07th April 2014
Leather is a highly durable material that can easily withstand harsh treatments and wear and tear. It isn’t however, 100% stain resistant. Grease and ink are the most common offenders when it comes to stains on leather sofas. A lot of care must be taken when trying to remove stains from a leather sofa to ensure the quality of the leather isn’t affected. In the unfortunate event that you find a stain on your leather sofa, this guide will provide you with a number of useful tips on how to remove them.
Removing paint from a leather sofa is a very tricky task that is often not possible. There are however, a number of DIY remedies that you can try. It is critical that you attempt to remove the paint as soon as possible. The longer it stays on the leather, the more problematic it will be to remove.
Method 1:
If the stain is still relatively fresh, try using soapy water and a clean cloth to wipe it away. Avoid using washing up liquid as this can cause damage to the leather.
Method 2:
Using a flat item such as a pallet knife or a chisel, try to subtly remove the excess paint. To prevent the spreading of the paint, work from the outside. You should also keep the tool flat; this will prevent you from scratching the leather. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess.
Method 3:
Olive oil is one of the most commonly used methods to remove excess paint from leather sofas. Firstly you should test the oil on an unnoticeable area of the leather. Different leathers are dyed and treated in different ways, so it’s important to check for adverse affects prior to applying a substance to a noticeable place. If there aren’t any negative effects from the olive oil, dab some olive oil on a clean rag and rub at the paint. As the paint begins to lift, wipe it away with a fresh rag.
You’re writing away and all of a sudden your pen leaks all over your leather sofa, nightmare! Ink is one of the most complicated stains to remove from a leather sofa; this is why it’s vital that you take action before the ink is allowed to settle into the leather. Water based inks are considerably easier to remove than other inks. To remove ink stains from your leather sofa, try one of the methods below.
Method 1:
Start by blotting the stained area with a dry cloth then get a damp cloth and clean lightly in a circular motion. Apply saddle soap to the affected area, but first check the label regarding its suitability for use on your specific type of leather. When you have done this, dry the surface with a clean cloth.
Method 2:
Get a small bowl of lukewarm water and mix it with shampoo, dip a soft rag into the bowl and start scrubbing the affected area. When the ink lifts, dry the surface with a clean cloth.
Method 3:
Dab a cloth into some rubbing alcohol, and then gently use the cloth to wipe on the stained area, wipe the stained area in a circular motion. When the ink has lifted, wipe away the rubbing alcohol using a clean and slightly damp cloth.
A grease stain on your leather sofa may seem like the end of the world and quite insurmountable. But using the right cleaning methods and ingredients can potentially eliminate the grease stains. Try using the methods below to remove stubborn grease stains and rejuvenate your leather sofa.
Method 1:
Apply some baking soda to a damp cloth and dab it on the stained area, leave it for a few hours then dust it off with a clean cloth. Baking soda should absorb the oil and leave your sofa looking as good as new.
Method 2:
Blot the stain using a clean microfiber cloth. Try to remove as much of the grease as possible. When you have done this, coat the stain in talcum powder and leave it overnight. The talcum powder should draw the grease and absorb the moisture from within the leather. The morning after, wipe away the powder with a clean cloth.
Method 3:
Blot the grease stain using a dry cloth. Again, try to remove as much grease as possible. Cover the stained area with cornstarch and leave it on the stain for 30 minutes. Brush the initial application of cornstarch away, when you have done this, apply more cornstarch to the grease stain and leave it overnight. Dampen a clean cloth with undiluted white vinegar and wipe away the cornstarch dust and any excess grease.
Disclaimer:
All of the remedies above should be used with caution. Before attempting to remove a stain, you should check the label on your leather sofa and look for manufacturer’s recommendations. Some cleaning products will be suitable for your sofa, and some won’t.
