[Karnidge]

I found what looks like black permanent marker on my arm rest. I tried common Google search suggestions - distilled vinegar, makeup remover wipes, Mr. Clean magic eraser, and baking soda and toothpaste mixture. The mark is much lighter but it's still there.

I thought I would see if anyone here has any suggestions. I don't know if the arm rest is actually leather. I don't think it is.

Thoughts, suggestions?

[freakystyly]

Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for further damage.

High alcohol content (80-90%) isopropyl alcohol and a cloth. It likely will remove the dye on the leather if you over do it.

[P1]

Careful. It's easy to start damaging the material. Trust me, I know from trying to clean my steering wheel. Once you go too far, it'll look worse than the marker you're trying to remove.

[tracer bullet]

If you're talking permanent marker I want to say they have toluene in them, maybe xylene. Either way it's quite the solvent, it's one reason they work. You might need a solvent on a similar level to basically dissolve it again and remove it. Brake cleaner, some goof-off's (the little metal can). I have a feeling they'll murder the leather though.

Agreed that you will probably make it worse. If you want it perfect you probably have to replace it. Or get the cleaner on every part of the arm rest you can see, and then plan to "fix" the leather afterwards. And again, being prepareed to replace it if it just doesn't work.

[Karnidge]

Ya, I made the mistake in the past of being too aggressive on my steering wheel and ended up having to have it professionally redone. So I don't want to repeat that here. Although, that armrest part on the door feels more like rubber than leather. Maybe I will have to live with it like it is.

[aktif8]

Leatherique prestine (sp) clean is worth a shot

[DocL]

Try some spit on a microfiber towel.

[tracer bullet]

Any shops in your area that do interiors, i.e. for classic cars? They may have something?

You might also consider a test spot, where you absolutely can't see or care about. Try a cleaner there.

I think the leather itself might be OK but I think anything that lifts off marker will probably bring a lot of that red with it.

[M8Bimmer]

I personally feel if it's a spot you rest your arm on that might be just the ticket. Let it wear off naturally from your skin or clothing slowly doing that work.
That after all is the natural course for the leather really.
What about a oil of some sort. Leather can absorb oil so it shouldn't hurt it too much if you use a tiny bit on micro fiber.
I agree with the guys above...careful as that surface is delicate somewhat as you seem to already understand.
99% alcohol removes marker very well. But it may loosen the top layer of color.
something will work...or let it wear off. Doesn't look to deep to me.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by Karnidge

I found what looks like black permanent marker on my arm rest. I tried common Google search suggestions - distilled vinegar, makeup remover wipes, Mr. Clean magic eraser, and baking soda and toothpaste mixture. The mark is much lighter but it's still there.

I thought I would see if anyone here has any suggestions. I don't know if the arm rest is actually leather. I don't think it is.

Thoughts, suggestions?

https://artltdmag.com/how-to-remove-...-from-leather/

[chassis]

Either Goo Gone or Goof Off. Read the labels, they are not both compatible with the same materials.

Do you with certainty have leather door trims? The armrest is generally vinyl. Confirm your option content, and dealers usually have a sales guide that indicates which specific surfaces are leather.

[P1]

Originally Posted by chassis

Either Goo Gone or Goof Off. Read the labels, they are not both compatible with the same materials.

Do you with certainty have leather door trims? The armrest is generally vinyl. Confirm your option content, and dealers usually have a sales guide that indicates which specific surfaces are leather.

Goof Off took the paint of my number plate. I'd be worried using that on my interior!

[Opie55]

That is for sure not leather. I can tell just by looking at it. Try some Blue Magic leather and vinyl cleaner. Can be had at many auto part stores. Might take while to work, but it wont' harm the surface.

[Redd]

That's minor. Should come off with leather cleaner. If that doesn't work then use IPA, but test it on a hidden portion first for color fastness.

[spielnicht]

Give Colourlock strong leather cleaner a go - I had great results removing blue ink streak from our leather couch. I usually use their mild cleaner to clean my BMW seats and steering wheels - but it may not be enough for that marker. Amazon usually stocks them.

[Westside Guy]

Try smooth peanut butter and apply it gently with a damp cloth. It worked in my wife's old Mini on the material on the roof and the driver's door when she smeared them with red lipstick. I realize that lipstick isn't the same as a marker but you might get lucky.

My local mechanic told me about the peanut butter trick several years ago and it works for certain stains.

[chassis]

Karnidge any progress?

[JrBuilds]

bleach lol

[MyM2See]

Hear me out on this.....red marker.

[Techno 9000]

Originally Posted by Karnidge

I found what looks like black permanent marker on my arm rest. I tried ......

The mark is much lighter but it's still there.

Thoughts, suggestions?

Keep going with whatever worked best to lighten the mark, but concentrate the action on the mark alone with a cotton bud or similar, to avoid damage to the original material around it.

Consider obtaining some of the correct colour leather paint to cover over anything that remains.

[Karnidge]

Originally Posted by chassis

Karnidge any progress?

I picked up some Colourlock strong leather cleaner and applied it over the weekend. The mark is much lighter now and has no damage to the surrounding area. I am going to try applying it again to see if I can get it to completely disappear.



*fingers crossed*

[spielnicht]

Sweet! Glad that worked out for you.

Originally Posted by Karnidge

I picked up some Colourlock strong leather cleaner and applied it over the weekend. The mark is much lighter now and has no damage to the surrounding area. I am going to try applying it again to see if I can get it to completely disappear.



*fingers crossed*