Pink stains on new white leather sofa-help!

Jinx

So I've had leather sofas before but never white, got a gorgeous one delivered about 10 days ago. All good until last night - after a crappy day I put on my new bright pink bathrobe and curled up on the sofa.

When I got up the sofa was bright pink where I'd sat _pale__pale__pale_

Tried to clean it with what I had in the house, testing as I went - fairy liquid, vanish, flash, magic eraser and in the end bleach! Most of the marks have gone but there are still a few pale pink areas.

Can anyone recommend a 'proper' kit for removing the last pale shadows? If its advertising then I'm happy to get a PM as the ones advertised don't seem to have reviews (have now bought stuff to protect the sofa)

booter

I've found hairspray really works wonders on all types of inks/dyes - but you should try some on an inconspicuous bit first (although if it's a white sofa, it should be ok). Spray on, leave for a minute, wipe off with a damp cloth, and repeat as necessary. I usually then go over the area with leather conditioner/dubbin.

Jinx

Thanks Booter, will give that a go

cornishchick

I've used a moisturising soap ( think of a brand named after a bird) on my old leather sofa, worked a treat. Mind you it was red... lol

judyb

Sirry to be the bearer if bad news but as you have used lots of things including bleach it is very unlikely that anything will now remove the residues that are left. Using household products can actually lock in the colour rather than releasing it and may aso have damaged the finish which would need resealing.
There are very good products on the market for removing dye transfer from leather and it is much easier if a good quality leather protector has been used (hope you have bought one that works - there are many on the market that actually do nothing at all!!)
If you cannot remove the residues the area can be recoloured and refinished very successfully by a qualified technician.
Hope this helps
Judyb
Leather care consultant

judyb

Here is some more information about dye transfer on leather which may be useful

You have what is known as dye transfer.
Dye Transfer is the dyestuff transferred to leather from clothing, newsprint or from hair dyes and fake tans. It is more usually seen on light coloured, protected, leathers but it can occur on any leather, though not as noticeably. Basically the dye has redyed the leather. It is a very common problem.
First check the type of leather you have. Dye transfer can generally be used safely on pigment coated leather but not from Aniline style leather. Dye transfer removal products should not be used on Aniline leather and it is best to take expert advice before any attempt is made.

If noticed early enough it can be successfully removed from most pigment coated leather with a Jean and Dye Transfer Removal Kit. This contains specifically formulated (by leather technologists) products for this problem. If this cleaning process does not resolve the problem it will be necessary to call in an experienced technician as early as possible. The longer the dye sits in/on the leather the harder it will be to remove.

Using a high quality leather protector (make sure you use one that workdps!!!) will help to inhibit dye transfer as the dye will sit on the protector and not on the finish of the leather. This also makes it much easier to clean off.
Owners of pale and off-white leather are recommended to adopt a gentle regular cleaning and protecting regime using good quality maintenance and protection products (not conditioners as these
actually attract more dirt) Please do not use anything containing waxes or oils on your leather as these will not help and polishes may seal the surface and prevent further cleaning.
Please do not use Magic Erasers to clean leather as these are a very fine sand paper and will damage the finish on the leather causing long term problems.
Saddle soap, vinegar and old wives tales such as hairspray, lemon juice etc should also be avoided as these can damage the finish on the leather which will be expensive to fix

Products sold in furniture stores and supermarkets are not generally strong enough products to really protect leather from this problem. There are also Leather Protection Plans which are available to protect your leather from this type of staining.

Always take expert advice when dealing with leather as they will help you avoid expensive problems.

Please do not use saddle soap which is meant for saddles and not the type of leather you have. It is too harsh for modern leather finishes and could damage the leather.

Hope ths helps
Judyb
Leather care consultant

HOWMUCH

I used to have a white leather coat back in the 70's and used saddle soap to clean it.

judyb

70's leather was very different to modern leather - the tanning methods and finishing methods were very different.

mty

judyb

Can you recommend some products for cleaning a white leather sofa 3 year old with general dye transfer from clothing. I have been told water based products but dont know which ones are best.

ericnh

High quality leather sofas are generally easier to clean like from coja by sofa4life, vaughan,ontario, coja.com/buyers-guide/furniture-care/ . But certain stains and spots are hard to clean. Some stains too severe which contains hard dyes may not even go how much we try. But there is nothing wrong in trying. Mildly abrasive heavy duty leather cleaners are available in market. Before trying, make sure cleaners won’t create any spots. Don’t over try by scrubbing the stain that just won’t go. It can damage your leather. You can seek advice or help of a professional cleaner. They may know a way to remove that particular stain. Sometimes for lower quality leather fakes can cause such issues like even the smallest stain will be hard to remove. If you are buying leather sofa or chairs, make sure they are made of high quality leather.