A Simple Step-By-Step Guide On How To Get Pen Marks Out Of Leather

Ever found a pen mark on your favorite leather bag or couch and felt your heart sink? It’s frustrating, right? Leather is beautiful but tricky when it comes to stains, and pen marks can feel like a disaster waiting to happen.

A while back, my nephew doodled on my leather chair. I panicked, thinking it was ruined for good. But guess what? Removing ink stains from leather isn’t as hard as it seems. You just need the right approach and a bit of patience.

The key is acting quickly to avoid permanent damage. This guide will show you simple, safe methods to remove ink stains without stressing. Let’s get started and save your leather!

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Understanding Leather Types

Not all leather furniture is the same, and knowing what type you’re working with can save you from making things worse. Cleaning the wrong way can lead to stains, discoloration, or even damage—yikes!

Leather generally falls into two types: finished and unfinished.

Finished leather: This has a protective coating, giving it a smooth, shiny, or matte finish. It’s common in car seats, couches, and most leather bags.
Unfinished leather: This includes suede or nubuck. It’s softer, more absorbent, and more delicate, requiring extra care.

Why does this matter? Because cleaning products that are fine for finished leather can ruin unfinished leather. A quick way to tell the difference is the water test: Drop a tiny bit of water on the leather. If it beads up, it’s finished. If it soaks in, it’s unfinished.

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Taking a moment to check your leather type will help you choose the right cleaning method—and avoid accidental damage. Your leather will thank you!

Leslie Reichert, The Green Cleaning Coach: “Avoid using harsh chemicals on leather; instead, opt for natural solutions like a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.”

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning to remove ink from leather couch, gather these simple tools. Most of them are probably already at home, and if not, they’re easy to find and budget-friendly.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Rubbing Alcohol: Works wonders for breaking down ink stains.
Cotton Swabs: Great for focusing on the stain without spreading it.
Microfiber Cloth: Safe and soft cloth for wiping leather.
Leather Cleaner: A bonus tool to clean and protect your leather.
Leather Conditioner: Restores moisture and keeps leather looking fresh after cleaning.

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Optional extras:

Mild Dish Soap and Water: For gentler cleaning.
White Vinegar: A natural alternative to rubbing alcohol.

Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or nail polish remover—they can damage leather. With these tools, you’re all set to clean your leather safely and easily! Ready to tackle that stain? Let’s go!

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Pen Marks from Leather

Remove pen ink from leather doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your leather looking spotless in no time. Trust me, if I can save my leather bag from a pen disaster, so can you!

Step 1: Blot the Mark

First, grab a dry cloth and gently blot the pen mark. Whatever you do, don’t rub! Rubbing can make the ink spread and sink deeper into the leather. Just blot lightly to absorb any excess ink. Think of it as dabbing away the mistake before it gets worse.

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Step 2: Apply Rubbing Alcohol or Leather Cleaner

Dab a cotton swab with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or leather-safe cleaner. Less is more here—you don’t want to drench the leather. If you’re nervous about using alcohol, test it on a hidden spot first to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Sarah Aguirre, Writer at The Spruce: “Dip a fresh cotton swab or white cloth in the alcohol. Working from the outside inward to prevent the stain from spreading, gently dab the stain.”

Step 3: Rub in a Circular Motion

Gently rub the cotton swab or paper towel over the stain in small, circular motions. Be patient—don’t press too hard or rush. The ink should start to lift off the leather. When I did this for the first time, I remember holding my breath until I saw the mark fade. It’s a relief, I promise!

Debra Johnson, Cleaning Expert at Merry Maids: “Dampen the microfiber cloth with water. Start at the center of the stain and gently wipe outward using a circular motion.”

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Step 4: Wipe Clean with a Damp Cloth

Once the ballpoint pen ink stains (or almost gone), use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the area clean. This removes any leftover cleaner or residue. Be gentle, and don’t soak the leather—it’s all about keeping it clean without causing water damage.

Step 5: Apply Leather Conditioner

Finally, give your leather some TLC by applying a leather conditioner. This helps restore moisture and keeps the leather looking smooth and shiny. It’s like the finishing touch to make your leather happy again.

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A Few Extra Tips:

Work quickly! The faster you act, the easier it is to remove the stain.
If the stain is stubborn, don’t panic—repeat the steps, or consider using a commercial leather stain remover.
For delicate or expensive items, consulting a professional might be the safest option.

Linda Cobb, Known as the Queen of Clean: “Use some water, a few squirts of mild soap or shampoo, and a few drops of vinegar. Dampen a cloth with this mixture before wiping down the leather.”

Alternative Methods for Tough Stains

Some pen stains are just plain stubborn. If regular cleaning doesn’t work, don’t worry—there are still a few tricks to try.

1. White Vinegar and Water

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a simple DIY solution. Dip a clean cloth or cotton swab into the mix and gently dab the stain. This method works well on finished leather, but always test on a small, hidden area first to avoid surprises.

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Jillee Nystul, Author of One Good Thing by Jillee: “Pour a bit of white vinegar onto a clean cloth and blot the stain until the ink is gone.”

2. Commercial Leather Cleaners or Ink Removers

If DIY solutions aren’t cutting it, try a commercial leather cleaner or ink remover. These products are designed specifically for tough stains. Start with a small amount and follow the instructions carefully to avoid overusing it.

Katie Berry, Writer of Housewife How-Tos: “Use mild soap and warm water to clean faux leather, then go over what you’ve cleaned with a microfiber cloth dampened only with water so you aren’t leaving a soapy film.”

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3. Seek Professional Help

For old or stubborn stains—or expensive leather items—professional help is your best bet. Leather experts can safely remove tough marks without damaging the material. It’s worth it for those high-value pieces you want to save.

When to Use These Methods

If the stain won’t come out after basic cleaning.
For delicate leather that needs special care.
If the item is valuable or the stain is too old to handle on your own.

Tough stains can be frustrating, but with these methods, you’ve got options. Whether it’s a DIY solution or a trip to a pro, you can restore your leather and get it looking great again!

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Home and Garden” board.