If you own a leather item such as a purse or furniture, it can be a bit stressful to in making sure that it is stain-free. One of the most common stains on any leather surface is caused by denim stains from our clothes and they can be pretty obvious. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about leather stains caused by denim dyes and how to remove them effectively at home.
Can you remove denim stains from leather?
Yes, you can remove denim stains from a leather surface. Below, we’ll be discussing the cleaning methods you can use when it comes to denim stains on leather. Most of these methods are using cleaning materials that you can easily find in your home or local store, so you don’t even have to worry about spending a fortune to restore the condition of any leather item.
About denim stains
There are different types of denim. Some denim items stain other items more easily, while other types of denim don’t stain as much. Here’s how to identify denim that will stain a lot and when to be cautious.
Indigo dye
Indigo is the blue dye used to give denim that distinct blue color. This color is extremely strong on new jeans. Especially jeans that do not have a washed effect or have that worn look to them. Most dark and deep blue denim have a lot of indigo dye that may get on your leather items and shoes very easily upon contact.
Raw denim
Raw denim is the original denim jeans that have not been processed to have a worn or washed effect. These will still be very deep blue and have a very uniform color. You may want to avoid raw denim if you can about not staining anything you’re sitting on or anything that is touching your pants.
The indigo dye in raw denim is still very concentrated and will rub off on practically everything, including your own skin.
Distressed denim
Distressed denim is less susceptible to staining your items as it has gone through an artificial wear process that creates a used and vintage look to the denim. Much of the indigo has come off in this distressing process and may stain your clothes less.
However, brand-new distressed denim may still stain your leather items as the color may still be potent.
Washed denim
Washed denim is a worn effect that has become popular in recent times. Washed denim is light in color to give off that “used” look as if your jeans have been used for a very long time and have been washed multiple times to the point where the indigo dye has become very light.
This will stain your items the least, or not even stain at all if you buy very light-wash jeans.
How to remove denim stains from your leather purse
Leather honey
Leather honey is a great and easy-to-use product on real leather items (although it works on faux leather too). If you have a grain leather bag or genuine leather purse, this will be one of your best options when it comes to removing denim stains while also protecting your bag from the elements.
Many have said that they were to able remove denim stains with this leather cleaner. Don’t forget to prevent your leather purse from getting denim stains in the future with leather conditioner. Leather Honey conditioner keeps leather soft and supple while being protected from other stains and water as well.
Cornstarch
If you happen to get stains on a leather surface because of the denim dyes (especially blue jean dye) from your clothes, you can use cornstarch or talcum powder to remove it. This is a great way to remove stains from almost any type of leather material without needing to get it wet.
Things you will need:
- Microfiber cloth
- Cornstarch or talcum powder
- Leather conditioner
Steps:
- Clean the surface of your leather item using a dry soft cloth.
- Sprinkle some cornstarch or talcum powder on the area with denim dye stains.
- Leave it on there overnight so it can fully absorb the denim dyes.
- The next day, grab another microfiber cloth and wipe away the powder to see if the stain is gone. You can repeat the process if needed.
- Once the denim stains are gone, wipe away the powder residues and apply a leather conditioner to your leather purse.
Makeup remover wipes
Did you know that makeup remover wipes are pretty effective not just when it comes to removing makeup that is made to last for an entire day, but also for denim stains on your purse? These work especially great on faux leather as it doesn’t have pores and may even work with just one swipe. If you’re looking for a more straightforward method that is quick and easy, you can try using these steps:
Things you will need:
- Makeup remover wipes
- Microfiber cloth
- Leather conditioner
Steps:
- Get your makeup remover wipes and make sure they are alcohol-free so it’s less drying to your leather purse.
- Wipe the surface of your leather item to remove any loose dirt.
- Using the makeup remover wipes, rub on the area with denim stains using a soft circular motion. Avoid rubbing too harshly.
- Once the stains are removed, use a soft cloth to wipe off the excess moisture on your leather purse.
- Condition your purse using a leather conditioner.
Toothpaste
If you have a light-colored leather purse, it can be especially unpleasant seeing obvious blue jeans stains on it. Toothpaste is a common cleaning solution for light-colored leather items as it can effectively remove almost any type of stain and restore its pristine and vibrant colors. If you have a white or light-colored leather item, we suggest using this method.
Things you will need:
- Toothpaste
- Microfiber towels
- Soft-bristled brush
- Soft sponge
- Leather conditioner
Steps:
- Clean the surface of your leather purse from any dust or dirt.
- Squeeze a bit of toothpaste on your soft-bristled brush. Do not use a brush with hard bristles as it will only damage your leather item before it gets cleaned.
- Apply it to the area with denim stains and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Lightly brush it using a circular motion and make sure you are not scrubbing too hard.
- Blot away the residue using a soft towel and check if there are still stains on your purse.
- Repeat the process as needed.
- Finally, when all the denim stains are removed, use a clean sponge to wipe away the toothpaste residue.
- Apply leather conditioner to your item.
Dishwashing liquid
This method is more of a general cleaning solution to remove many types of stains on your leather item. Dishwashing liquid works quite well in removing denim dye stains on your purse, and you can also use a mild detergent or mild soap as an alternative. Here’s how:
Things you will need:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Sponge
- Soft cloths
- Plastic container
- Leather conditioner
Steps:
- As always, remove any loose dirt on the surface of your leather purse.
- Mix 1 part of the dishwashing liquid and lukewarm water in a plastic container.
- Form a lather and dampen your sponge or soft cloth. Let the cleaning solution stay for a few minutes on the stained area.
- Gently wipe the area using a soft cloth to remove the denim stain.
- Use a soft and clean microfiber towel to remove the soap suds and if there are still visible stains, repeat the process.
- Once you’re done, go over your leather purse with a dry microfiber towel to remove excess moisture and suds. Apply leather conditioner.
How to stop your denim from staining your things
Just like leather, denim wasn’t really known to be washed very often. Denim is also known to imprint the lifestyle and identity of its owner by showing wear on the parts that get the most use, like a light spot resembling where you always put your wallet or phone.
It may also be creased along certain spots and have lines at a specific point where your knees bend. These things are unique to you as the height of your knees may not match another person exactly.
However, not washing your dark denim may cause much of the dye to rub off on items that may also be precious. Some people like that effect and embrace it as their items express their lifestyle and denim stains on your leather goods may also be one of them. If you don’t want your denim to rub off on your other items, here’s how to stop it from doing so.
Washing machine
Machine washing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop the dye from staining other items. Washing off as much of the loose dye may lighten the denim, but more importantly, it will take off the dye that hasn’t been absorbed into the fabric completely and may latch onto your items.
Simply throw it in the washer and wash it as you normally would. It may take about 2-3 or even more washings to completely stop it from staining other things. Also, make sure not to put in any other item while you’re washing your denim as it may stain those items.
Vinegar to set the color
Vinegar is an old trick used to set the color of the denim and stop it from staining or bleeding out onto other items while you wash it.
There are many ratios and methods out there as this is very old and everyone did it a little differently. However, here’s what we’ve found that works.
Use 1 cup of vinegar for every gallon of water. Use enough water to fill up a bucket that can fit the denim and submerge it entirely in the solution. You may use cold water to help seal the dye in the fabric.
Conclusion
Denim stains are incredibly annoying, especially if you’ve got a new leather bag that you spent a lot of money on. Thankfully, this isn’t a new problem. In fact, it’s a very old problem and many housekeepers and denim owners have had to deal with the same problem. This makes cleaning solutions very numerous and accessible.
We hope this article has helped you clean the indigo off of your precious leather purse and may prevent future stains on any other items.
FAQ
Can I use vinegar to clean my leather purse?
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean your leather purse. However, only use it under the right conditions. The first condition is that it has to be white vinegar so it’s not too acidic that it will dry out your leather purse. Next, always dilute the vinegar with water before using it as a cleaning solution for any leather item. Finally, don’t leave the vinegar solution for more than a few minutes to avoid damaging the leather material.
How do you get blue jeans stains out of a suede purse?
Getting stains out from a suede purse can be especially tricky because you’re not supposed to use any type of liquid or wet cleaning solution on it. Any type of liquid can stain a suede material and the texture will never be the same as it was brand-new.
That is why we only recommend using baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder for your suede purse if you want to remove blue jeans stains on it. Also, make sure that you purchase a suede brush to restore the fluff of the suede.
