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Stains

Without a doubt, ballpoint ink is the most difficult stain to remove from leather because it is oil-based while other types of ink such as a fountain pen or roller ball are easier due to being water-based. Although difficult, you can get ink out of leather in most cases.

Remember that ink, regardless of what type, is dye. Therefore, when a mark is left, it is absorbed very fast. For small areas, wait for a couple of hours to see if the leather naturally absorbs the ink. In some cases, leather can absorb ink naturally so you want to be careful using certain solutions that are designed to dissolve ink marks, as they could change the color of the leather.

Whether using a home remedy or professional solution, try a small hidden spot before working on the noticeable mark. For home remedies, regardless of ink type, try using a white, non-abrasive, pencil eraser. Be sure the stain is dry and then rub gently until the ink begins to fade, which may need to be done several times.

When the mark is gone, use a clean cloth to wipe the debris away. Apply a small amount of uncolored leather polish to the spot and once dry, buff with a clean cloth to shine the leather. People have found this particular method to be very successful for a number of leather types.

Another good home remedy for ink is to dampen a small corner of a clean cloth with mineral spirits and then rub the ink spot gently. If you see the ink trying to spread, stop! However, if the ink mark begins to fade, continue and then allow the spot to dry before you apply a little conditioning to the area.

Other home remedies include dampening a soft, clean cloth with hairspray, wood alcohol, a mild multi-purpose automotive interior cleaner, or a mild dish detergent and warm water, and then gently rubbing the ink mark. For each option, when dry, apply a small amount of leather polish on the spot.

For remaining spots, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and treat just the ink area by dabbing with the alcohol and cotton swab. Dab with the dry end of the swab to blot up the ink. Try not to spread the alcohol any more than necessary because it is drying to leather. Once the mark is removed, wash the area with Dove soap.

For professional cleaning, many products are available such as Premium Leather Care “Ink and Stain remover”, a product distributed by Stainsafe Companies is supposed to do the job well. Another professional solution sold by Stainsafe is Quick ‘N Brite, which can be applied full strength to a sponge or piece of terrycloth and then gently rubbed over the ink mark in a circular motion. In addition to cleaning, this product is also a good conditioner, helping to soften the leather.

Grease and Oil

If the stain is from cheesy pizza, body oils, or other grease stains on the leather, you should use a degreaser as the first step, then clean and finally, condition. CM Products , an American based company makes a leather degreaser as well as an interesting line of products.

For suede or nubuck, the protocol is much the same except that because you are dealing with an all-together different type of surface, you will use a cloth especially made for suede and nubuck leather.

The best approach to dealing with stains on leather, especially leather furniture is a preventative one. The very best thing is not to eat or drink on your leather furniture, and if you are wearing a leather garment while eating, protect it! However if the inevitable occurs, there are cleaning methods you can use depending on the type of leather you are dealing with.

If the leather is pigmented, you can use leather cleaner to try to remove the stain. Spot cleaning leather is always a difficult proposition because water and all other chemicals do react with it. The area may be stain free but look a little different in color from the surrounding surface. This can make you crazy knowing the spot is there and being able to see it. If the leather is aniline, you have no choice but to call in a specialist.

Gum

Another annoying item to clean out of leather is gum. If the leather item is small enough, put it in an airtight zip-lock type of bag and stick it in the freezer long enough to freeze the gum. The chewing gum should just flick off without too much effort. If you are dealing with a larger item, you can use an ice cube but be sure you do not get the leather soaked. Stick to the gum as much as possible and try to avoid dripping water on the leather itself. When the gum is no longer “gummy”, remove it.

Another option for gum is to purchase an aerosol can of computer cleaner. The cans use compressed gas that when sprayed emit a freezing cold spray. You can spray directly onto the gum, which should freeze and remove easily. If the gum has been on the leather awhile, especially if it has become warm, chances are it has soaked into the leather pores. The freezing technique may still work, just be sure to follow this technique with a penetrating cleaning.

Another method of gum removal is to use canola or any other vegetable oil. You eliminate the risk of water spots, but you are going to need to work the oil in after you remove the gum to maintain the even color and grain of the leather.

Paint

Most folks know not to wear their nice leather garments if they are painting or around someone who is. Accidentally leaning up against a freshly painted wall is definitely leather 911. Getting paint out of leather is a tough one. Not much can be done since just about everything used to remove the paint will also take the pigment of the leather. If the paint is water based, try using water and mild soap. If not, you need to talk to a professional.

Water

Water spots are another common complaint of leather owners. I will send you back to the kitchen for this one. Roll up a piece of white bread into a tight ball and use the dough ball to blot the spots by rubbing.

Odors

Dealing with smells in leather is not that difficult, even with something notoriously nasty such as cat urine. You need to look for a non-toxic enzyme-based cleaner that is designed to use on leather, which can often be found at a pet store. The bacteria that live on organic, protein-based substances like urine as well as fecal matter are the culprits primarily responsible for the smell. Simply follow the directions and your leather will come out smelling like leather again.

Changing Size

Because leather is so pliable, especially wet leather, you can change its shape and size. The basic principal is to make the leather moist (not soaked) and to apply heat or cold. For example, leather specialists will use extreme heat followed by extreme cold to coax the torn leather back to its original shape and position before they apply adhesive when repairing tears. A commercial stripping gun and a decent size of metal that has been in the refrigerator are recommended, no kidding! You may not wish to subject your leather piece to these extremes. Nevertheless, the principals are the same.

Stretching

If you have new shoes, or even vintage shoes, for example that are a bit small, you have a couple of different options for stretching them. You can take them to a cobbler and have them stretched with an industrial strength shoe stretcher or if you have patience and a few common items around your kitchen, you can stretch your shoes on your own.

There are even stories that some boot salespeople recommend wetting the shoes with rubbing alcohol and while still wet, putting the shoes back on, as almost any wet leather will stretch. The alcohol is volatile and it evaporates easily so there should not be any spotting.

Another thing I have heard is that some people have successfully filled a quart bag with water and placed it in the shoe. Put the whole deal in the freezer and as the water freezes, it will expand right along with the shoe. If home remedy solutions make you feel nervous, you can buy a shoe stretching solution that works on the same principal as rubbing alcohol.

If you have a leather hat that feels too snug, moisten the headband on the inside of the hat and warm it up a bit. You might also consider buying a hat form or wig stand that is the right size and then placing the hat on it so the hat can dry to the right size. You could also wear the hat after getting it nice and pliable. One of the problems is that because of natural moisture on your brow, it is not going to dry while on your head.

If the hat is big enough to fit even though it might be tight, see if regular wear creates new memory. You can always take the hat to a cobbler since they have the equipment and should be able to stretch it out for you. If you are not sure where to look, start with your local yellow pages to see if you have a hat maker locally.

Breaking-In

Okay, the other issue with new leather is breaking it in. If you are lucky enough to have a pair of cowboy boots, here is some information that will be useful. While cowboy boots are definitely made for riding and not walking, or dancing contrary to popular belief, a good fitting pair of western cowboy boots feels like a million bucks.

One of the best ways to start breaking them in is to wear them around the house on a lazy Saturday. Just remember that since the leather is stiff, if you walk around too long, you will develop blisters on your feet. However, the natural moisture produced from your feet helps to soften and break the boots or shoes in without using stretchers.

One option that should fall as a last resort before heading to the cobbler or returning your vintage boots is to lightly wet them with a damp sponge inside and out, taking care not to soak them. After all, leather and water are not the best of pals.

Just keep in mind that wearing new leather boots or shoes on a regular basis will keep the leather supple and help them conform to your feet. If you do not use them for a long period, you should put them on and wear them around for a couple of hours to keep the leather soft and pliable.

As your boots begin to break in, you will see two creases – one right behind the toe of the boot and the second higher up on the foot, but below your ankle. If the boots dry out from disuse, you may have to take it easy for a couple of days when you put them on again.

You can also hand break boots, which appears to be an art form almost of itself. Lastly, you can buy boots that do not require a long break-in or painful break-in period. Having to break-in a boot is compensation for the boot being hard.

These days, high quality boots are made in leathers that are strong without being crippling. Therefore, your best option is to choose high quality leather that is already perfect. You can purchase a pair of great, sturdy boots that will not cause pain every time you wear them. Ask the retailer about the break in period and the quality of boot in their line.