Leather sofa - biro pen?

Question:Anyone out there know if I can get blue/black biro pen off a cream leather sofa? I can't seem to get it off with anything. Is there a product out there that could remove it? (kids...grr)

Answers:
This really depends on what type of leather it is.

If it is on a pigmented leather then the first thing you should try is an ink stick. The fresher the ink the more chance you have of removing it. It is a good idea to have one in your house if you have a pale leather and children!!

You should also be using a good quality leather protector on your suite. This will act like a 'scotchgard' and will make any more mishaps easier to clean off.
If an ink stick doesn't work a solvent based remover will need to be used and it may also remove finish and pigment so is best left to the experts.

Hairspray occassionally works but can also make the matter far worse as it can spread the ink over a bigger area (especially on an aniline style leather)
Nail varnish remover or any other solvents will remove the finish and pigment which will need replacing.

DO NOT USE Baby wipes as they are about the worst thing you can use on a leather as they break down the finish and will eventually ruin it.

Please do not try milk it is a silly idea that this will work and will leave sticky residues on the surface which will help to break down the finish

If the ink is on an aniline style, there is nothing that will remove it because the ink will have re-dyed the leather. It may dissipate over time with cleaning and protecting.

Old ink will be harder to remove than new ink and may mean resorting to solvents which will also remove the finish. This is probably best left to the experts.

Silicones are the worst thing to use on leather as they will form a coating on the surface of the leather which will not allow any moisture to get to the leather and will eventually break all the finish down and make it crack. Leather needs water and should not be protected against it.

Leather does not need conditioning it needs cleaning and protecting on a regular basis with water based products this will keep it rehydrated and supple. Oils will make things much worse.

Leather should be cleaned gently not scrubbed so 'elbow grease' will only do damage to the finish.

Nail Varnish remover will remove the finish on the leather even if you cannot tell it is doing so.
Source(s):
www.LTTsolutions.net
Leather care consultnts to the furniture and cleaning industries