisit the love story that brought them into this world. Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise were Hollywood’s golden couple when they tied the knot in 1990. They first met on the set of the movie “Days of Thunder,” where Tom recognized Nicole’s immense talent and convinced the producers to cast her as his love interest.
Two years into their marriage, they joyfully adopted their daughter, Isabella Jane, followed by their son, Connor Antony, three years later. Tom Cruise was already a massive star, and their love story seemed like a match made in heaven for this A-list couple.
But Tom Cruise filed for divorce eleven years into their marriage, claiming irreconcilable differences. Their path to parenthood was not without heartache, as Nicole experienced an ectopic pregnancy soon after their wedding, which forced them to consider other options for starting a family.
Today, Connor Cruise and Isabella Cruise are prosperous adults who have mostly avoided the spotlight. Isabella, also known as Bella, has chosen to work as a hairdresser and artist. She and her British husband, Max Parker, currently reside in London. Even though Bella likes to live a low-key life, she occasionally posts glimpses of her creative pursuits on her Instagram page, which has amassed a substantial fan base of more than 50,000.
In 2020, Bella surprised her followers by sharing a rare selfie, wearing a black hat and playfully captioning it with the words, “All that glitters is gold… oh wait, it’s just another Instagram filter.” Another selfie featured Bella in the kitchen with her hand on her head, accompanied by the words, “the procrastination station.” These posts reflect her down-to-earth and relatable nature, endearing her to her fans.
It’s important to note that Bella embraces the beliefs of the Church of Scientology, just like her father and brother. In an interview with Who magazine, she expressed that her children have made their own decision to be Scientologists, highlighting their autonomy and individuality. Nicole Kidman, Bella’s mother, has also shown her love and respect for her children’s beliefs.
Speculation arose that Nicole and Tom’s different beliefs may have contributed to their divorce in 2001. Following the split, Bella and Connor chose to live with their father, although Nicole has expressed her desire for them to live with her and her husband, Keith Urban. However, she acknowledges and respects her children’s autonomy and decision.
Contrary to expectations, Bella has opted not to follow in her famous father’s footsteps and pursue an acting career. Instead, she has charted her own path, developing a passion for fashion akin to her stepmother, Katie Holmes. This led her to move to London to study at the Sassoon Academy, a prestigious cosmetology school, and she now works as a talented hairdresser.
Recently, Bella delighted her fans with another rarely seen selfie, showcasing her new hairstyle and striking new look. Some of her followers even noticed similarities between her and her father, such as the distinctive “dents in her nose” and “smile lines.” It’s fascinating to see the connection between father and daughter manifest in physical traits.
Bella and her brother, Connor, bring a breath of fresh air to the world of Hollywood children. They have remained grounded and down-to-earth, choosing to lead their lives outside of the spotlight. If you have friends or family who haven’t seen a recent picture of Bella, please share this heartwarming article with them.;
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