Accidental ink stains on your luxury leather bags and accessories can be stressful. Luckily, things aren’t always as bad as they might seem. With the right knowledge and immediate action, you can effectively remove ink from leather and restore its pristine appearance.

What To Do If You Get Ink On Leather

Whether you need to know how to get pen out of leather or you’re looking to counteract a larger spill, we’ve got you covered.

Act Quickly!

When ink finds its way onto your favorite leather bag, quick action can be really important.

Here are some emergency tips for removing ink from leather.

1. Blot, Don't Rub: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot the ink stain. Don’t ever rub a stain, it will likely just spread the ink and further penetrate the leather making it hard to fix.

2. Test an Unseen Area: Before applying any cleaners or chemicals, test them on an inconspicuous area of the bag to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.

3. Evaluate the Severity: Assess the extent of the ink stain. Minor stains may respond well to at-home cleaning methods, while more stubborn stains may require professional assistance.

How To Clean Ink Off Leather

With initial assessment and blotting done, what’s next? Here’s how you can try and get ink off your leather bag.

What You Will Need To Clean Ink Off Leather

• Clean, soft cloth

• Mild leather cleaner or saddle soap

• Isopropyl alcohol or specialized ink remover (for more stubborn stains)

• Cotton swabs or a soft brush

• Leather conditioner

1. Get your clean cloth and make sure it’s slightly damp (not wet). Add a small amount of mild leather cleaner.

2. Gently blot the ink stain, starting from the outer edges and moving inward. Avoid excessive rubbing. Work from the outside in to avoid spreading the ink further.

3. For stubborn stains, lightly dab a cotton swab or cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol or specialized ink remover on the stain.

4. Continue blotting until the ink is lifted. Be patient and avoid aggressive scrubbing.

The Do's and Don’ts of Cleaning Ink Stains on Leather Bags

Do's:

• Do act quickly and blot the ink stain gently.

• Do test any cleaning products or conditioners on an unseen area of the bag.

• Do try to use specialist leather products to avoid damage to the bag.

• Do seek professional assistance for stubborn or extensive ink stains.

Don’ts:

• Don't rub the ink stain vigorously; it can spread and deepen the stain.

• Don't use harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on leather.

• Don't over-saturate the leather with excessive water.

• Don't neglect conditioning the leather after cleaning to maintain its suppleness.

NOTE: Different types of leather may require specific cleaning steps or professional attention. More durable leathers like full grain or top grain leather will react differently to materials like suede.

Cleaning the Entire Leather Bag

Once the ink stain is removed, it’s a good idea to clean the entire bag to ensure it is consistent in appearance.

We created a guide about how to properly clean and care for your leather bags, but here’s an overview.

Step 1: Prepare For Cleaning

• Gather a soft cloth, leather cream or conditioner, and clean water.

• Test conditioner on a non-visible spot before applying to the entire bag.

Step 2: Surface Cleaning

• Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe away loose dirt and debris.

• Avoid abrasive materials that can damage the leather.

Step 3: Cleaning Leather Bags

• Dampen your soft cloth and wipe the bag all over.

• Avoid using hard brushes or harsh chemicals.

• Be cautious not to overly wet the bag.

Step 4: Drying

• Allow the bag to air dry naturally.

• Avoid heat sources that can warp the material.

• Choose a well-ventilated area away from sunlight.

Step 5: Leather Conditioner

• Once dry, test the conditioner on a small area of the bag.

• Apply a small amount of conditioner to a clean cloth.

• Massage the conditioner onto the bag to restore shine.