Noticing a stain or a streak of ink from a pen on your bag is unpleasant. But don't get upset ahead of time.
In 90% of cases, you can remove the stain yourself using improvised means.
What is the bag made of?
First, determine what material the item is made of:
- Faux leather is usually covered with a protective layer that does not allow liquids to be absorbed. The ink can be easily washed off with warm water and soap.
- Untreated textured leather and suede are soaked with water quickly and deeply. It is better to immediately trust dry cleaning professionals.
- Natural treated leather absorbs water more slowly. The stain can be removed using traditional methods.
Check naturalness
To clarify the type of material, there are simple tests:
- Examine the unstitched edge of the product. On the cut, threads and a fabric base are visible, it is clear that this is leatherette. The natural cut is uniform and has a suede-like underside.
- Genuine leather has its own aroma, not a chemical smell.
- The pattern on artificial material is a repeating print.With genuine leather, the imprint is original anywhere.
- The texture of real leather is soft, pliable, and there are no creases when compressed. The fake is rougher and changes color at the folds. If you crumple it, wrinkles are visible.
- When water is applied to the surface of the skin, it is absorbed. With an artificial one, the liquid drains.
- If you hold your hand on the skin, it warms up slightly and gives off heat. The substitute remains cool and the palm sweats.
- The classic test by fire is not as revealing as it used to be. Ten years ago, everyone knew for sure: leather smolders, but leatherette burns. Currently, manufacturers impregnate non-natural materials with chemical compounds that, when ignited, give a similar reaction.
- Companies that supply bags made of genuine leather provide a sample emblem included. The piece is cut out like a schematic depiction of the skin of an animal. For other materials, the probe is supplied in the form of a diamond.
Advice! Conduct a naturalness test on a hidden area of the product. This way, in case of accidental damage, the entire item will not be damaged.
If bag contamination is detected early, there is a greater chance of easily correcting the consequences. Fresh ink should be blotted with a paper napkin folded two or three times. Press it gently until the moisture is absorbed.
Popular methods for removing ink from a leather bag
Once you have determined that the bag is made of genuine treated leather, you can begin to remove ink or pen stains.
Stationery eraser
With a small superficial stroke of a ballpoint pen, it helps a lot hard eraser (eraser)). Rub the stain with an eraser and rinse the area with a damp cloth.
Scotch
An equally simple method is to remove the stain with tape. Cut a piece of adhesive tape to the size of the blot and stick it on.Then carefully remove, the ink should remain on the tape.
Liquid soap
If there is a significant spill of ink, after blotting with a napkin, wash the stain with a water solution of liquid soap. Use a sponge to remove any remaining moisture and dry with a dry cloth.
Salt
Fine salt must be moistened and applied to the dirt. Once dry, simply shake off. Cleaning will take several hours.
Hair fixation spray
Spray hair styling product strictly onto the stain and immediately wipe with a cotton pad. Repeat until the ink disappears. Then wash with soapy water and wipe dry. After such treatment, the skin may suffer. Soften it with cream to avoid peeling.
Denatured alcohol
Soak a cotton pad with alcohol. Carefully remove the ink and wipe with a damp cloth. Protect the dried area from damage with a thick cream.
Milk
Warm the milk slightly. Dampen the sponge and gently scrub the bag. This product will not dry out the skin or change color.
Lemon acid
Dissolve a teaspoon of powder in a quarter glass of water. Cover the stain with a damp cloth or cotton pad for fifteen minutes. Rinse with clean water. You can use fresh lemon juice.
Carefully! Do not use lemon and its acid on dark skin. Light stains may remain.
Vegetable oil
Oil or any fatty cream works well to dissolve and remove fresh ink stains. Wipe with a dampened cloth in a circular motion until the dirt is removed. There is no need to rinse off additionally.
Safety Tips
Take care of yourself:
- wear gloves to avoid contamination of your hands;
- treat the stain from the outer edge to the middle, so it does not spread;
- do not rub the product used with force, driving the ink even deeper into the skin;
- If you doubt that you can correct the problem yourself, contact a professional dry cleaner.
Using these folk tips, you will be able to save a leather bag damaged by ink.
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