Removing stains from leather can be tricky if you don't have the right stain remover. The leather stain remover that will work best for you greatly depends upon the type of stain that you are dealing with. As with any other material, different stains impact leather in a unique way. In order to find the right leather stain remover, you must first identify the stain itself.
Ink stains are incredibly difficult to remove. Most cleaners that will get rid of ink will also discolor your leather leaving a small spot. The best way to combat an ink stain is to treat this type of stain while it is fresh. If this is not possible, then hiring a professional cleaner is necessary. Larger ink stains will not disappear over time, though smaller ink stains will actually become absorbed by the leather, disappearing completely. Hair, food, and skin stains are also difficult to remove, though some of these stains can be effectively eradicated.
Grease that has not had time to soak into a leather surface can be removed with cornstarch. In most cases, cornstarch can absorb grease faster than leather, though this trick will not work if a grease stain has had time to set-in. Grease, hair, food, and skin stains that are large in size must be cleaned professionally.
It is also important to consider the type of leather that you have. Using a suede leather stain remover on polished leather can be damaging. Read the back of any stain remover carefully in order to determine how to properly use the product. Also, be sure to have any new leather object professionally protected. Most retailers offer this type of protection, and leather that has been professionally protected is far less likely to stain. When purchasing any leather object, it's a good idea to ask a retailer for special leather cleaner -- this way, you can be sure that you are using the right leather stain remover.
There is no shortage of leather stain remover on the market. However, paying special attention to the type of stain and leather that you have is crucial. Never purchase a product that is not meant for a specific type of leather, and take caution when resulting to home remedies. While some home remedies do, indeed, work well, others may damage your leather beyond repair. Leather is a relatively versatile material that is easy to clean in most cases. The most important thing to remember is to try and clean any stain while the stain is fresh. This is the best way to ensure that a small stain will not become a permanent stain.