It is a nightmare scenario: a pen explodes inside your Urban Chic Leather Tote, or you accidentally brush the exterior against an uncapped marker. Ink is one of the most difficult stains to remove from leather because it is a dye—it is designed to permanently color whatever it touches. Time is your enemy here. If the ink dries and sets into the leather fibers, professional help will likely be required. However, if you catch it fresh, you can save your bag with the right technique [Source: 684].

Rule #1: Blot, Do Not Rub

Your instinct will be to scrub the stain aggressively. Stop! Scrubbing spreads the ink and pushes it deeper into the grain of the leather. Instead, take a clean, dry paper towel or white cloth and gently blot the stain to lift as much liquid ink as possible. Use a white cloth to ensure you don’t transfer dye from the cloth onto the bag.

Cleaning the Spot

Once the excess is gone, you need a solvent. A specialized ink remover for leather is best, but in an emergency, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can work on finished leathers. Dip a cotton swab in the alcohol and dab—again, do not rub—directly onto the ink stain. You should see the ink transfer to the cotton swab. Change swabs frequently so you aren’t reapplying ink to the bag.

The Aftermath: Re-Hydrate

Solvents like alcohol are extremely drying. Once the ink is gone, that patch of leather will be stripped of its natural oils. You must immediately apply a leather conditioner to the area to restore moisture. If you skip this step, that spot may become lighter in color or start to crack over time.

Need a bag that can withstand the daily grind? Check out the Urban Chic Leather Tote.