REMOVING STAINS FROM BIKER LEATHER

If you get a stain on your leather, it is very important that you clean the stain as soon as possible.  The sooner you act, the more likely you are to be able to get it out.  As with anytime you clean leather, it is also extremely important that you test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the leather product to determine if it will discolor or otherwise effect the leather.  Following is a list of possible stain types and possible solutions:

Gum:  Put ice in a plastic baggie and rub the baggie on the gum until it is hardened and then pull of the gum.  If there is any residual gum, heat the area with a hair dryer and rub off the gum off the leather with a clean cloth.

Milk Stains:  Quickly blot up the excess milk to prevent it from staining the leather.  After you’ve blotted as much of the milk as possible, apply a wet sponge over and over to the still wet stain, alternating with a clean dry cloth.  Make absolutely sure that you get all the milk out.  If you leave any milk behind, it will spoil and cause a foul odor for a long time.

Ink Stains:  We recommend that you have all ink stains cleaned by a leather cleaning professional.  The methods used to clean ink stains often make the problem worse by either spreading the ink or discoloring the leather.  As a last resort, you may lightly spray the affected area with hairspray and wipe it off with a clean cloth.

Mildew Stains:  Mix one part rubbing alcohol with one part water.  Moisten a cloth with the mixture and wipe the affected area of the leather.  Leave to dry.

Water Stains:  Whenever you find yourself in rainstorm with your leather, allow the leather to dry slowly and naturally.  Do not apply heat to dry the leather faster.  Restore the softness of the leather with a leather conditioner after it dries.

Grease Stains:  Blot excess grease with a clean cloth.  Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch to the stain.  Let sit for a minimum of four hours and wipe off the powder.

Blood or Urine:  Blot with a clean damp cloth and allow the item to dry slowly.

Salt Stains:  Mix 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water.  Moisten a cloth with the solution and dab on the stain.

Discoloration:  If your leather becomes discolored, use a leather spray that has been designed to restore color.  You can find these products at a shoe repair shop.