How to Get Ink Out of a Leather Purse? – 7 Effective Ways

Ink stains on a leather purse can be frustrating and difficult to remove. However, with the right techniques and products, it is possible to get rid of even the most stubborn stains.

How to get ink out of a leather purse? In this guide, we will show you seven simple and effective methods to remove ink stains from your favorite leather purse.

Whether you’re dealing with a small spot or a larger stain, our step-by-step instructions will help restore your purse to its original condition.

Ways to Get Ink Out of a Leather Purse

Method 1. Rubbing Alcohol

Step 1: Gather the materials

You will need a small cup of rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, a clean cloth, and a leather conditioner.

Step 2: Dip a cotton ball

Dip a cotton ball into the small cup of rubbing alcohol. Make sure it is saturated but not dripping.

Step 3: Blot the ink area

Gently blot the ink-stained area of the leather purse with the dampened cotton ball. Avoid rubbing the ink, which may worsen the stain and damage the leather. Instead, use a circular motion.

Step 4: Repeat the process

If the ink stains still remain after blotting, repeat the process with a fresh cotton ball and more rubbing alcohol. Continue to blot the area until the ink stains start to fade.

Step 5: Apply leather conditioner

After cleaning the ink stains, restoring moisture and protecting the leather is important. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the clean cloth you have prepared and gently rub it onto the entire surface of the purse.

Method 2. Leather Cleaner

Step 1: Choose a suitable leather cleaner

Choose a leather cleaner that is designed for cleaning and conditioning leather. You can find leather cleaners in pens, wipes, or liquids.

It’s best to look for a product that contains cleaning agents and conditioners like beeswax, olive oil, and essential oils. You can consider Brahmin, Weiman, or Chemical Guys leather cleaners.

Step 2: Apply the leather cleaner

If using a pen or liquid, apply a small amount of the cleaner directly to the ink stain. If using wipes, use them to gently rub the stain and make sure to cover the entire ink-stained area.

Step 3: Gently scrub or rub

Using a soft cloth or brush to gently rub the leather cleaner into the ink stain. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously because this may damage the leather.

Step 4: Wipe off the cleaner

After the designated time, you can use a clean, damp cloth to get rid of the remaining leather cleaner from the purse.

Method 3. Soap and Water

Step 1: Prepare the soapy water

Fill a small bowl or container with warm water, then add one to two drops of mild and clear liquid dish soap to the water. Next, mix gently to create a soapy solution.

Step 2: Dampen a soft cloth and rub the ink stains

Take a soft cloth, such as a microfiber or cotton cloth, and dampen it with soapy water. Next, use the damp cloth to rub the ink stain on the leather gently.

Step 3: Remove soap residue

After removing the ink stain, dampen another clean cloth with warm water. Next, use this cloth to get rid of ink, wipe away any soap residue from the leather, and then let the purse dry.

Moreover, this mixture not only can be used to clean leather purse stains but also purse lining stains.

Method 4. Nail Polish Remover

Step 1: Choose nail polish remover

It’s best to choose an acetone-free nail polish remover to get ink off of leather. It’s because acetone can be harsh and may cause discoloration or damage to the leather.

Step 2: Dampen a cotton ball or clean cloth

Moisten a cotton ball or a cloth with a small amount of acetone-free nail polish remover.

Step 3: Blot the ink stain

Dab or blot the stained area of the leather surface with the dampened cotton ball or cloth. It’s best to do it gently without damaging leather. Finally, use a clean cloth to remove ballpoint ink and any residue on your purse.

Method 5. Hairspray

Step 1: Choose the right hairspray

Hairspray is another option for ink removal from leather. Look for a hairspray that contains a high amount of acetone, as this is the active ingredient that helps break down the ink. Besides, avoid using hair sprays with added oils, as they can leave a greasy residue on the leather.

Step 2: Protect the surrounding area

Place a cloth or paper towel underneath the ink stain to protect the other parts of the purse from potential overspray or staining.

Step 3: Apply the spray

Spray hairspray onto the ink-stained area. Next, use a cotton ball to blot the old ink stain. It’s best to gently rub the ink stain in a circular motion, applying light pressure. Continue blotting and lifting the ink until the stain starts to fade.

Step 4: Wipe off residue and apply leather conditioner

Because hairspray can be harsh on leather, it’s best to apply a small amount of leather conditioner onto the entire surface of your leather purse.

Method 6. Magic Eraser

Step 1: Wet the magic eraser

Moisten the magic eraser with water and squeeze out any excess water.

Step 2: Gently rub the stain

Using light pressure, gently rub the damp magic eraser on the ink stains of the purse.

Besides, you should check the ink stain frequently while rubbing to see if it is lighting or being lifted from the leather. Lastly, wipe away residue on the leather surface.

Note: Remember, the magic eraser method is most effective for surface ink stains on leather and may not work as well for deeply penetrated stains. Additionally, excessive force or rubbing for an extended period can damage the leather.

Method 7. White Vinegar

Step 1: Mix baking soda and white vinegar

Combine baking soda with white vinegar in a small bowl to create a paste. The paste should have a thick consistency, similar to toothpaste.

Step 2: Apply the mixture to the stains

Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently dab the stain. You can repeat this step as necessary until the ink stain fades.

Step 3: Clean with mild detergent

After treating the ink stains with the baking soda and vinegar mixture, you should:

• Clean the leather purse with mild detergent and water to remove any remaining vinegar odor.
• Dampen a cloth with a mild detergent solution and gently wipe the entire purse surface.

Note: Alternatively, you can use a 1:1 ratio mixture of white vinegar and water instead of the baking soda and vinegar paste.

Conclusion

How to get ink out of a leather purse? You can consider rubbing alcohol, leather cleaner, soap and water, nail polish remover, hairspray, magic eraser, or white vinegar.

You should note that different types of leather may react differently to these cleaning methods, so it is always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first before applying the ink remover to the entire stain.

Besides, remember to take pen off leather purse before cleaning it. With patience and the right cleaning method, you can easily remove ink from leather purses and clean leather bags!