Leather bags are the new fashion statement, and they come in a different variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Leather bags can be made from plant-based materials such as hemp, cotton, or linen. They can also be made from animal skins such as cowhide, sheepskin, or pigskin.
The more expensive types of leather bags may include exotic skins such as ostrich, alligator, or python skin. Leather is a durable material that stands up to wear and tear while still looking fashionable on any occasion. But how do we keep our leather bags clean?
A dirty leather bag doesn’t look good at all! You know what I mean: stains on the exterior fabric and soiling inside the purse with makeup residue, grime, and bacteria. One of the most common problems with leather bags is ink stains on the exterior fabric. Here’s a quick guide on how to remove ink stains from leather bags.
Factors to consider when removing ink stains from leather bags
- Leather is very absorbent. Using too much water to remove ink stains can cause the leather to expand and stretch, causing cracking or even tearing.
- It is best to clean ink stains from leather bags when they are still fresh so that the ink does not dry on the bag.
- One should be careful in choosing which cleaning agent to use for ink stains. Some cleaning agents are not ideal for leather because they can cause cracking or peeling.
- One should also be careful in choosing the method of removal. Scraping too hard with a metal instrument could tear the leather fibers instead of scraping out the ink.
Stains on bags come from many different sources. Therefore, a number of different factors must be considered before deciding on a solution. These factors include the type of stain, leather material, age of the damage, and staining technique used.
Other things to consider are the time frame in which you have to work as well as your budget for buying cleaning products. All these aspects need to be taken into consideration for you to have a successful result.
You can read our article on how to clean ink stains from leather car seats here.
How to Clean Ink Stains from Leather bag?
Ink is a funny thing. When it’s nice and new, it seems impossible to get out of anything. But once it dries, it can be nearly impossible to remove without professional help.
There are several things you can try at home, though before you go through the hassle of hiring someone else to do it for you – give these simple methods a try.
Method 1: Using Ink Remover
This is the most effective method and should be tried first. It will depend on what type of ink you are trying to eliminate, but there are products out there like Carbona Ink Eraser that work great for just about any type of ink stain imaginable. This product works by reacting with the ink to actually lift it out of whatever it is stuck in.
To get started, you will need some Carbona Ink Eraser, paper towels or rags, a brush, or a spray bottle if the package instructs you to use one. It’s useful for this type of stain because it even works on old dried ink stains.
Method 2: Blot and Use a Denatured Alcohol
If you don’t have a Carbona Ink Eraser on hand, that’s okay! You can gently blot the ink with some denatured alcohol. This will also help to lift some of the ink as well as any dirt or debris which may be causing the stain. Just be careful not to rub too hard because this could spread the stain or even result in ruining the leather of your bag.
Once you have gently blotted, take a little bit of denatured alcohol on some rags or paper towels and then blot them up again. You should notice that the ink is being lifted out of the material. Finally, take a damp cloth and gently wipe away all remaining traces of ink.
Method 3: Using Soap and Water
This is the least effective option, but may be necessary if you don’t have any denatured alcohol or ink remover on hand. It’s always best to avoid using harsh chemicals when dealing with leather or suede because they can actually strip the color over time.
Just as you would clean a stain from a shirt, gently rub some liquid dish soap on the inkblot and let it sit for about ten minutes. After it has been sitting, rinse with water and then blot up all the moisture with paper towels. You should see the ink starting to lift away. Finally, take a clean cloth and wipe it all off.
Method 4: Keep It Moist with WD-40
This method works best for lighter-colored leathers or bags that have just gotten wet after being in an accident. The main issue with heavy-duty solvents is that they can cause the color to change or fade in leather and suede.
For this method, simply take a cotton ball and apply a generous amount of WD-40 to it. This will help to break down the ink while also helping lift it off at the same time. Once you have applied some WD-40 with the cotton ball, gently wipe away any ink.
After you have gotten all the ink out, take a clean cloth and wipe down the bag to remove the oily residue that may be left behind. You can then use leather cleaner on your item if necessary to bring back its former shine. This method only works best for stains that are wet; do not attempt it with dry ink stains.
Note: WD-40 could harm your leather if not handled appropriately. So, we recommend you try it on a hidden part of your leather bag before you use it for cleaning the stains.
Method 5: Hire A Professional Cleaner
Now that we’ve covered some of the best ways to remove ink from leather, you should be ready to tackle any stain on your own. It definitely can seem like a lot, but it definitely beats paying for a professional cleaner! If you do find yourself needing outside help, though, here are some tips for finding the best company.
- The company should have tons of positive reviews and testimonials that say they did a wonderful job.
- They should be fully licensed and insured to protect both your home or business and their employees.
- The technicians working for the company should be both friendly and professional.
- When you request a quote, the firm should provide you with an estimate that is all-inclusive and doesn’t have any hidden fees.
Also, keep in mind that not everyone needs to go through this process. If your bag isn’t made of leather or suede, it may be okay to simply use soap and water. Overall, though, if you have a leather item, it’s always best to take care of it properly so you can continue using it for years to come!
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Final Thoughts
In this article, we’ve outlined three of the most effective ways to remove ink stains from leather. Whether you have a light or dark-colored bag made from either material, these methods should work for any type of stain and texture on your item.
Just remember that some people may be able to get away with using soap and water if their leather is not too delicate but it’s always best to err on the side of caution when dealing with expensive items like leather bags. Thanks For Reading!