How to Get Grease Stains out of Leather

Leather is a popular material for clothing, furniture and various other items.

Leather is made from tanning the hide of cattle. Leather is a popular choice for furniture, shoes, coats, clothing and luggage. If cared for properly, the expensive material can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, stains such as oil and grease can ruin leather items. A common mistake for removing grease from leather is trying to wash the grease off with water. This will only smear the grease and cause more damage. Instead, you will need to absorb the grease and pull it from the leather fibers.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cloths
• Talcum powder
• Water
• Lint-free cloth
• Leather soap
• Leather conditioner or mink oil

Instructions

1. Blot the grease from the leather with a clean cloth. Continue blotting--not rubbing--until all excess grease has been absorbed.

2. Apply talcum powder liberally on top of the grease stain.

3. Allow the talcum powder to sit on the leather overnight. The talcum powder will absorb the grease.

4. Dampen a soft cloth with water and wipe the talcum powder from the leather.

5. Keep the leather item clean with a lint-free cloth and leather soap.

6. Apply a leather conditioner to the finished leather item and mink oil to unfinished leather.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider taking your leather item to a professional cleaner to remove stains.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Remove Leather Stains
• Home Furnish: How to Remove Stains From a Leather Sofa
• Professor's House: How Do You Clean a Leather Sofa
• Ohio State University: Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal