How to Clean Gas Off of Suede Boots

Suede is a French word that is used to describe a fabric created from the underside of animal skin, such as cow, pig or sheep. The skin is treated and buffed to create a soft texture. Suede is a common fabric for furniture, clothing, accessories and boots. Suede is a very porous fabric and stains easily, so suede boots should be treated with special water repellent spray prior to wear to prevent staining during normal use. However, if left untreated, some stains, such as gas, will require special cleaning. Always contact a dry cleaning professional with any questions on how to best clean suede.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloth(s)
• Baby powder
• Dry sponge
• Water
• Dish soap
• Soft bristle brush
• Toothbrush
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Try using a clean, soft cloth to dab at the gas stain and absorb as much as possible, especially if the stain is still wet. Do not rub the fabric, as this may force the stain further into the fabric.

2. Sprinkle a little baby powder on the stain and allow it to dry. The powder will absorb the oil from the gas. When the stain is done drying, brush away the dry powder with a soft bristle brush.

3. Purchase a dry sponge to gently wipe away the stain. Dry sponges are special cleaning sponges that are meant to remove stains from surfaces that cannot be washed. You can find them in the cleaning aisle at many grocery stores or hardware supply stores.

4. Mix two cups of warm water with a tsp. of liquid dish soap. Dab a clean, soft cloth in the mixture and gently wipe the gas stain. Do not saturate the boots, and do not rub vigorously on the stain.

5. Use an old toothbrush dipped in the soapy mixture if the cloth did not remove the stain. Use the toothbrush in gentle circular motions over the stain. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

6. Try lightly coating both suede boots with an even layer of non-stick cooking spray if the above steps do not remove the stain. Rub the boots thoroughly with a clean, soft cotton towel. Allow them to dry. The boots may be a slightly darker color once they're dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a suede cleaner to help clean stains off of suede boots. Suede cleaner is available at many grocery stores, general retailers or dry cleaners.

References

• Leather Craft Secrets: How to Care for Suede
• Do It Yourself: Carbon Stains on Suede Boots
• ThriftyFun: Grease Stains on Leather Shoes