We have all had to deal with leaky pens and what they do to leather—put a broken ballpoint pen or Sharpie in a pants pocket or leather bag by mistake, and suddenly, a blue or black blotch appears on your leather jacket or couch. These pen marks last forever if untreated, and if you don’t know how to remove pen ink from leather, cleaning these stains can be frustrating and may result in a bigger mess.
You don’t want to cover up or throw away an expensive and good-looking piece of furniture or purse because of an ink stain, but what cleaning options do you have?
Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true methods for getting ink out of leather – some methods require specialized ink removers, and some of them need nothing more than household cleaning products. In this article, we’ve gathered some of the most effective ways to remove pen ink from leather
How to Get Ink Out of Leather
Evaluate your stain and determine the best way to treat it. How to remove an old oil stain from a leather bag is a little different than dealing with ink.
Use Hair Spray on the Stain
The magic ingredient in hair spray that works on ink stains is isopropyl alcohol, otherwise known as plain old rubbing alcohol. Over time, companies have reduced or phased out isopropyl alcohol levels in hair spray completely, so this method is not as effective as it once was.
However, if you don’t have rubbing alcohol in the home, you can use a hair spray with a relatively high alcohol content to clean your leather. Before you try to clean pen marks with hair spray, you should test the cleaning method on an inconspicuous place on the leather.
Spray the pen marks, allow it to sit for several minutes, and then rinse the spot with cool water. Afterward, dab – don’t rub – the place with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Apply Alcohol to the Stain
Alcohol can be useful for how to remove Sharpie or other ink from leather but it can damage leather if you apply it carelessly. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is the most effective. Denatured alcohol or nail polish remover may work better, but you run a higher risk of damaging the leather.
Make sure to test the alcohol in a hidden spot before using it on the stain to ensure that you will not harm the fabric. Apply the alcohol with a cotton swab or cotton ball and rub lightly as you apply.
The ink should soak into the cotton swab. Do not allow the alcohol to sit too long after application – quickly dry the area with a hairdryer, if possible, or it might eat away at the leather.
For Non-White Leather, Try this Homemade Leather Cleaner
This home remedy is effective and safe to use on non-white leather, but always make sure to test the mix on a small area first.
Lemon Juice-Based DIY Leather Cleaner Recipe
1 part lemon juice
1 part cream of tartar
Mix the two ingredients into a paste. Then, apply the mixture to the ink spot using a microfiber cloth. Work the paste into the stain, and let it sit for a few hours if the stain remains.
Once you have cleaned the area with a damp cloth, apply a commercial or DIY leather conditioner to ensure that the leather is maintained, and you are working on a piece of leather furniture, be sure to always follow the tips for cleaning a leather couch for best results.
Homemade Cleaner for White Leather
White leather is more sensitive to caustic ingredients, so if you have an ink spot on white leather, use this cleaner. Make sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first.
DIY White Leather Cleaner Recipe
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the affected area, and let it sit for five minutes or so before wiping it off.
As with non-white leather, you should apply a professional or DIY leather conditioner to properly maintain the leather, and if you are cleaning leather furniture, make sure to follow the tips for cleaning a leather couch.
Use a Commercial Leather Cleaning Product
If your home remedies don’t work for removing acrylic paint from leather, commercial cleaners might be the way to go. They can cost a bit, but they are guaranteed to not damage your leather if used correctly.
As with home cleaning solutions, however, you should always test the product on a small area before trying them on the stain.
Commercial Cleaning Product Advantages
They are carefully tested and should be safe for cleaning leather.
They may work better on stubborn stains.
They usually require no mixing or measuring.
Melamine foam, also known as a Magic Eraser, is a significant first step toward stain removal. If the Magic Eraser doesn’t do the trick, try to remove pen from leather with liquid cleaners.
There are many excellent commercial leather products available, and many of them are valid on ink stains. Choose the best one for your needs, and you should always follow the included cleaning instructions.
Take It to a Dry Cleaner
If all else has failed you and you’re willing to pay to get your leather
purse or sofa back to pristine condition, you might consider a trip to the dry cleaners. Dry cleaners have a lot more tools and tricks to get Sharpie off of leather, and they have access to more powerful cleaning chemicals.
If you choose to take your leather to a dry cleaner, you should always do research and choose a reputable business. And, be sure to inform the cleaning staff of any special care instructions before entrusting them with your leather.
After you’ve cleaned out the stain, consider applying a leather protector to avoid future stains. It doesn’t require ballpoint ink to damage leather, after all—a single drop of water on unprotected leather can ruin it.
If you’re the victim of a broken ink pen and have been unfortunate enough to find yourself with a big black or blue ink stain spreading across your favorite leather item, we hope that you found this article on how to get pen ink out of leather to be helpful.
Whether you use a home cleaning solution or a professional, patience and persistence can get your leather goods clean, ink-free, and beautiful again.
Thanks very much for reading our tips on how to remove pen ink from leather. Please share these ink stain removal tips with your friends on Facebook and
Stretch your ring finger with your thumb and hold it for a few seconds. You’ll love the reason!
Have you ever thought that a simple hand movement could impact your body and mind in profound ways? Ancient wisdom tells us that hand mudras—specific finger gestures used in yoga and meditation—can activate energy channels, bringing balance, healing, and even relief from certain ailments. One such practice involves stretching your ring finger with your thumb, which might seem like a minor movement but can have surprising benefits. Let’s dive into why you should try this today!
What Are Mudras and Why Do They Matter?
Mudras are symbolic hand positions used in yoga, meditation, and traditional healing practices. These hand gestures are believed to direct energy flow through the body, helping to restore balance, improve focus, and even alleviate stress. Each finger represents one of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—and engaging them in specific ways can bring about healing effects.
One of the simplest yet powerful mudras involves pressing your thumb against your ring finger. This specific hand gesture is linked to the Earth element, promoting grounding, stability, and improved overall well-being.
Now, let’s explore some of the most beneficial mudras and how they can transform your mind and body.
1. Gyan Mudra (Knowledge Mudra) – The Ultimate Brain Booster
How to Do It:
- Sit comfortably, keeping your hands relaxed on your knees.
- Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger while keeping the other fingers extended.
Benefits:
✔ Improves focus, memory, and concentration.
✔ Refreshes the mind and enhances learning ability.
✔ Helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
✔ Supports better sleep and helps combat insomnia.
Video : Reasons Why You Should Stretch Your Ring Finger With Your Thumbs, And Maintain For a Few Seconds
This is the go-to mudra for anyone looking to sharpen their mental clarity and brain power!
2. Vayu Mudra (Air Mudra) – Relieve Gas and Joint Pain
How to Do It:
- Bend your index finger toward your palm.
- Press it down gently with the base of your thumb while keeping the other fingers straight.
Benefits:
✔ Helps eliminate excess gas from the stomach, reducing bloating.
✔ Relieves digestive discomfort, constipation, and acidity.
✔ Eases joint pain, including arthritis and cervical spondylitis.
This mudra is a lifesaver for those dealing with digestive issues and stiffness in the body.
3. Prithvi Mudra (Earth Mudra) – Boost Energy and Immunity
How to Do It:
- Touch the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb.
- Gently press them together while keeping the other fingers extended.
Benefits:
✔ Enhances blood circulation and boosts energy.
✔ Strengthens the immune system and supports tissue repair.
✔ Helps balance body weight and supports digestion.
This mudra is perfect for rejuvenating the body and improving overall vitality.
4. Agni Mudra (Fire Mudra) – Accelerate Metabolism and Burn Fat
How to Do It:
- Bend your ring finger towards your palm.
- Press it down using the base of your thumb, while keeping the other fingers extended.
Benefits:
✔ Increases metabolism and aids in fat loss.
✔ Lowers cholesterol and improves digestion.
✔ Strengthens the immune system and enhances overall well-being.
If you’re looking to boost metabolism and burn fat naturally, this is a great mudra to practice daily.
5. Jal Mudra (Water Mudra) – Improve Hydration and Circulation
How to Do It:
- Touch your little finger to the tip of your thumb.
- Press them gently while keeping the other fingers straight.
Benefits:
✔ Enhances blood circulation and reduces body pain.
✔ Helps with dehydration and dry mouth.
✔ Improves skin hydration and overall moisture balance.
A great mudra to use if you’re dealing with dry skin or dehydration-related issues!
6. Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness) – Soothe Ear and Throat Issues
How to Do It:
- Press the first phalanx of your middle finger against the base of your thumb.
Benefits:
✔ Helps with ear pain, vertigo, and motion sickness.
✔ Relieves sore throat and sinus congestion.
✔ Supports hearing and overall ear health.
Perfect for people who experience frequent ear discomfort or balance issues.
Video : Trigger Finger Exercises
How to Do It:
- Bend your little finger and ring finger towards your palm.
- Touch both fingers with the tip of your thumb while keeping the other fingers straight.
Benefits:
✔ Boosts energy levels and reduces fatigue.
✔ Enhances mental clarity and alertness.
✔ Strengthens the immune system and promotes overall well-being.
If you feel drained or exhausted, this mudra can help restore your energy and vitality.
Final Thoughts – Why You Should Try These Mudras Today!
Practicing hand mudras is an effortless yet powerful way to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether you need more energy, better focus, pain relief, or stress reduction, there’s a mudra for every need!
The best part? You can practice these anytime, anywhere—whether you’re at work, meditating, or even watching TV.
So, are you ready to experience the benefits of these ancient hand gestures? Try them out and let us know which one works best for you!
Leave a Reply