How to Clean Blue Ink on White Leather

Whether the stain is on a beautiful purse or your clean white leather sofa, you can remove ink from white leather relatively easily. However, before you use any cleaning method on leather, test it on an inconspicuous spot. That way, you don't risk making the stain worse or destroying your white leather item.

One method involves rubbing alcohol. Be especially cautious if using this method, as rubbing alcohol, also called isopropyl alcohol, is a potent cleaning agent. Using a cotton swab or clean white cloth, gently dab a small amount of the rubbing alcohol onto the stain. Blot gently until the entire stain has lifted, taking care not to spread the ink around. You always want to use a white cloth on white leather to avoid dye from a colored cloth transferring to the leather.

For a different approach, apply a couple of drops of mild liquid dish soap (regular Dawn works well for this job) to a damp white cloth. Carefully blot the ink stain. Once again, don't scrub or rub the stain too aggressively, as you can damage the leather and spread the stain.

A couple of other less common approaches are to use nail polish remover or hairspray. Use nail polish remover in much the same way as rubbing alcohol. Gently use a cotton swab or clean cloth dampened with nail polish remover to dab the stain, being careful not to scrub or spread the stain. If you try this method, use non-acetone nail polish remover, as acetone is harsh and can destroy the leather.

Hairspray might also remove blue ink, but be sure to use an alcohol-based hairspray. Spray a generous amount onto a cotton swab or clean white cloth and blot the stain until it lifts.

You can also try using products specifically designed for this task rather than household cleaning agents and items. You can buy both an ink remover pen or a leather stain remover from most big box stores like Walmart, Home Depot, Target or online through Amazon and similar sites. You can also shop directly from a leather manufacturer.

To use either of these stain removers, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always make sure to first test these products in an inconspicuous space. Different types of leather are treated with various chemicals and processes, and therefore even approved products may not work well on them and end up causing damage.

Finish with a leather conditioner no matter which method you choose to remove ink from white leather. After you test the product, clean the spot of any dust or remaining cleaning product. Apply the conditioner in a circular motion using a clean, white, lint-free cloth. Buff the spot with another soft, dry cloth.

You can condition the spot that had the stain, but feel free to do the whole sofa, purse or leather item. Periodic conditioning protects the material and keeps it looking new.