I have to say that faux leather is much more “cleaning” friendly than real leather. With faux leather; you are going to spend less time and fewer efforts in cleaning, whereas real leather stains and spots can be very difficult to get rid of.
One of the most recurring incidents is having ink stains on faux leather purses or clothes, at first it may seem like a very daunting and difficult problem, but the truth is that getting rid of the ink stains is very easy when it comes to faux leather.
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This is what you are going to learn in this post, how to efficiently and easily get rid of ink stains from faux leather objects, just follow these steps:
The first thing you must do when the ink stains occur is to not panic.
Most people would take a wet cloth and start immediately rubbing the stained area hoping that it would go away!
Sometimes, they may think that applying alcohol or nail polish remover is going to solve the problem, when in fact it is going to make things worse!
So, the first step is to always avoid doing more harm to your faux leather purse or object.
In other words, I want you to do nothing, stop from doing anything you have no idea what consequences it may bring to your faux leather object.
The second step is to use a dry cloth with vinegar.
This is one of the best ways to get rid of ink stains, it is very affordable and most people have got vinegar at home.
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So, take two tablespoons of warm water and mix it with one tablespoon white vinegar, then soak a double folded dry cloth and apply the vinegar solution to your stained area.
Use this as many times as required, vinegar is both very strong on the ink stains and will also clean dust and other dirt very easily.
However, using vinegar can be a little tricky because it has got its own smell, to get rid of this “nasty” smell, you should apply a little bit of perfume on the treated area.
This may look like a very simple technique, but it does really work and will give you amazing results very quickly.
If the stains are too concentrated for the vinegar to get rid of, then you need to use the big guns, you need to use alcohol .
Alcohol
Here is a very safe way to use alcohol for cleaning ink stains on your faux leather purse:
Don’t use alcoholic beverages, they are going to stain your purse more, instead use pure alcohol and mix it with two tablespoons of warm water, so one tablespoon of pure alcohol and two tablespoons of warm water.
Then use the same process as with the vinegar.
This should be more than enough to get rid of most ink stains in your faux leather item.
However, do not use a lot of alcohol, it may look like an easy solution, it’s not, it can damage your faux leather items if you use too much, so, stick the amount I have shared with you in this post, it’s more than enough and if you want to use more, try it first on a small and hidden part of your faux leather item, then wait some few minutes until everything dries, to see whether the alcohol affects your fabric or not, then proceed.
Please, if you have a question or a comment about removing ink stains from faux leather, do not hesitate to post it in the comment section bellow.
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This is how you get rid of ink stains from your faux leather objects, if you know other ways, please share them in a comment below.
freeshy says
Thanks a lot for yourr post, enjoyed every bit of it, it was really helpful, now the ink has gone and i feel good again.
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Glad it helped you 🙂
Patricia Guido says
I used the white vinegar/warm water solution and it did not work. I tried alcohol/water solution and that did not work as well. What else could I use ?
RG says
neither worked for me! 🙁
nonye says
hi, i got this leather bag for my mum and it had a gummy gum stain on it and i decided to use acetone to remove the stain and the stain did go out but the bag is red and now has a white patch where the stain used to be but no red stain came out on the cotton wool that i used with the acetone, please how do i get rid of the whitish patch? thank u.
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Hi, thanks for your comment. From what you have describe, I can say that you still have some gum on the bag, try to put it in the freezer for three hours and then scratch the remaining gum. If this doesn’t help, then use mink oil to clean it thoroughly, and if it doesn’t work, then your only hope is to dye the tainted part again.
I know that this is very difficult, but you must try every mean you can to restore its color.
destinee says
Hello, I got this faux leather phone case and it has beads on it, and quite frankly I dont like the placement if the beads, and was wanting to know a was to safe way to remove the beads
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Nahh, it’s difficult and you may damage the fabric, better leave them where they are, or you’d have to buy a new case!
Nola says
My grand daughter wore a bright blue chiffon frock and the dye came onto her faux bone coloured bag, now that has transferred to a white faux skirt.
I have tried a mixture of washing up detergent and white vinegar to no avail also hairspray, which I know will remove ink, but neither work. I did read of a solution with bleach in which the garment was soaked and now can’t find it. Hoping someone can assist me. Nola
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Sorry, seems like it’s already too late, you’ve applied detergents which are the enemy of faux leather 🙁
Kateriina says
Hi, I have a problem-my favorite white faux leather crop top got stained by a new black jacket that was on top of it. The rubbing has caused the black dye to transfer onto the top:( first thing I did I got a wet cloth and tried rubbing it but it did nothing, then I got a (mild) stain remover and sprayed that on top and it didn’t seem to help so I chucked the whole thing into a cold delicate wash. I checked it halfway through but it seems it hasn’t done anything to remove the stains:'( I really want to get it fixed! What should I do? Would alcohol or vinegar or hot water or nail polish remover help? Your help is much appreciated!
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Use Gonzo Stain Remover, my go to product for such disasters! Sorry for taking this long to answer 🙁
Monica says
Did the Gonzo Stain Remover work for you? I have the same problem. Put a black pleather dress in my suitcase next to a cream one and the cream one now has black marks all over it. I tried rub bing alcohol and it did nothing.
Lisa says
Hi! Did Gonzo remover work? I have a similar problem with a bone colored faux leather pencil skirt which rubbed against a black colored item and has horrible ink stains. Thanks!
Jeanette Phillips says
Hi did the Gonzo stain remover work??
kate says
Hi
My problem is my faux leather cell phone case, the stain looks like foundation or maybe lipstick. I haven’t touched it yet because as a matter of fact it was a rather expensive present as it has got a sensor for answering on the front (moshi.com). Still, have no idea what to do. Tried the product site but to no avail. Would be so happy for some ideas, thanks
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Please try a good vinyl cleaner, Meguiar’s have an amazing one.
Monna Hawkins says
Help neither the vinegar solution or alcohol worked. Please help
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Why don’t you try a good vinyl cleaner? Meguiar’s have a good one.
melissa says
Hiiii. My fiancé bought me a new coach purse yesterday for my birthday and I wore a new black shirt today and I’ll be darned my very light cream colored purse is all blue on the back side from rubbing! I’m afraid to try anything to take it off its not cloth I’m not sure if it’s real leather (or another material) any chance you have ideas to get the ink off? Thanks in advance!! 🙂
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
I think you should try Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover, you can find it online, it’s very efficient and since I don’t know what fabric you are dealing with, I guess this is the best option for you, good luck.
Arlene says
I tried it on a light pink tablet cover – faux leather. It did not work – could it be because I didn’t get to it right away?
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Probably, did you try the product mentioned above?
antonnettte says
hi.. my mum got me a leather purse and i mistakenly spilled leather dye on it(i was trying to cover something up on the side of the purse). now the dye stain is still there. it hurts because its pure leather and now i have dye stains all over it. i tried vinegar and methanol but those didnt help. i need your help plleeeaaseeee….
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
It seems like it’s already too late! Sorry, the dye has penetrated too deep in it , since the all mighty alcohol didn’t work!! Now, you can only try to dye it with a similar color, try to use a brand called Fiebing’s, they’ve got great leather dyes. Sorry!
Aron oknats says
I got a blue marker stain on a white faux leather futon. What should I do? I have not tried the solutions listed above in fear that they might ruin the futon.
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
You should, they work.
Cassi says
Hello! I have a black faux leather purse with some studs on it. I have the matching wallet as well. I love this set and I lost one of the studs on the bag. I found some on eBay and moved the empty hole to the bottom to notice it less. I tried to reinforce the stud with super glue and some of the glue dried white and not clear. My husband suggested using nail polish remover to get it off, but all that did was remove the color to the bag. Any suggestions on how to remove the glue safely without further damage and how to restore the black color? I don’t want to say the bag is a lost cause 🙁
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Use acetone, a stronger and purer grade, rather than nail polish which is a bit weak, for the color, I suggest using Fiebing’s, they’re a good brand with an excellent product.
Adam says
Hi
I got a pen mark on a PU leather jacket and was wondering how to get rid of it. I have no idea how long it’s been there
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
I think you should read the above post, in it, I have explained everything that needs to be done to get rid of ink stains from faux leather, but vinegar is a fantastic way to go at it.
Adam says
I’ve tried but it’s not working
AF says
Hello,
I am happy to have found your website as it seems that you are very knowledgeable concerning faux leather! I had a faux leather bed that was pressed against my wall and
when I moved it, I realized that it left a long stain on my wallpaper. I have tried dish liquid, baking powder, lemon juice, toothpaste, alcohol, and a dry cleaning solution to get rid of the stains on the wallpaper. However, it is taking forever to disappear. I have scrubbed for hours over the course of a couple of days. It has gotten lighter, but it’s still very noticeable. Is there anything I can do?
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
White vinager? It works for stains as well, just apply a good amount.
AF says
I have tried vinegar and hairspray since my last post as well. It only just barely makes a difference. I’m renting the room, so I’m concerned I will wear out the wallpaper if I keep trying to brush the stain off. Thank you very much for your reply though, it is much appreciated!
Laura says
Does this remove real black leather imprinted marks offor a faux cream leather jacket?
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
I’m sorry, I didn’t understand your question.
Alex says
Hi I just got my white faux leather bed and my son were playing with blue pens. Now my the most favourite part of our room(which is the bed) has long pen stains. Tried vinegar and alcohol and nothing worked. Pls help. 😫
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Let’s looks at the options you have left: 1- Try a good and soft pencil eraser.
2- Use a vinyl cleaner, I use the one by Meguiar’s.
Walter says
Hello, I have a gym mat PU leather that has several small ink spots. I tried alcohol water mix but didn’t work. Please may you suggest a different solution? Thank you.
Jean-Marc Chateigner says
Have you tried vinegar? If it doesn’t work, then try an ink remover product like Amodex.
Kathy says
Hello! I have a faux leather purse that rubbed off and caused a brown stain on a white rayon shirt. Do you know a way to get the stain out of the shirt? I have not yet tried to treat the stain in any way at all.
Furthermore, do you know a good way to stop the faux leather from transferring on my clothes? Thanks so much!