How to Clean Oil Stained Leather Shoes

Oil can be removed from leather shoes

Leather is a very absorbent material that stains easily, which can make caring for leather shoes a challenge. It is best to pre-treat leather shoes with a water repellant spray after purchasing the shoes prior to wearing them to help protect against moisture and stains. However, if shoes are not treated or come in contact with substances such as oil, you can attempt to remove oil stains from leather shoes. If you experience difficulty removing the stains or have questions about treating leather, ask a dry cleaning professional.

Things You'll Need

• Leather shoes
• Dry cloth(s)
• Cornstarch
• Vinegar
• Salt
• Distilled water

Instructions

1. Use a clean, soft cloth to gently blot as much oil from the stain as possible. Do not push on the oil, as this will only force it deeper into the leather.

2. Sprinkle enough cornstarch on the stain to fully saturate and cover the stain area. You can also use talcum powder or baby powder.

3. Allow the cornstarch to remain on the stain for at least four hours or longer.

4. Gently wipe away the cornstarch with a clean, dry cloth.

5. Use a solution of one cup white vinegar and one cup salt if the cornstarch does not completely remove the oil stain. Dab a clean, soft cloth into the vinegar mix and then blot onto the stain. Follow by dabbing a clean cloth into distilled water until slightly damp and then gently wiping the spot. Allow to dry thoroughly.

References

• Catalogs.com: How to Correctly Clean Leather
• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Shoes