– Leather is a natural product and very porous, leaving it vulnerable to lots of long-lasting damage. Unfortunately, it’s usually the case that the more buttery-soft the leather, the more porous it is, too.
– Although very common, the scary ink stain is best left to a professional, as it is essentially a dye, and your bag will likely be in need of a colour-restoration job. If the ink is diluted by water or cleaning product it will likely spread further into the leather, so I wouldn’t advise tackling this one at home.
– As much as vinegar is a saviour around the house, it should never be used on your leather handbag. This, along with baby and face wipes and a lot of similar at-home remedies, is not suitable for leather, as these products often contain chemicals or substances which could dry our or damage the leather and affect the colour, amongst causing other problems. Stick to a purpose-made cleaner at all times.
– Never use water on a greasy stain. Oil and water do not mix, and it is much easier to remove oil from a dry surface. Wetting the area around it only leads to the possibility of setting the stain and spreading it. Instead, blot the area with a dry cloth or tissue to prevent any further spreading.
– Don’t leave your bag in direct sunlight as this can fade the colour over time.
– I’ll take this opportunity to repeat that you should not dry the cleaned spot with direct heat, as this could set a stain or distort the shape of the leather. And never, I repeat never, scrub the stain!