by Carmel Brulez

Created on: November 04, 2009   Last Updated: November 05, 2009

HOW TO GET INK OUT OF A LEATHER COUCH

You have invested in a beautiful, attractive, colourful, practical leather couch because you need somewhere to sit that is comfortable, affordable and blends into the room and its surroundings. You chose leather because it is hard wearing, very easy to wipe clean, does not absorb dirt and does not absorb odours. The trouble is that no matter how careful you are with it, someone will eventually mark it.

Spilling a glass of water or a cup of coffee on it should not be a problem as liquids can just be wiped off and absorbed by a cloth and do not stain, but to get a ball point pen stain out of a leather couch is quite different. It looks awful and without the right treatment, you are stuck with it.

Unlike water, ink does not just wipe off; you need to treat it with a suitable solution. You can get ink removing solutions which are sold online or in some supermarkets, but these are chemical, very expensive and it is unlikely you would have one sitting at home waiting for when you need it. It is far better to be able to use something which is natural, cheaper and there ready and waiting to be used so that you do not have to go to the shop, spend money or wait. The sooner you treat your ink stain, the better, as it will be easier to remove.

You need some clean, dry and absorbent cloths. Take one of the cloths and blot the stain as much as is possible. If you do not have a suitable cloth, try using cotton wool balls as are used to remove nail varnish, or kitchen towel or blotting paper. Moisten another clean dry cloth and use it on the stain in a circular motion to try to lift the ink from the leather onto the cloth. If this does not remove the ink, then use one of the following remedies which you should have in the house already waiting. Leather cleaner may do the trick but failing this, try one of these solutions. Whichever you choose should be cheaper than the solutions sold especially for removing ink stains. You may need to apply the solution/remedy to the stain and leave to rest and attack the stain for a while; at least an hour is a good idea. Then return to the stain, remove the mixture and dry the area, then apply again if the stain persists.

Hairspray sprayed onto a clean dry absorbent cloth.

Baking soda with water.

Perfume.

Milk.

Lukewarm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo.

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