Ink stains on suede jackets, bags, or shoes can seem daunting, but fear not! Our tutorial on how to remove ink stains from suede will empower you with the know-how to tackle this challenge head-on.
Discover effective methods to help you remove ink spots, restore your suede items to their original splendor, and embrace the confidence of pristine, stain-free suede.
Table of Contents
Home Remedies to Remove Ink Stains From Suede
1. Using rubbing alcohol
What To Prepare
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton rounds or balls
- A clean cloth or sponge
- A suede brush
- Clean paper towels and a dry towel
Step 1: Prepare and test the rubbing alcohol
You should test the rubbing alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area of the suede to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Put clean paper towels or an old towel underneath the stained spot to absorb any spilled alcohol or ink that may seep through.
Step 2: Soak the stained areas
Apply rubbing alcohol to the areas with the ink stains. You can place soaked cotton pads or balls on top of the stains and let them soak for approximately 5 minutes. It helps the alcohol penetrate the stain and start lifting the ink.
When the ink begins to spread and gets absorbed by the cotton pads, use a dry cotton pad to firmly press down on the spot and soak up as much ink as possible.
Replace the soaked cotton pad with a fresh one if needed. Repeat this process several times when getting pen marks off leather.
Step 3: Scrub with a small brush
After blotting, take a small brush with soft bristles and gently scrub the stained areas. It will help to loosen the ink further and remove any remaining residue.
Step 4: Clean the entire piece
Use clean cotton pads soaked in alcohol to wipe the entire piece, wiping in one direction at a time. Wash and let the suede air dry completely.
2. Using hand sanitizer
What To Prepare
- Hand sanitizer (preferably one with a high alcohol content)
- A clean towel or cloth
Step 1: Apply hand sanitizer
Squeeze a small amount of hand sanitizer onto a clean towel or cloth. Ensure the cloth is clean and has no color or dye that could transfer to the microfiber suede.
To get the pen out of suede, apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to the test area and wait for it to dry. If there are no adverse effects, you can proceed.
When you rub the stain, periodically blot the area with a clean part of the cloth to remove any ink residue from faux suede. Continue rubbing and blotting until you see the ink stain gradually fading.
Step 2: Rub the stain
Gently rub the ink stain on the suede using a towel or cloth with hand sanitizer. Apply enough pressure and be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as it can damage the delicate suede fibers.
Step 3: Allow drying
Let the treated area air dry completely. Avoid using excessive heat or direct sunlight, as it can cause the suede to shrink or become discolored.
Professional Suede Cleaning
Using Professional Cleaning
What to prepare
- White eraser
- Suede-safe solvent
- Brush
Step 1: Find the right eraser
Use a white eraser made of rubber, vinyl, or art gum. make sure to avoid colored erasers as they can worsen the stain.
Oftentimes, suede cleaning kits come with a specialized suede eraser.
Step 2: Use the eraser to remove the stains
One important suede cleaning technique to use here is to apply strong pressure and rub the eraser against the stained suede, like erasing pencil marks.
Continue rubbing back and forth until the stain lifts or lightens. This process may take time, and you might need a second eraser if the first one wears down.
Once the stain is removed, brush off any residue with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 3: Use a solvent if needed
If the stain persists, apply a suede-safe solvent. Soak a soft-bristle brush with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar and gently scrub the stain.
You can alternate between erasing and brushing for stubborn stains. After complete removal, run a clean toothbrush over the area to restore the suede’s texture.
Prevention Tips for Future Ink Stains
- Apply a suede-protecting spray or sealant on your suede items
These products can create a barrier that repels liquids, including ink, reducing the chance of stains and making them easier to clean if any spills occur.
- Be mindful of clothing transfer
If you’re wearing clothing with ink or using accessories like bags that may come into contact with suede, avoid rubbing or leaning against suede surfaces to prevent ink transfer.
- Handle ink carefully
Remember to get pen off suede items and take precautions to prevent spills or leaks. Ensure that caps and lids are securely closed when not used, and handle ink containers carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Tide Pen To Remove Ink Stains From Suede?
Yes, you can use a Tide pen or stain remover to remove ink from suede. Before applying the Tide pen directly to the stained area, it's best to do a patch test on a small suede area to check for any adverse reactions or color changes.
Can I Use Sandpaper To Clean Suede Shoes?
Yes. You can sand off the ink stains from the suede couch or shoes. However, applying very gentle pressure is best to avoid damaging the fabric. If there are still ink stains, you can use vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove it.
Conclusion
How to remove ink stains from suede? Home remedies such as using rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer can effectively lift ink stains from suede items. Moreover, using erasers, suede-safe solvents, or considering suede fabric care is also suggested in ink stain removal for suede.
Applying suede-protecting sprays or sealants and keeping your clothes clean can help prevent future ink stains.
With these cleaning techniques and preventive measures, you can take ink off and restore the beauty of your suede items.
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