How to remove oil stains from leather shoes

Clean, quality shoes make a statement and speak volumes about you. They leave an impression others will remember about you, so you should always ensure that your shoes are clean and presentable.

There are a few simple techniques you can follow to get rid of oil stains on your leather shoes and make them sparkle again. You can use simple ingredients from home, including baby powder, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, cream of tartar or dish soap.

Many people opt for the traditional method of using soap and water, but the two will destroy the leather fabric of your shoes before you know it. So, stay away from that completely.

Warning: Don’t use force when working on oil stains on leather and avoid a lot of liquid, as it’s not suitable for leather fabric.

Talcum powder soaks up oil stains

Talcum powder, or baby powder, is excellent for making your baby’s bum soft and to prevent rashes, but it can also be useful in some cleaning hacks around the house like removing oil and grease stains. It makes an excellent cleaner for removing oil stains from leather shoes.

Follow these steps to get rid of oil spots on your footwear with talcum powder

1. Take cotton balls and rub gently to remove any excess oil first.
2. Sprinkle talcum powder, also known as baby powder, on the affected part of the leather shoes.
3. Let this sit overnight, or the whole day if possible, for maximum absorption of the oil.
4. Take a silk cloth and wipe off the excess powder.
5. All the oil will have come off and your shoes should be as good as new!

Vinegar breaks down oil particles

Vinegar is good for flavoring salads and other cleaning uses around the house, but did you know you can remove stains from your shoes using this genius product? The acid helps break down the oil particles that have left marks behind on your shoes.

You’ll need:

• 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar
• Cotton balls
• A piece of cloth

Follow the following steps:

1. Dip a cotton ball in the vinegar.
2. On the stained part of the shoes, use the soaked cotton ball to rub gently in circular motions.
3. The vinegar will absorb the oil.
4. Repeat the process.
5. Take your piece of cloth and wipe off the vinegar.
6. Your shoes will be ready for a new day

Video: How to remove oil stains from leather shoes with vinegar

Baking soda dissolves oil stains

Baking soda is a powerful alkaline cleaning substance. It works by dissolving oil in no time. This product is a wonder for many cleaning matters, so don’t hesitate to try it.

You’ll need:

• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• A cup of water
• Cotton balls
• A piece of cloth

Follow the steps:

1. Take the baking soda and put in a cup.
2. Add a little water to make a paste.
3. Dip the cotton ball in the paste and apply it on the stained part of the leather shoes.
4. Slightly rub in circular motions, to make sure the baking soda gets in well.
5. Leave for a few minutes.
6. Come back with your piece of cloth and wipe the paste off.
7. Your shoes will be ready for use

Lemon juice and cream of tartar: an effective combination for removing oil stains

Lemon works well for removing oil and grease stains. The citric acid will melt down the oil. Cream of tartar is not creamy like it sounds and is not related to any sauce, rather it is a powder that is used for baking, and additionally, it’s an excellent stain remover

You’ll need:

• 2 whole lemons
• 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar
• Cotton balls
• A clean towel

Follow this procedure:

1. Squeeze the two lemons to form concentrated lemon juice.
2. Add one tablespoon of cream of tartar to the lemon juice.
3. Mix the two ingredients well.
4. Take a cotton ball and dip it in the mixture.
5. Rub on the affected part of the leather shoes in circular motions.
6. Leave the solution for 10 minutes.
7. Use a clean cloth to wipe off the solution.
8. Enjoy your stain-free leather shoes.

Liquid dish soap gets the job done

Liquid dishwashing soap is also excellent for removing oil stains from leather shoes. The ingredients in the soap will work by absorbing the oil and breaking it down completely.

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon of dish soap
• 1/4 cup of water
• Cotton balls
• A clean towel

Follow these steps:

1. Take a cup of water.
2. Add a tablespoon of dishwashing soap and mix well.
3. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture
4. Take the soaked cotton ball and use it to gently clean the stained area on the shoes.
5. Take a clean towel and wipe the soap off.
6. The shoes should be clean and ready to wear

Frequently asked questions about taking care of leather shoes

How can leather shoes be cleaned and maintained?

Leather shoes can be cleaned and maintained regularly taking care of your leather and following these tips:

• Use a dry towel to wipe off dust and polish your shoes with a brush and polish.
• If the shoes are muddy, first use a spatula to remove the mud then use a slightly damp cloth to dab off the remaining mud stains.
• Apply a leather cream or protective leather spray on the shoes every once in a while for good maintenance.

The suggestions above also work for removing oil and grease stains from other leather products like handbags, clothing and furniture, producing the same results. Read here for more specific information about getting rid of oil stains on purses.

Can you use soap to clean leather shoes?

Yes, soap can remove stains from leather shoes or anything made of leather, but in tiny quantities. Also, the type of soap matters. Powder detergents will discolor your shoes or cause them to fade. Check to ensure the soap you use does not contain chlorine.

Wrapping up

Your shoes represent you, so please, love on them and take care of them. Keep them clean, polished, and shiny as always. And for stubborn stains like oil stains on your leather shoes, the products above will make your life easy. It’s never a dull day with the right shoes.