Help? Dye transfer: denim to leather

Cerinda

Joyce B's Mephistos reminded me of some wardrobe maintenance I have to do.

Last year I damaged a wardrobe staple --a tonal taupe leather tote bag-- wearing it with new (but washed in vinegar) jeans. I still carry the bag, am just super careful to keep it off my shoulder and the damage facing me. Now that I have a way to protect the leather, I'd like to try removing the color. The shoe repair guy brushed me off. I'm looking for ideas.

Do you know of any way to remove dye transfer from leather?

10 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from

Joyce B

Veteran

Sorry that you have a related topic because it means trouble with your handbag but maybe we will all learn as well.
I am not sure about the dye but I know that Danier in Canada sells some wipes for leather that they recommend using as soon as you get a stain on leather, maybe that can help? Plus using the leather protector after that?
I recently got a cream colored leather jacket that I am very interested in protecting as well.
I also have some white booties that got stains from wearing them with bootcut denim. I will try the wipes on them this Fall once the leather garments start their rotation.

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I have gotten fabric dye stains out of leather with rubbing alcohol. Just make sure you test it on a hidden spot first to make sure it won't take off the leather finish too. Nail polish remover sometimes also works.

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. Nail polish remover works quite well too.

10 years ago

Ankita

(website)

Active Member

Hi Cerinda, I feel your pain!

I love my handbags and every now and then I do end up with stains on them, especially white ones.

The trick that helps me the most is definitely rubbing alcohol. I usually use Q-tips/earbuds dipped in rubbing alcohol to buff away the stains and i ALWAYS test it out first on an inconspicuous area. If you have a textured bag, i recommend buffing/wiping the stain going with(rather than against) the grain of the leather.

Another thing is to use a microfiber cloth to clean/wipe your bag.
Hope that helps

10 years ago

Dekaf4me

Active Member

And if that doesn't work....check with your local car dealership. I can't remember the trick they shared (it's been too many years) but when none of our home remedies worked on a denim stain on light leather they had info that worked like a charm!

10 years ago

dakotacheryl

Veteran

Great suggestions here...I am just commiserating that manufacturers need to do something about the dye transfer issue with denim...how come it never was this bad years ago??

10 years ago

Anonymous

Cerinda, my dry cleaner has a leather expert who saved a light bag that had colour transfer from jeans. And Dakotacheryl, I agree 100%. I had an embarrassing incident when colour from jeans transferred to a host's white sofa. I'd washed the jeans before wearing too.

10 years ago

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