How to Remove Oil from Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are a welcome, if expensive, addition to any wardrobe. They can make even the most mediocre feet look appealing. And no class "A" ensemble is complete without them. With good care, quality leather shoes can last for decades. But even the best of care cannot protect your shoes from everything. Oil and grease get spilled, dropped and stepped on all the time. When bad things happen to good leather, what's a shoe owner to do? Do not lose hope; there is still a light at the end of tunnel. Follow the steps in this guide and your favorite shoes may still be adorning your feet the next time you step out. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Corn starch or talcum powder
- Stiff brush or toothbrush
- Commercial oil and grease removal product
- Citrus-based degreaser
- Dish soap
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
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1
Determine what sort of leather your shoes are made of. Suede should only be cleaned with the corn starch method or by following the directions on a commercial cleaner made particularly for suede. Polished leather, on the other hand, can be temperamental to work with as well, but isn't quite as awkward as suede. Test every method or product on a small, non-visible area prior to applying it to the body of your shoe.
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Begin by dumping corn starch over the stain. Note: that's dumping, not sprinkling. Really pile it on. It's not expensive and it won't hurt your shoe. Let it sit for 24 hours and brush the corn starch off with a stiff-bristled brush or clean toothbrush.
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3
Treat any remaining stain residue with another application of corn starch. Use your fingers to rub the corn starch vigorously into the leather, generating a small amount of heat from the friction. The warmth will release the oil from the fibers and the starch will absorb the oil. Sweep the powder away with a brush. Repeat as many times as necessary. Alternatively, talcum powder could be substituted for corn starch.
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Treat stubborn areas with a citrus-based degreaser or with a direct application of dish soap. Scrub with a toothbrush and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
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Purchase a commercial oil and grease removal product that has been designed exclusively for use on leather and follow the package directions. These products can generally be found in the shoe department near the tins of shoe polish.
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Coat both shoes with a thick layer of non-stick cooking spray. Rub with a clean, dry cloth. This is the treatment of last resort as it may make the leather a shade darker. This is why both shoes need to be sprayed, rather than just treating the stain.
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If all else fails, consider taking your shoes to a professional and having them turned into a custom pair of "distressed" leather shoes.
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Tips & Warnings
Safeguard your shoes against future stains by applying a layer of commercial leather protection product once the stain has been removed. In the future, you will find keeping them clean a lot easier. All stains are easier to remove when they are fresh.
Oil and grease removal products can also remove color, which will then have to be replaced. Be sure to test all products in an inconspicuous area first.
