Grease is no friend of most materials, and unfortunately, leather is no exception. And the worst part is it is often really difficult to fully eradicate – particularly from notoriously delicate fabrics.
Luckily, as fabrics go, leather is one of the more robust of the bunch. This article looks at how to remove grease from shoe leather.
There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.
What to Do When You Get Grease on Shoe Leather
You will need:
- Talcum powder or another absorbent powder (such as baking soda) – anything to neutralize the stain.
- Lint free soft cloths (such as microfiber cloths)
- An old, dry toothbrush
The method:
- Blot the stain with a microfiber cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Remove as much of the grease as possible – this will make the process easier and more effective.
- Cover the stain generously with talcum powder or your absorbent powder of choice, such as corn starch or wheat germ.
- Allow the powder to sit on the stain preferably overnight. The powder will slowly draw the grease and moisture out of the leather.
- In the morning, brush or scrape off the powder and the stain will be gone. This is where having an old toothbrush to hand will help.
- Repeat if necessary.
If you’ve tried this method and you’re still noticing remnants of grease on the leather, your other option is to invest in a good leather degreaser. Follow the instructions on the label of the product to ensure it is administered properly.
Failing that, seek advice from the shoe manufacturer or a leathersmith about any other potential options. Taking your shoe to a dry-cleaner for advice too may also help.
[amazon box=”B001TJ3HUG” template=”vertical”]How to Protect Leather Shoes
Although leather is a strong, durable material, nothing lasts forever, and so you will want to take measures to protect your leather shoes from getting damaged or ruined.
- Don’t wear them every day. If you’re running errands or walking the dog, stick to your cheap sandals or sneakers.
- Clean them with leather cleaner and a brush/cloth after each time you wear them.
- Store them with a leather shoe ‘tree’ in them.
- Avoid wearing them in extreme weather types.
- Polish them every six wears.
- Store them in a dust bag when not in use.
Conclusion
Leather is a strong, durable shoe-choice, and, if looked after well, should last you a long time.
However, sometimes accidents and spillages happen, and sometimes it’s our footwear that takes the brunt of these errors.
If you’ve somehow ended up with a grease stain on your favorite pair of leather boots or brogues, following the above methods will help you to remove that stain in no time.
And although leather is robust, it is important to take good care of your leather shoes to ensure you get the most out of them.
Regular cleaning and polishing will help, and avoiding extreme weather and over-wearing them will help keep them looking sharp and lasting a lifetime.
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
