Ah, the accidental tattoo on your prized leather sofa. A classic tale of woe! It seems your provided search results mostly confirm that you are not alone in this artistic crisis, but they're a bit light on the actual solutions. So let's get that masterpiece of modern art off your furniture.
First, the golden rule of ink removal: act fast. The fresher the stain, the less it wants to become a permanent resident. The second golden rule is to always, and I mean always, test your chosen cleaning method on a hidden spot first, like the underside or behind a cushion. We're trying to remove the ink, not the sofa's original color.
Your first line of defense is the gentlest. Try a bit of mild soap, like dish soap, on a damp cloth. Dab the stain gently; do not scrub. Scrubbing will just invite the ink to spread and settle in, and nobody wants that. If that doesn't work, it's time to escalate.
The next level of intervention involves rubbing alcohol. Put a small amount on a cotton swab and dab lightly at the center of the ink mark, working your way out. You should see the ink transfer onto the swab. Use a fresh part of the swab for each dab to avoid reapplying the ink. This is a delicate operation, not an aggressive cleaning spree. Once the ink is gone, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any alcohol residue.
After your successful ink extraction, the final and most important step is aftercare. Alcohol is very drying, and your leather will be thirsty. Once the spot is completely dry, apply a good quality leather conditioner to restore its moisture and prevent cracking. With that, your sofa should be returned to its former, un-vandalized glory, ready for its next close call.
