Does WD 40 remove ink from leather? [7 main steps]

Leather can become permanently stained by ink marks, which often leave behind perpetual marks that are hard to get rid of. WD-40 has become increasingly popular for its potential effectiveness in removing a wide range of stains from different surfaces.

But can it be used to remove ink from leather and how can you effectively use it find out in this article as I explore “Does WD 40 remove ink from leather”.

Types of leather

It is recommended to determine the type of leather in question before beginning any stain removal process.

Most leather finishes fall into one of two main categories: Finished leather or naked leather.

Before using any ink removal technique, it is crucial to determine whether the leather in question is finished or naked, skipping this process could make the stain worse or harm the leather’s finish, this highlights how important this initial evaluation is.

Naked leather

Naked leather, also known as unfinished leather, lacks the protective coating found in finished leather. This type exhibits a luscious and silky feel while preserving the natural grain and texture. Since naked leather tends to absorb liquids more easily, removing ink is a more difficult task.

Ink and other liquids tend to seep into naked leather rapidly, so stain removal requires a fast and strategic approach.

Finished leather

Finished leather is the most popular kind of leather, which is used extensively in shoes, handbags, furniture, and other leather goods. It has a protective coating that is frequently made up of pigments, dyes, and sealants that are applied during manufacturing. Finished leather is usually protected from ink stains by a coating that delays their absorption.

Does WD 40 remove ink from leather?

1. Before applying WD-40, ensure the leather surface is clean and free from any loose dirt or debris.
2. Gently wipe the stained area with a small cloth to remove any surface dirt. Allow the leather to dry completely before proceeding.
3. You should test the WD-40 on a small area of the leather before applying to the entire surface, this is crucial to ensure it won’t cause discoloration or damage.
4. After testing, spray a small amount directly onto the ink-stained area, with a gentle touch, dab the stained area using the cloth or cotton swab.
5. Several applications may be required for stains that are difficult to remove stains that have been there for a long time. Until the stain fades or disappears, keep applying WD-40 and gently dabbing the affected area.
6. Wipe the area with a fresh, moist cloth after the stain has been removed to get rid of any leftover WD-40.
7. After that, use a leather conditioner to restore the natural oils in the leather.

It’s important to let the leather air dry on its own as heat sources like hair dryers should be avoided as they can harm leather.

Things to know before using WD-40 for removing ink

• Bad odor. You should be aware that WD-40 has a very bad odor, though this is often overlooked it is a very important disadvantage as some people may be sensitive to odors like this.
• Risk of stain. WD-40 can leave stains on leather surfaces if it is applied improperly or excessively. Applying too much WD-40 or rubbing it on the leather excessively could spread the ink from the ballpoint pen and leave new stains or marks.
• Finish stain. WD-40 might compromise the protective finish on some types of leather. After prolonged exposure to WD-40, finished leather, which normally has a protective layer applied to it, may undergo a breakdown or dulling of its finish.
• Color damage. Another potential risk when using WD-40 on leather is the removal or alteration of the leather’s color. The solvent properties of WD-40 could interact with the dyes used in the leather, resulting in fading or discoloration.

Other ways to remove ink from leather

Besides using WD-40 there are other simpler methods you can use, these methods are explained below.

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective and commonly used method for removing ink stains from leather.

Begin by cleaning the leather surface using a soft cloth or a mild leather cleaner to remove any surface dirt or debris.

Ensure the leather is completely dry before using any ink remover,

Use rubbing alcohol to wet a cotton swab or piece of cloth and use it to gently rub the ink-stained area, do not rub too hard as this could spread the ballpoint pen ink and harm the leather.

The alcohol should start to dissolve and remove the stain from the leather as you carefully rub it. Continuously blot the area with a fresh cotton swab to absorb the dissolved ink.

Wipe the treated area with a fresh, damp cloth to get rid of any leftover alcohol after the stain has been removed. After that, use a leather conditioner according to the directions on the product to moisturize and protect the leather.

Hairspray

Using hairspray is another effective way to remove ballpoint ink from any leather material including a leather couch, leather purse, or any other leather items.

Using hairspray for removing ink stains from materials is a very fast and easy procedure, test the spray on a tiny part of the leather furniture or material to ensure that the hairspray won’t cause discoloration or damage if used as an ink remover.

A tiny amount of hairspray can be sprayed directly on the ink stain or a microfiber cloth while holding the can a few inches away from the stained area. To absorb the dissolved ink, gently wipe the area with a fresh cotton ball. It may take several hairspray applications to get rid of old stains. Continue the gentle blotting process until the ink stain fades or disappears.

Once the stain is removed, wipe the treated area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residual hairspray.

Commercial leather cleaner

Using a leather cleaner is another effective way to remove an ink mark from leather furniture such as leather couch.

Begin by checking the commercial leather cleaner for any special usage instructions or considerations. Then prepare the leather surface by wiping it with a clean, soft cloth to remove any surface dust or debris.

Apply a small amount of the commercial leather cleaner directly onto a clean, soft sponge. Gently dab the stained area, ensuring even coverage of the affected area.

Work the cleaner into the ink-stained area in gentle circular motions. Allow the cleaner to get inside and break down the ink particles.

Repeat this process as needed until the stain diminishes or disappears.

Once the stain is removed use a clean cloth or paper towel for removing any residue.

Tips to prevent ink stain on leather

• Storage. When not in use, keep pens and other items containing ink away from leather items. Consider allocating specific spaces or holders for these products to prevent unintentional spills or leaks onto leather surfaces
• Avoid contact. If you must place items on the leather temporarily, place a barrier between them, such as paper or cloth, to minimize direct contact between ink-containing materials and leather surfaces.
• Use protective covers. To avoid unintentional leaks or stains on leather goods, place pens and markers in protective cases or pouches when carrying them in purses or pockets.
• Act immediately. If an ink spill occurs, address it immediately. Use a clean cloth to blot the stain gently without rubbing it further into the leather.

Can vinegar remove ink?

Yes, vinegar can also be used to effectively remove ballpoint pen ink from leather, other household items such as nail polish remover, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, or even saddle soap can also be used to remove ink marks or pen marks.

Saddle soap works excellently well as an ink remover for faux leather and suede leather, it contains light constituents that perfectly maintain the appearance of faux leather.

FAQ

Conclusion

While some leathers are easier to work with than others, WD-40 is a very effective substance you can use to remove ink stains from leather. By taking the necessary precautions and using this article as a guide you can easily use this simple method and make your favorite leather stain free again.