How to Clean Leather

Step 5 Care of stains

If your leather has stains, there are certain things that can help but probably not totally eliminate the stain. Always try the general cleaning instructions first before applying other products to leather. After each of these ideas, recondition the leather. Here are some ideas:

Ink-Try spraying the affected area with hairspray and then wiping off. Or dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub the stain. Dry with a blow dryer. Or apply a thick coat of nongel, nonoily cuticle remover, leave on overnight, and wipe off with a damp cloth.

Road salt- Mix equal part water and vinegar and apply with a rag.

Dark stains on light leather- Mix a paste of 1 part lemon juice and 1 part cream of tartar. Rub the paste on the stain and leave for 10 minutes. Rub paste into the stain and remove with a damp rag/sponge.

Grease- Remove excess grease. Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the stain and let sit overnight. Wipe off with dry cloth.