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a guide to leather Stain REMOVAL

HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM LEATHER

Accidents happen and it can be very distressing if you spill something on your leather furniture, especially if you know that substance is likely to stain or damage the fabric.

This guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to remove everything from egg and oil to blood and paint but the real trick to minimizing the risk of permanent damage is to be prepared.

If you have the right equipment and chemicals to hand and you know exactly what stain-removal techniques to use, you can act quickly. Often, the speed of action is the factor which turns a potential disaster into a minor mishap.

Before we go into depth with stain removal equipment, chemicals and techniques, it is worth knowing a bit about how to clean and care for your leather furniture on a day-to-day basis.

What equipment and chemicals do you need?

The first task you should perform is to assemble a stain removal 'emergency kit.' Try to keep all of the equipment, chemicals and other substances together in one place, out of the way of children and pets.

We have divided the list below into essential stain removal supplies and those that are more rarely used. However, we recommend you collect together everything on the list over time. After all, you never know what will be spilled on to your leather furniture next!

Spoon / Blunt Knife

Bucket

Hair Dryer

Paper Towel

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Latex Gloves

Face Mask

Toothbrush

Soft Brush

Soft Cloths

Sponge

Stiff Brush

Vacuum Cleaner

Cleaning techniques and terminology

When tackling stains it is often just as important to use the most appropriate technique as it is to use the best products.

To help you, we have defined some of the terms we will use in the step-by-step stain removal instructions:

Main List

Amyl acetate (banana oil)
Glue remover
Ice cubes in plastic bags
Petroleum jelly
Leather degreaser
Leather furniture cleaner with conditioner
Salt
Soda water
Talcum powder
Washing-up liquid
White spirit
White spirit

Also Useful

Bicarbonate of soda
Carbon tetrachloride (warning: toxic)
Milk
Rubber adhesive
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
Saddle soap/glycerine
Shaving cream
Soap flakes
Soft eraser
Sticky tape
WD-40
Wax crayons to match color

You will notice that there is no mention of Borax or bleach while bicarbonate of soda and even saddle soap are rarely recommended.

These chemicals can sometimes be helpful but should generally be avoided. They are too alkaline for modern leather which is a mildly acidic fabric. Using these chemicals can lead to the breakdown of fibres deep within the leather so should only be used as a last resort.

How to Clean Leather Furniture

Leather should be kept out of direct sunlight.

On the whole, leather cleaning is fairly straightforward, requiring only the occasional dust and wipe down along with an annual treatment with hide food or leather cream. Prior to this yearly treat, give your leather sofa a wipe with a damp cloth or sponge, remembering to dry thoroughly afterwards.

This will lift dust and prevent the clogging of the pores leather needs to breathe. You don’t even really need to use a leather furniture cleaner although it is useful to have one to hand.

A leather conditioner is recommended for increasing the lifespan of the leather, particularly if it has come into contact with alcohol or soap which can cause drying and cracking.

As detailed above, avoid alkaline products (bicarbonate of soda, saddle soap, etc.) as much as possible as these will break down the bonds keeping the fats and tannins in place. Where possible, the stain removal methods below have stayed away from these chemicals.

General leather care advice

Leather is a breathable fabric containing fats, tannins and other natural substances that can be broken down by certain chemicals, even those which are supposedly designed for cleaning leather.

Although a good quality leather cleaner and conditioner is recommended, these should be used sparingly. An occasional dust and wipe down with a damp cloth will be sufficient to keep the fabric clean and prevent the pores from being clogged up. Apart from that, an annual treatment with hide food and a leather cream should be all that’s needed.

When it comes to stain removal, the good news is that most substances can be completely removed without damaging the leather. The exceptions are substances containing bleaches and dyes. Both can permanently alter the structure of the molecules within the fabric leading to fading (in the case of bleach) and permanent color change. Even so, acting quickly can sometimes mean that you remove the offending substance without any damage whatsoever.

Before we get going, please note that the techniques below may not be suitable for suede, nubuck or other speciality leathers.

Spot Test

Although most of the chemicals listed above have been chosen for their compatibility with leather, it is always wise to spot test first.

Spot tests are recommended when a product or chemical has the potential to damage, fade or dye the leather. You should choose a part of the leather that you don't mind damaging. This is usually under a hem, inside a seam or on a piece of material that is wrapped away out of sight.

Dab the area with the product you intend to use and leave it for ten minutes. Blot the product and observe the area for any differences in appearance. If there are none, the product has passed the spot test and should be safe to use on your leather furniture.

Leather cleaning method by type of stain

To follow is a list of different types of stain together with simple step-by-step guides explaining how to remove each stain from your leather furniture.

Algae/Mildew/Mold
Antiperspirant
Ash
Avocado
Baked Beans
Banana
Battery Acid
BBQ Sauce
Beer
Beetroot Juice
Biro/Ink
Bleach
Blood
Butter/Margarine
Calamine Lotion
Cement
Chalk
Cheese/White Sauce
Chocolate
Clay – Modeling
Cocoa (Hot)
Cough Medicine
Crayon
Curry
Deodorant
Egg
Formula/Baby Food
Fruit Juice – Citrus (e.g. grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange)
Fruit Juice – Dyeing (e.g. blackberry, blueberry)
Fruit Juice – Non-Citrus, Non-Dyeing (e.g. cranberry, strawberry)
Gelatin
Glue/Adhesive
Grass
Gravy
Grease/Oil
Guano (Bird Droppings)
Gum
Hair Dye
Hair Gel
Ice Cream
Insects (Dead)
Jelly/Jam
Ketchup
Lipstick
Makeup Powder
Mayo
Milk/Cream
Mud
Nicotine
Paint – Emulsion
Paint – Oil Based
Paint – Water Based
Pencil
Permanent Marker
Polish – Floor/Furniture
Polish – Nail
Polish – Shoe
Pollen
Red Cabbage Juice
Rust
Salt
Scorch Mark
Soft Drinks
Sunscreen
Sweat
Syrup
Tar
Tea/Coffee
Toothpaste
Vomit/Feces/Urine/Mucus
Wax – Candle
Wax – Floor
White-Out (Correction Fluid)
Wine

How to remove Algae/Mildew/Mold stain from leather?

1. Add two to three drops of washing-up liquid to warm water. For mold, you can instead mix isopropyl alcohol and water in equal parts.
2. Sponge the affected area
3. Wipe dry with a cloth
4. Repeat if needed
5. If using alcohol, apply leather conditioner to prevent drying

Note. If mold has been in place for a long time, consult a specialist as this may have caused unseen damage

How to remove Antiperspirant stain from leather?

1. While deodorant spills can normally be tackled without help, antiperspirant is a different matter due to the powerful astringents used. Consult a specialist in this case.

How to remove Ash stain from leather?

Cool, dry ash should not cause a problem for your furniture

1. Allow to dry
2. Remove with a soft brush and vacuum

How to remove Avocado stain from leather?

1. Using a spoon, remove the excess avocado
2. Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to a cloth
3. Gently rub the residue
4. Sponge the area with fresh water
5. Blot with a dry cloth

How to remove Baked Beans stain from leather?

1. Spoon off the excess beans and bean juice
2. Add two to three drops of washing-up liquid to some water
3. Sponge the area to lift the stain
4. Blot dry with a cloth

How to remove Banana stain from leather?

1. Use a blunt knife or spoon to scrape off any lumps
2. Using hot water, sponge the area
3. Blot dry with a cloth

How to remove Battery Acid stain from leather?

1. Prioritize safety! Put on latex gloves and don't touch your eyes
2. This is one case where bicarbonate of soda can be used. Make it into a paste using water
3. Wipe the affected area with the paste using a sponge. The reaction should cause bubbling
4. Wait until the bubbling stops. Thoroughly rinse the sponge and use it to wipe away the salt residue
5. Wipe dry with a cloth
6. If there has been a change of color, the leather is likely to have been damaged by the acid. Consult a specialist for advice

How to remove BBQ Sauce stain from leather?

1. Using a spoon, remove any excess sauce
2. Create a frothy solution using soap flakes and water
3. Apply to the area with a sponge
4. Wipe dry with a cloth
5. If residue remains, use your chosen leather cleaner

How to remove Beer stain from leather?

1. Sponge the area liberally with soda water
2. Dip a cloth in warm water and gently wipe the area
3. Wring the cloth and smell the leather. Repeat until the beer odor has gone
4. Wipe dry and return after 20 minutes. Smell the leather again
5. If the odor is back, mix water with white vinegar in equal parts and sponge the area again
6. Rinse and sponge the area again, this time with water only

How to remove Beetroot Juice stain from leather?

1. Using a sponge, saturate the area with soda
2. Blot dry with a cloth. Repeat until the color has gone
3. If the color remains, spot test some shaving cream
4. If the spot test is successful, work the cream into the stain using a toothbrush
5. Soak a sponge in cold water and wipe away the cream
6. Blot dry with a cloth

How to remove Biro/Ink stain from leather?

1. For wet ink, begin by blotting the excess with a paper towel or cloth
2. Using a cotton pad, dab milk on to the ink stain
3. Create a weak solution from soap flakes and warm water
4. Using a cloth, apply the solution to the area but don't saturate
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 until the ink has all gone
6. If the ink is still visible, refer to the section on removing permanent marker

How to remove Bleach stain from leather?

Bleach will quickly damage leather so speed is of the essence to prevent or minimize fading.

1. Saturate the area with cold water
2. Put some neat washing-up liquid on a cloth and dab the spot where the bleach was spilled
3. If the color has faded you will need to restore it. We recommend speaking to a specialist as color matching is difficult

How to remove Blood stain from leather?

1. Prioritize safety by wearing latex gloves (make sure they are intact)
2. If the blood is dry, try removing with a stiff brush. If a residue remains, skip to Step 4.
3. For wet blood, sponge up the excess
4. Sponge the area with soda and dab dry with a paper towel
5. Repeat
6. If the blood remains, make up a weak solution using washing-up liquid and cold water
7. Dab the area and blot with a paper towel
8. If this hasn't removed all the blood you could try a leather cleaner. Alternatively, make up a solution of three parts of ammonia in a liter of water and apply with a sponge. Be aware that ammonia can damage the leather so don't use too much. You should also never mix ammonia with bleach.
9. Dab dry with a paper towel

How to remove Butter/Margarine stain from leather?

1. Using a spoon, remove the excess butter or margarine
2. Sprinkle the area with talcum powder
3. Wait for 2 hours
4. Brush off the powder with a soft brush
5. Add a drop of washing-up liquid to a warm, damp cloth. Wipe over the stain.
6. Rinse the cloth, wipe and dry with another cloth
7. If any residue remains, try applying a rubber adhesive. Wait 24 hours and then peel off the adhesive
8. If this doesn't work, spot test and apply a leather degreaser

How to remove Calamine Lotion stain from leather?

1. Run a knife along the area to remove any excess lotion
2. Make up a frothy solution using washing-up liquid and warm water
3. Dab the suds onto the affected spot using a sponge
4. Wipe dry with a cloth
5. Sprinkle talcum powder on the area and leave for 24 hours
6. Remove the powder with a soft brush
7. Apply your chosen leather conditioner
8. If there is still a residue, consult a specialist

How to remove Cement stain from leather?

1. Dry cement powder is easy to remove but you must be quick and thorough as it is corrosive
2. Use a soft brush and a vacuum cleaner to suck up all of the powder
3. For dried or moist cement, make up a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and warm water
4. Wipe the area with the solution using a cloth
5. Repeat Step 4 with water on its own
6. Blot dry with a cloth
7. If the stain remains, consult a specialist

How to remove Chalk stain from leather?

1. Chalk is relatively easy to remove from leather. First try a soft brush
2. If this isn't sufficient, add a few drop of washing-up liquid to warm water and sponge the area
3. Wipe dry with a cloth

How to remove Cheese/White Sauce stain from leather?

1. Remove any excess sauce using a blunt knife
2. Make up a foamy solution using soap flakes and water
3. Apply the soap suds to the area using a sponge
4. Wipe dry using a cloth
5. Sprinkle the area with talcum powder
6. After 24 hours, use a brush to remove the powder
7. Apply your chosen leather cleaner and conditioner

How to remove Chocolate stain from leather?

1. Using a blunt knife or spoon, scrape up any lumps of chocolate
2. Use a cloth to blot up any excess
3. Sponge the area with cold water
4. If this is not enough, add some neat washing-up liquid to to a sponge and wipe over the area. Alternatively, press a bag of ice cubes against the stain; you may be able to pick off the remaining chocolate
5. If there is still a residue, mix one part of white spirit with two parts water. Perform a spot test
6. Dab on with one cloth and blot with another cloth

How to remove Clay – Modeling stain from leather?

1. Press a bag of ice cubes against the spilled clay
2. Pick off the residue with your fingers or use a stiff brush

How to remove Cocoa (Hot) stain from leather?

1. Immediately blot the spillage with a cloth or paper towel
2. Mix up a solution of soap flakes and water to create a foam
3. Using a sponge, apply the suds to the cocoa
4. Wipe dry with a cloth
5. Apply talcum powder and leave in place for 24 hours
6. Remove the powder with a soft brush
7. Finish off by applying your chosen conditioner

How to remove Cough Medicine stain from leather?

1. Saturate the affected area with soda
2. Blot dry with a cloth
3. Repeat as necessary

How to remove Crayon stain from leather?

1. Combine a few drops of washing-up liquid with water
2. Apply using a cloth and the feathering technique
3. Wipe the area dry with a cloth
4. Sprinkle on talcum powder and leave in place for 24 hours
5. Brush off the powder
6. If the crayon residue remains, use a leather cleaning product of your choice

How to remove Curry stain from leather?

Curry contains ingredients that can easily dye leather so make sure you contain the spread.

1. Using a spoon or blunt knife, remove as much of the excess as possible
2. Dampen a paper towel and dab the affected area
3. Cover the curry residue with petroleum jelly
4. Feather the stain using a dry cloth
5. Apply your chosen leather cleaner

How to remove Deodorant stain from leather?

Before starting, check that the substance is a deodorant rather than an antiperspirant (see the separate entry for antiperspirant stains).
Deodorants need to be tackled in stages due to the combination of oils, waxes and alcohol they often contain.

1. To remove the oil, make up a soapy solution using washing-up liquid and
2. Apply the solution using a sponge
3. Wipe dry with a cloth
4. Cover the area with talcum powder and leave for 24 hours
5. Using a soft brush, remove the powder
6. Is there still a residue? This is likely to be wax. Use a hairdryer on a low setting to melt the wax
7. Wipe up the molten wax with a damp cloth
8. Repeat if needed
9. Tackle any remaining stain with a leather cleaner
10. Apply your chosen leather conditioner to counter the drying action of alcohol

How to remove Egg stain from leather?

1. Using a spoon or knife, remove any lumps of egg
2. Apply cold water to the residue using a sponge
3. Blot dry with a cloth or paper towel
4. Repeat as needed
5. Allow to dry naturally
6. Apply a leather cleaner

How to remove Formula/Baby Food stain from leather?

1. Remove any excess lumps with a spoon
2. Apply luke warm water to the area using a sponge
3. Wipe dry with a cloth
4. For stubborn stains, mix up some drops of washing-up liquid with warm water to make a froth
5. Apply suds with a sponge
6. Blot dry using a cloth

How to remove Fruit Juice – Citrus (e.g. grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange) stain from leather?

1. Citrus acid acts faster in light so darken the room
2. Mix together one or two drops of washing-up liquid with water
3. Apply the solution using a sponge and the feathering technique
4. Blot dry using a cloth
5. Sponge off any trace of sugar using fresh water
6. Blot dry

How to remove Fruit Juice – Dyeing (e.g. blackberry, blueberry) stain from leather?

1. To prevent spreading, blot the affected area with a dry cloth
2. Mix together washing-up liquid and water to make a froth
3. Dab the solution on to the area with a sponge, again to avoid spreading any dye
4. Using a cloth, blot dry
5. Repeat until the color has completely gone
6. If the color won't come out, the leather may have been dyed permanently. Consult a specialist for advice

How to remove Fruit Juice – Non-Citrus, Non-Dyeing (e.g. cranberry, strawberry) stain from leather?

1. Blot the excess juice with a paper towel or cloth
2. Sponge the remaining juice with plain water
3. Wipe dry with a cloth
4. If this hasn't erased the stain, make up a froth by combining washing-up liquid and water.
5. Apply with a sponge
6. Wipe dry with a cloth
7. If you still need to treat further, use a leather cleaner and conditioner

How to remove Gelatin stain from leather?

1. Scrape off any excess gelatin using a blunt knife or spoon
2. Make up a soapy solution using washing-up liquid and water.
3. Using a sponge, dab the solution on to the stain.
4. Wipe dry with a cloth
5. Repeat until all discoloration and stickiness has gone
6. If this method doesn't work, use a leather cleaner and conditioner

How to remove Glue/Adhesive stain from leather?

If you spill glue on to your leather furniture, don't immediately reach for a glue remover. Most adhesive removers contain acetone (nail polish) which has a destructive effect on leather.

1. In most cases, letting the glue dry is the easiest option. You can then use a bag of ice cubes to harden the glue before picking it off with your fingers or scraping it off with a blunt knife or spoon
2. If you want to remove it while still wet, scrape off the excess with your knife
3. Apply a few drops of washing-up liquid to a dry cloth and rub the area
4. Wipe dry with a paper towel or soft, dry cloth
5. If the glue remains in place, soak a sponge in a solution made from hot water and soap flakes
6. If these gentle methods don't work, try a leather degreaser or some amyl acetate (banana oil) on a cotton pad
7. Your last resort may be a glue remover. Be careful to spot test the product before applying only to the stained area.

How to remove Grass stain from leather?

1. Act fast! The chlorophyll in grass is a dye and can permanently stain leather
2. Mix together a quarter of a cup of white vinegar and a cup of water
3. Soak the area with the solution using a sponge
4. Blot dry with a cloth
5. Repeat if necessary

How to remove Gravy stain from leather?

1. Using a sponge, saturate the area with cold water
2. Blot dry with a cloth
3. Add talcum powder to the stain
4. Leave for 24 hours
5. Brush off the powder with a soft brush
6. If there is residue left, use your chosen leather cleaner product

How to remove Grease/Oil stain from leather?

1. Using a dry cloth, blot the excess liquid as soon as possible
2. Talcum powder absorbs oils faster than leather so sprinkle this over the area. Alternatively, use a rubber adhesive
3. After 24 hours, use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove the powder (or peel off the rubber adhesive)
4. If the oil is still in place, spot test some eucalyptus oil. Then, wet a dry cloth with a few drops of the oil and wipe it over the area
5. If this doesn't work, you can try using shaving cream (after a spot test) but be aware that this can damage the leather
6. Use a toothbrush to work the cream into the stain
7. Wipe away the foam with a cloth
8. Dab the area with a damp sponge
9. Blot dry with a cloth

How to remove Guano (Bird Droppings) stain from leather?

1. If the bird droppings are dry, try removing them with a stiff brush first. Move to Step 3 if a residue remains
2. If the droppings are wet, use a sponge to apply neat washing-up liquid
3. Sponge with water
4. Blot with a cloth

How to remove Gum stain from leather?

Chewing gum is usually fairly easy to remove from your leather furniture

1. First, try making the gum brittle using ice cubes in a bag
2. Pick off the hardened gum
3. For stubborn gum stains, spot test a solution made from one part white spirit to two parts water
4. If the test is successful, dab the solution on to the stain
5. Wipe dry with a cloth

How to remove Hair Dye stain from leather?

As with all dyes, the faster you act, the less likely it is that the color of your leather will be permanently changed.

1. Blot the spilled dye with paper towels
2. Mix one to two drops of washing-up liquid with water
3. Soak a cloth in the solution and dab the affected area
4. After 5 minutes have passed, slightly saturate the area with water using a sponge
5. Repeat until the color has completely gone.
6. If you can't get rid of the color completely, the leather may have been dyed permanently. Seek out specialist advice in this case

How to remove Hair Gel stain from leather?

1. If the spillage is fresh, use a spoon or knife to remove excess gel
2. Apply cold water to the immediate area using a sponge (no need to saturate)
3. Cover the area with talcum powder and wait 24 hours
4. Remove the powder with a soft brush
5. If the gel stain remains, you will need to use a leather cleaner of your choice

How to remove Ice Cream stain from leather?

1. Mix washing-up liquid with just enough water to form a foam
2. Apply the foam to the stained area using a sponge
3. Gently wipe the foam away with a dry cloth
4. Cover the area with talcum powder. Wait for 24 hours
5. Remove the powder using a soft brush
6. If the ice cream stain remains, apply a leather cleaner of your choice

How to remove Insects (Dead) stain from leather?

1. Remove any insect parts using a spoon (or your fingers, if you can bear it)
2. Make up a solution from a few drops of washing-up liquid and warm water
3. Dab the residue with a sponge soaked in the solution
4. Rinse and sponge with fresh water
5. Blot dry with a cloth

How to remove Jelly/Jam stain from leather?

1. Remove as much of the jelly or jam as possible using either a blunt knife or spoon. Try to keep the stain contained in one area
2. Make up a strong solution of soap flakes and water
3. Sponge the stain with the solution
4. Wipe dry with a cloth
5. Apply a leather cleaner
6. If there is still a residue of jelly or jam, mix up a solution of a tablespoon of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol in two pints of water
7. Spot test the solution and, if successful, apply to the stain using a cotton pad
8. Saturate with a sponge of fresh water
9. Blot dry with a cloth
10. Treat with leather conditioner to counteract the drying effect of the alcohol

How to remove Ketchup stain from leather?

1. Using a spoon, remove any excess ketchup
2. Create a frothy solution using water and soap flakes
3. Apply to the stain with a sponge
4. Dry the area by wiping with a cloth
5. If a stain remains, use your favorite leather cleaner

How to remove Lipstick stain from leather?

1. Combine one or two drops of washing-up liquid with water
2. Apply the solution to the stain using a cloth and the feathering technique
3. Wipe dry with a cloth
4. Apply talcum powder and leave for 24 hours
5. Remove the powder with a soft brush
6. If the lipstick residue remains, use a leather cleaning product of your choice

How to remove Makeup Powder stain from leather?

Makeup powder is simple to remove from leather furniture. Once it is dry, remove the powder with a soft brush or suck up with a vacuum cleaner

How to remove Mayo stain from leather?

1. Produce a foamy solution using washing-up liquid and warm water
2. Dab the stained area with the suds. Use a sponge for this
3. Wipe dry with a cloth
4. Apply a leather couch cleaner

How to remove Milk/Cream stain from leather?

1. Using a paper towel or clean cloth, quickly blot up any excess liquid
2. Apply either soda water or plain warm water using a sponge. Don't saturate the area
3. Sprinkle on talcum powder
4. When the powder has dried, remove it with a soft brush

How to remove Mud stain from leather?

1. Allow the mud to dry thoroughly
2. Remove from the leather using a stiff brush
3. Apply a leather cleaner

How to remove Nicotine stain from leather?

1. Using water and washing-up liquid, make up a frothy solution
2. Apply the suds to the nicotine stains using a sponge
3. Wipe the area with a damp cloth
4. Dry with another cloth
5. Repeat if necessary

How to remove Paint – Emulsion stain from leather?

1. If the paint is still wet, absorb as much of it as possible by blotting with a paper towel or cloth
2. Spot test rubbing alcohol. Using a cotton pad, apply the alcohol directly to the affected area
3. Apply water with a sponge
4. Blot dry with a cloth
5. If you used the rubbing alcohol, treat your furniture with a leather conditioner

How to remove Paint – Oil Based stain from leather?

1. Carefully remove as much paint as possible using a spoon or blunt knife
2. Spot test amyl acetate (banana oil). If there is no change in color, protect any exposed plastic before applying the chemical to the stain using a cloth
3. Blot dry with another cloth
4. Is the paint still there? Then mix a few drops of washing-up liquid with warm water and sponge the area
5. Blot dry
6. Repeat until the stain has gone and then sponge with cold water
7. Blot dry again

How to remove Paint – Water Based stain from leather?

1. For wet paint, remove the excess with a spoon. For dry paint, try rubbing it off with a stiff brush
2. Soak a sponge in some water and wipe down the stained area
3. Some paint may still remain. Mix together a few drops of washing-up liquid with water to form a froth. Apply the suds to the stain using a sponge
4. Repeat Step 2
5. Blot dry with a cloth once all paint residue has been lifted

How to remove Pencil stain from leather?

1. Softly rubbing with a clean soft eraser is often enough to remove pencil from leather so try this approach first
2. If this doesn't work, apply neat washing-up liquid via a cloth
3. Sponge with cold water
4. Blot dry with a cloth

How to remove Permanent Marker stain from leather?

1. Rubbing alcohol may be able to remove your permanent marker stain but you must spot test it first. Consult a leather cleaning specialist if the spot test fails
2. If the test passes, use a spray gun to apply a mist of alcohol to the leather. Don't be alarmed if the stain spreads at first
3. Gently wipe dry with a cloth.
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3
5. Once all trace of the marker has gone, treat your leather to a conditioner
6. If the above doesn't work, find out if the pen manufacturer offers a solvent (this will also need spot testing). Failing that, contact a leather specialist for advice

How to remove Polish – Floor/Furniture stain from leather?

1. Scrape off any excess polish using a blunt knife
2. Combine water and washing-up liquid into a foamy solution
3. Apply the suds of the solution to the affected area using a sponge
4. Wipe dry with a cloth
5. Cover the area with talcum powder and leave for 24 hours
6. Brush off the powder with a soft brush or use a vacuum cleaner
7. If necessary, repeat Steps 2 to 6
8. When no sign of the polish remains, clean and condition the leather with your chosen products

How to remove Polish – Nail stain from leather?

Nail polish contains acetone which is highly damaging to leather. Act quickly if nail polish is spilt on your furniture.

1. Using a blunt knife or spoon, remove as much of the chemical as possible
2. Spot test and, if safe, apply amyl acetate (banana oil) to the stained area with a cloth. Cover any plastic areas (e.g. trims) as this chemical attacks plastic.
3. Blot dry with another cloth
4. If this hasn't worked, add a few drops of washing-up liquid to water and apply this to the stain
5. Blot dry
6. Sponge the area with cold water
7. Blot with a dry cloth

How to remove Polish – Shoe stain from leather?

1. Remove any excess chemical using a blunt knife
2. Spray the affected area with WD-40
3. Using a clean cloth, feather the stain
4. Add two or three drops of washing-up liquid to warm water
5. Use a sponge to apply the solution
6. Sponge the area again, this time with cold water
7. Blot dry with a cloth
8. If this method isn't effective, try using a leather cleaner

How to remove Pollen stain from leather?

Pollen is not only a common culprit in allergies, it can also stain your leather sofa.

If you spot pollen on your couch, take some good quality sticky tape and gently stick to the surface, being careful not to crush and spread the pollen particles.

How to remove Red Cabbage Juice stain from leather?

1. Remove excess juice and avoid spreading the stain by blotting with a cloth
2. Create a frothy solution by adding a few drops of washing-up liquid to water
3. Add some froth to the sponge and feather the cabbage juice stain
4. Blot dry with a cloth
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4

How to remove Rust stain from leather?

1. Using a cloth, treat the rust stain with neat white vinegar
2. Sprinkle salt on to the area
3. Soak a sponge in water and wipe away the salt
4. This is one situation where Saddle Soap can help. Apply it with a wet cloth
5. Wipe dry with a cloth

How to remove Salt stain from leather?

1. Make up a solution from one part white vinegar and one part water
2. Wipe the area with a soft cloth until all of the salt has come out
3. Leave to dry in the air

How to remove Scorch Mark stain from leather?

1. Sponge the burnt area with a mixture of glycerine and water. Leave for an hour
2. Sponge with cold water alone
3. Repeat for as long as necessary
4. If this method doesn't remove the mark, consider making up a solution of a tablespoon of Borax in 500ml of water. This is a harsh method and may shorten the life of your leather
5. Apply using a cloth
6. Blot dry

How to remove Soft Drinks stain from leather?

To remove soft drinks spilled on to leather, simply sponge with cold water, blot dry with a cloth or paper towel and repeat.

How to remove Sunscreen stain from leather?

1. Using a clean, dry cloth blot as much of the liquid up as you can
2. Apply warm water with a cloth using the feathering technique
3. Sprinkle talcum powder over the affected area. Leave overnight
4. Using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush, remove the powder
5. Repeat if necessary or use a leather cleaner instead

How to remove Sweat stain from leather?

1. Add two to three drops of washing-up liquid to water, creating a froth
2. Dip a cloth into the foam and gently wipe the sweaty area
3. When the stain has gone, wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth
4. You may want to apply conditioner to counter the drying effect of the soap bubbles

How to remove Syrup stain from leather?

1. Remove any excess syrup using either a spoon or the edge of a blunt knife
2. Mix together water with two to three drops of washing-up liquid to form a foam
3. Dip a sponge into the suds and wipe the stained area with it
4. Wipe dry with a cloth
5. Finish off with a leather cleaner and conditioner

How to remove Tar stain from leather?

1. Using a spoon or blunt knife, take off any excess tar
2. Apply petroleum jelly to the affected area using a soft cloth
3. Wipe dry with another cloth

How to remove Tea/Coffee stain from leather?

1. If the liquid is still wet, blot dry with a paper towel or cloth
2. Soak a sponge in warm water and treat until the stain has gone
3. Cover the area with talcum powder
4. Leave to dry and then brush off with a soft brush or use a vacuum cleaner
5. Apply a leather cleaner

How to remove Toothpaste stain from leather?

1. You should be able to remove dried toothpaste using a stiff brush
2. If the toothpaste is moist, dampen a cloth or sponge with warm water and rub the area
3. Finish off by wiping with a damp cloth

How to remove Vomit/Feces/Urine/Mucus stain from leather?

1. Prioritize health and hygiene by wearing latex gloves and, where possible, a face mask
2. Remove all solid matter using a spoon or blunt knife
3. Blot with a paper towel to get as much of the liquid out as possible (standing on the paper can help with absorbing urine)
4. Fill one of two bowls with a solution of washing-up liquid and warm water. Sponge the stain and wring out into the second bowl
5. Repeat until the stain is gone
6. If there is still a residue, mix a quarter of a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water.
7. Spot test and then sponge as before, using the two bowls
8. Wipe dry and leave a bowl of baking soda on the piece of furniture to absorb any lingering odors

How to remove Wax – Candle stain from leather?

1. If the wax has dried, try removing it with a stiff brush. Alternatively melt it with a hairdryer on a low setting
2. Wipe up the molten wax using a paper towel
3. Treat the fabric with a leather cleaner

How to remove Wax – Floor stain from leather?

1. If the wax has dried, try scrubbing it with a stiff brush. Alternatively use a hairdryer on a low setting to melt it
2. Spot test a solution made from one part white vinegar and two parts water
3. If there is no color change, dip a cloth into the solution and dab the wax stain
4. If you are still left with a stain, work at it gently with a toothbrush, wiping with a wet cloth to remove the wax
5. Wipe dry with another cloth
6. Apply a leather conditioner to finish off

How to remove White-Out (Correction Fluid) stain from leather?

If you spill correction fluid on to your leather furniture, simply wait for it to harden in time and remove using a stiff brush

How to remove Wine stain from leather?

1. For fresh spillages, saturate the stained area immediately with soda water. If you have none, warm water is a suitable alternative although not as effective for red wine
2. Blot dry with a cloth
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the stain has gone and the cloth comes out clean
4. For dried wine, use a leather cleaner

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