How To Remove Stains From Leather Sofa Beds?

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. What Are The Types Of Stains On Leather?
2. Step-By-Step Guide On How To Remove Stains From A Leather Sofa Bed
3. How To Remove Different Types Of Stains?
4. Final Words

Nothing scares a leather sofa bed owner more than the stains! After all, it’s an expensive investment. And we have all been there when life happens, right? Be it a coffee spill in the morning, your pet might have jumped with its muddy paws, or your kid must have shown their artistic work on the leather sofa.

The stains might seem tough, but with the right tricks and effort, trust us, they don't stand a chance. This guide is here to help you handle everything from ink blots to grease marks with simple ingredients. Keep scrolling to learn the know-how!

What Are The Types Of Stains On Leather?

Leather can pick up all sorts of stains from the environment it is placed in. If you have a leather sofa bed in a high-traffic area or you have a snack while lounging on it, there are bright chances for you to strain it.

Let's take a quick look at the common types of stains you might find on leather, and then we can discuss how to get rid of them.

• Oil and grease stains: This is an obvious stain. You can expect this if you are in the habit of snacking while lounging on the sofa bed. These come from things like food spills, such as coffee, wine, juice, ketchup, or even the natural oils from your skin. They can leave dark patches that are tricky to get rid of, especially if they seep into the leather.
  
• Water stains: It might sound weird, but untreated leather can easily get stained by water. Let's say you spilled some water and left it unattended. When the water dries, it can leave behind a visible mark or uneven patches.
• Ink stains: Though this is rare, you never know when you might accidentally drop a pen on the leather sofa bed, or your artistic kid might try to show their skills on it. Ink can leave bold, stubborn marks on the leather.
  
• Dye transfer: Have you ever sat in your leather sofa in dark jeans and noticed some of the color rubbing off onto the leather? This is common with light-colored leather.
  

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Remove Stains From A Leather Sofa Bed

This is a general guide for removing the stains from your leather sofa bed. In the next section, we have explained specific steps for removing different stains.

Step 1: Clean The Stained Area

If you have spotted a stain, start blotting it. Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth to blot any excess liquid or debris from the stained area. Avoid rubbing the area because there are chances of it spreading the stain or you might end up pushing it deeper into the leather.

If the stain is already dry or crusty, gently dust off any loose particles with the help of a soft brush or cloth.

Step 2: Apply Stain Remover

After cleaning the stained area, start applying the store-bought stain remover. Take a small amount in a cloth and gently rub the stain remover on the stained area. Gently apply pressure to remove the stain. Too much pressure or aggressive rubbing can damage the finish of your leather.

Remember, the stain remover can only help you with stains such as coffee, tea, juice, dust, light dirt marks, etc. But for treating ink stains, deep grease or oil, harsh dye transfers must be treated separately with the specified stain removers.

Step 3: Keep Applying The Stain Remover For Complete Removal

Eventually, the stain would start transferring from the leather onto the cloth you are using to clean. Use a different cloth and repeat the process until the stained area is completely clean.

If you find the leather colors transferring onto your cloth as the leather is slightly drenched in the solution, stop the cleaning process and let the leather dry. Once the area is dry, start removing the stain again.

How To Remove Different Types Of Stains?

1. Grease And Oil Stains

That buttery popcorn or some fries you spilled on the leather sofa ends up as grease on the leather sofa. To clear grease and oil stains, you should:

Grab a dry cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing on it, or don't push the oil deeper into the leather.

Next, sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch over the stain to absorb the grease.
Let the baking soda sit for a few hours. Then, use a soft brush to remove it, or, if possible, vacuum it up.

If you find a faint stain, we recommend using a leather-specific cleaner to finish the job and restore the leather's shine.

2. Ink Stains

You can use a normal stain remover, too. But you should be extra careful during the removal process. Ink sets fast, which is why you should act quickly.

But again, if it's already been a while also, no issues. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it gently on the ink stain. Avoid overboarding, as there are chances of the ink spreading on the leather.

Note: Try the alcohol-based stain removal in a hidden part of the sofa so that it won't damage the leather. Once the ink stain is removed, wipe the area using a damp cloth to remove any alcohol residue. Finally, apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple.

3. Water Stains

Water stains on the leather are another headache, especially when you haven't conditioned the leather. 

Why does water stain leather? It's because leather is usually treated with oils during manufacturing to make it soft, durable, and even a bit water resistant. But when the leather surface comes in contact with water, it pulls some of that protective oil with it.

Though over time, the water evaporates, the oil stays, thus creating a stain. If these stains aren't cleaned quickly, they can do more than just ruin the look. For instance, the leather can dry out and become stiff and brittle, affecting its durability.

To clean the water stain on your leather sofa bed,

• Take a clean and dry microfiber cloth, dampen it using distilled water, and wring off the excess water.
• Next, start wiping the stain from the center in a circular motion, moving outwards. This helps in clearing the water spots.
  
• Now, let the leather dry naturally without any external things like a dryer or sunlight.
  
• Finally, when the cleaned area has dried, apply leather conditioner on the surface.
  

You can also use a water and soap solution, rubbing alcohol, or even vinegar and water solutions that can be used to clean the water stain.

4. Dye Transfer

When your dark jeans or a colorful scarf accidentally leaves a mark on the leather, especially on light-colored sofas, follow these steps to remove the stain:

Use a cleaner specifically designed for removing dye transfer. Apply it using a soft cloth and wait. Because sometimes, the dye transfer can be stubborn, and you might need to repeat the process a couple of times.

Note: No using any bleach or household cleaners, as they tend to do more harm than good.

Conclusion

Don't panic when you spot a stain on your leather sofa bed. Instead, take the necessary steps and get rid of it ASAP. Though the stains might appear tough, trust us, they are not hard to fix if you know what to do. We hope this quick guide helps you deal with the stains on your sofa bed better. Try to add a slipcover to the leather sofa bed as a protective measure.