A pen without its cap in a handbag or at the bottom of a backpack leaves a blue streak on the leather that neither water nor soap will shift. The same goes for price tag residue, stickers and sticky grime on handles.
WD-40 Multi-Use softens fresh ballpoint ink and sticky marks, so it often helps where ordinary cleaners fail. The key is to work carefully and test first, because leathers vary a great deal.
What you will need
Important: Always test on a hidden area: on suede, nubuck, pale, patent and unfinished leather the product may leave a dark mark. Take such items to a professional cleaner instead. Do not spray a large area; work on the stain only.
Step 1
Test the leather
Put a drop of the product on the inside of the flap or on the base of the bag, wait a few minutes and wipe it off. If the colour and texture have not changed, move on to the stain.
Step 2
Apply the product to the stain
Using the WD-40 Smart Straw or a cotton bud, apply a little WD-40 Multi-Use only to the ink or adhesive mark, without going far beyond its edges.
Step 3
Let it work
Leave it for a minute or two. That is enough for the ink and adhesive to soften. Do not leave it longer, especially on thin leather.
Step 4
Wipe the stain away
With a clean microfibre cloth, blot and gently wipe from the edges towards the centre so the ink does not spread. Keep moving to a clean part of the cloth.
If the mark has faded but not gone, repeat once or twice. Old, deeply set stains may only lighten.
Step 5
Clean and condition the leather
Wipe the treated area with leather cleaner to remove any WD-40 residue, then apply a thin layer of cream or wax and buff with microfibre. This evens out the colour and sheen with the rest of the bag.
While you are at it, treat metal clasps, clips and the zip with a drop of WD-40 100 ml on a cotton bud: they will stop sticking and tarnishing.
Tip: The fresher the stain, the easier it comes out. Carry pens with caps or in a separate pouch, and keep a small can of WD-40 at home so you can act straight away.
What next
Wipe a leather bag with a damp microfibre cloth once a month and condition it once a season. For leather jackets and sofas, see our separate guides.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».