How to Safely Remove Adhesive From Finished Leather

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Remove sticker or tape adhesive from finished leather.

Adhesive from stickers can be a pain to remove from your leather furniture. Luckily, it is easier to remove adhesive from finished leather as opposed to unfinished leather. Finished leather is smooth and its appearance does not change when you run your hand over its surface. Finished leather is water resistant and can therefore handle water-based adhesive removal solutions. Never use sharp tools to remove adhesive as this could easily scratch or tear the leather.

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Step 1

Remove as much of the adhesive as possible with your fingers.

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Step 2

Slightly dampen a clean cloth with nail polish remover.

Step 3

Rub the nail polish remover onto the finished leather. Do not soak the leather as this could damage the leather's condition. The adhesive will ball up. When it does, brush the adhesive away.

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Step 4

Use baking soda if nail polish remover doesn't remove the adhesive from the leather. Add just enough water to 1 tbsp. baking soda to make a thick paste. The paste should be the same consistency as toothpaste.

Step 5

Apply the paste to the adhesive with a clean cloth. Rub the paste onto the leather to gently loosen the adhesive.

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Step 6

Wipe up the cleaning solution residue with a clean cloth dampened with clear water.

Step 7

Run an eraser over the adhesive residue, if it is still visible. This will ball up the rest of the adhesive.

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