Ink and Rust Removal Questions

INK

Q. How do I remove ink stains from my leather couch?

A. Ink stains require a solvent cleaner. Rubbing alcohol is the mildest solvent cleaner that most homeowners have on hand. You can use denatured alcohol, dry cleaning fluid, or other solvent you have on hand. Be cautious with solvent cleaners, as they tend to be smelly, flammable, and volatile. No smoking or sparks! Blot ink stains from outside toward the middle to prevent spreading. Apply solvent to white rag, not a colored rag, as you do not want to impart dyes to your upholstery and blot. Do not rub, as you do not want to damage weave or fibers. Blot!

Q. I've just bought a new handbag and noticed a small ink blotch, probably from some sort of felt pen, as it has a slight smudge mark rather than the straight lines of a ball point. This is on softest white leather. Does anyone know how to gently remove this without damaging the leather?

A. There are many leather cleaning products available at retail stores, home centers, hardware stores, and online. Test first in an inconspicuous place before proceeding for ill effects on leather, dye, and finish. Anything strong enough to remove ink from leather will most likely affect dye. Most ink removers contain solvents, which can make leather dry and brittle. DIY leather cleaning tends to produce less than desirable results. Thus, most manufacturers of leather products tend to recommend professional cleaning. There are so many types of leathers, dyes, and finishes on leather products today that there is no one-solve-all method for cleaning or restoration and no cure-all product available.

If you dampen the corner of a cleaning rag with water and apply a drop of shampoo and ink, and stain does not disappear, then you have a more serious problem. Note that leather tends to be porous and absorbent and ink stains tend to not just be on the surface. Again, if ink is permanent and absorbed into the leather, anything strong enough to remove the ink or even lighten it will take a toll on leather and dye. Thus, it is best to consult with professional leather cleaner.

RUST

Q. How do I get rust stains out of vinyl seat cushions?

A. Vinyl is porous and absorbent. Thus, sometimes stains on vinyl may not be completely removed. You will need a rust remover product. Most rust removers contain oxalic acid. If using a powdered rust remover, you will need to apply the rust remover on a wet sponge, making a paste on the stains. Cleaner will have to remain on stains to allow it to dissolve the rust. Reapplications may be necessary. Check at your local home center or hardware for available rust removers. Test in an inconspicuous area first for any ill effects on upholstery.

Q. I left little tin bells out in the rain. They are chimes for indoor use, and they got all rusty. Is there a way to clean them?

A. If bells are lacquered coated, you will need to remove the lacquer, clean with lacquer thinner, and apply 3-4 thin coats of lacquer polish to seal.