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How Do I Remove an Ink Pen Stain from a Leather Couch?

A leather couch is a comfortable addition to a living area, but stains can quickly ruin the leather covering. Cleaning stains off a leather couch is an important part of taking proper care of it, and well-maintained leather will last longer and stay in better condition. There are a number of simple ways to remove an ink stain from a leather couch and keep it looking as good as the day it was purchased.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft cloths
  • Mild dish soap
  • Saddle soap
  • Leather conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe the ink stain with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible. If the ink is still wet, clean it up quickly, because this will lessen the likelihood of staining. To keep from spreading the stain to a wider area, blot the ink from the outside of the stain toward the center.

    • 2

      Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Test the mixture on an inconspicuous area of the couch to ensure that it will not damage the finish before using it to clean the stain.

    • 3

      Apply a small amount of the mixture to the stain, and gently rub it in a circular motion to ensure the whole stain is covered. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before wiping it off with a clean, dry cloth.

    • 4

      Mix saddle soap with water according to the directions on the label. As with dish soap, test the saddle soap on an inconspicuous area of the couch to ensure that the soap will not damage the leather.

    • 5

      Spread the saddle soap over the stain, and allow it to sit for several minutes. Follow all directions on the soap to get the best results.

    • 6

      Wipe the soap off with a damp cloth, and dry the couch. Apply a leather conditioner to restore the leather's shine.