How To Get Ink Out Of Synthetic Vegan Leather – 5 Easy Steps

Leather is a classy and expensive material, so it is important to take care of it. Ink stain removal is possible but it is important to follow the right method, otherwise it can cause a big mess. And prevention is always the best!

If you are a big fan of vegan leather or have purchased any products, then you will have to take care of it properly. The ink stain is quite stubborn, and if immediate action is not taken, it gets soaked inside and then no matter how many times you wash it, it gets difficult to remove that stain completely.

Vegan leather is slightly different from real leather. It doesn’t have pores like real leather, but that doesn’t mean you can be hassle-free. Vegan leather’s surface is very smooth and synthetic, so the ink can spread quickly as soon as it is applied. That’s why you have to clean it without wasting even a second. Follow this step-by-step guide if you’re not sure on how to get ink out of synthetic vegan leather.

Why To Remove Ink Stains Immediately?

Leather is a premium material and if immediate action is not taken after the ink stain gets applied, it can soak inside. No matter how much you rub, the stain will not go away. Once the stain gets inside, the original appearance of leather will be lost!

If the ink stain is fresh, then it is absolutely necessary to clean it immediately. Because the chemical properties of ink get absorbed in the pores of leather. Then no matter what soap formula or cleaning solution you use on your vegan leather, it gets difficult to remove that stain completely.

Tips to Get Rid of Ink Marks

You have to use the right methods to remove the ink stain, otherwise the leather can be destroyed. Here are some tips that will help you out:

1. Take Quick Action: If ink is spilled, clean it quickly. The more you delay, the more the problem will increase.
2. Don’t Rub, Press: If you rub a cloth on the stain, the ink will spread further, so just press lightly so that the ink gets absorbed.
3. Don’t Be Rough: Be gentle with leather, otherwise the surface will get damaged.
4. Don’t Use Water: Don’t use too much water, it can damage the leather. Just use a lightly moist cloth.
5. Always Patch Test: Before using any cleaner, test it on a small spot, otherwise the color of the leather will fade away!

Step-by-Step Methods To Clean Ink Stains on Leather

Now that ink has gotten onto your leather, don’t worry. You need to use different techniques depending on how hard the stain is.

1. Normal Ink Stain – Soap Solution

If the ink stain is fresh, just a normal soap solution will do the job. See this process:

1. Take a mild soap – Any gentle handwash or baby shampoo, but don’t use a hard detergent.
2. Mix water and soap – Mix some water and a little soap in a bowl.
3. Take a Soft Cloth – Take a cotton or microfiber cloth that is soft, otherwise leather can get scratched.
4. Dab it lightly – Dip the cloth in the solution and dab it gently on the stain, do not rub it at all.
5. Take a Dry Cloth – Now wipe the leather with a dry cloth and let it soak thoroughly.

If there is a fresh stain, then this trick is enough. But if the ink has gone deep, then a more strong solution needs to be applied.

2. Medium Ink Stain – Using Isopropyl Alcohol

If the soap solution did not work, then it is time to level up. Isopropyl alcohol is a very effective solution that breaks down the ink without damaging the leather.

1. Get Isopropyl Alcohol – Get 70-90% isopropyl alcohol from any medical store.
2. Use Cotton Ball – Gently soak the cotton in isopropyl alcohol, but don’t use it too much, otherwise the leather may dry out.
3. Dab, do not rub – Always dab the cotton on the stain so that the ink can be absorbed.
4. Clean with a dry cloth – When the stain starts to lighten, wipe it with a clean and dry cloth.
5. Apply Leather Conditioner – Alcohol can dry out the leather a bit, so apply a good leather conditioner once the cleaning is completed to restore the softness again.

This method is perfect for medium-level stains, but if the ink still doesn’t come off, you’ll need heavy-duty cleaning products.

3. Heavy or Stubborn Stains – Using Specialized Cleaning Products

If the ink stain is very hard and nothing is working, you’ll need to use the specialized cleaning solutions.

1. Get Leather Ink Remover – There are specialized leather ink removers available in the market, such as “Leather CPR” or “Weiman Leather Cleaner.” These products are made to remove ink deeply.
2. Use a soft cloth – These cleaners are a little strong, so do not use any abrasive material, use only a soft microfiber cloth.
3. Apply little by little – Do not apply directly on leather, first apply it on a cloth and then dab gently on the stain.
4. Wipe with a dry cloth – When the stain gets light, wipe it with a dry cloth.
5. Moisturize the leather – Specialized cleaners can be a little harsh, so apply a leather conditioner after the cleaning process.

Tips to Remove Ink Stains – For Emergency Situation

Let’s think of a scenario where you took out a new bag or wallet made of vegan leather, and someone suddenly thrust a ballpoint pen in it. Or you were writing something and the pen’s socket got open, the ink got stained! In such a case, something has to be done immediately, or else the stain will become permanent.

These are the quick hacks to use in an emergency situation:

1. Take Immediate Action: Do not waste even a second, whatever clean cloth or tissue you have, dab the stain with it and absorb the excess ink. Do not rub at all, or else it will spread further.
2. Use Mild Soap Water: If you don’t have anything on hand, mix some water and mild soap and use it. Take a clean cloth, make it a little wet, and dab it on the stained area.
3. Alcohol Wipes: If you are in a cafe or restaurant, you can use the sanitizer wipes there. But don’t apply sanitizer directly, apply it on the cloth and then dab it.
4. White Vinegar: If you are at home, apply white vinegar on a cotton ball and dab it on the stain, the ink will slowly start coming out.
5. Baking Soda and Water Formula: Mix some baking soda and water to make a paste, apply it gently on the stain, leave it for 5 minutes, then wipe it.

All these tricks will work in emergency situations, but if the stain is old or it is colored vegan leather, then a little more effort is required.

How To Get Ink Out of Coloured Vegan Leather

Colored vegan leather has a different scenario. Although it is a strong material, ink is sensitive to stains. And if you accidentally put in any strong chemicals, then the color can fade. So be careful.

To remove ink from colored vegan leather, follow this step-by-step method:

Start with mild soap and lukewarm water

A simple solution to try first is to mix slightly warm water and mild soap in a bowl. Then take a microfiber cloth and dab it gently on the stain. Do not make any finger movements, or else the stain will get deeper.

Try Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

If soap doesn’t work, take non-acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball and dab it gently on the stain. Do not use too much force, or else the color could fade.

Mix of White Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is a very powerful combo that preserves the color of colored leather and also removes ink. Mix a little quantity of vinegar and baking soda to make a paste and apply it gently on the stain and leave it for 5-10 minutes. Then wipe it off.

Use Specialized Vegan Leather Cleaner

There are different cleaners available in the market that are made specifically for vegan leather. Such as “TriNova Vegan Leather Cleaner” or “Furniture Clinic Vegan Leather Cleaner.” These products will not damage and will help remove ink.

Apply Leather Conditioner

After the ink is cleaned, the surface may get dry, so apply a good leather conditioner or a light coat of coconut oil to maintain the softness.

Remember one thing, always test any solution on a small spot before using it. Don’t let your colored leather lose its original look!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can permanent marker stain be removed from vegan leather?

Yes, but it is a little tough. Use isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover, but be careful! And don’t forget to apply a conditioner after cleaning.

Q. Can ink stain be cleaned with normal water?

Just water won’t do anything. You will have to use a mild soap or an alcohol-based wipe, then only the ink will come out.

Q. Can rubbing alcohol be used on colored vegan leather?

Avoid using strong alcohol, otherwise the color may fade. Just take 70% of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball and dab it gently over the surface.

Q. What to do if the ink stain has become old?

It is difficult to remove old stains, but you can try using a paste of vinegar and baking soda or a special cleaner. It will take multiple attempts, be patient.

Q. Can we use regular leather cleaner on vegan leather?

Real leather and vegan leather are different, so only use cleaners made for vegan leather.

Conclusion

Cleaning ink stains on vegan leather immediately is the best option, otherwise they can get stained later. Use simple hacks in emergency situations, and be extra careful if it is colored leather.

And yes, prevention is better than cure! Always close the pen properly. And most importantly, don’t get panic, just be patient and try the tricks that we have told you. If you are using leather bags, sofas, or jackets, then get into the habit of cleaning your vegan leather regularly. Keep your leather product away from ballpoint pens or permanent markers.