Removing greasy stains from natural leather. Learn effective ways
Greasy stains on shoes are one of the most troublesome stains because they are extremely difficult to remove, especially if they appear on natural leather. It is worth emphasizing that natural leather, apart from the smooth variety, may also have bristles (shorter or longer), which means that this material will require special and different care. Removing oily stains from natural leather is difficult, but there are several methods that can bring good results.
Removing greasy stains from shoes - prevention
When buying new shoes, the most important thing is to get the right impregnation for them. Remember to use it just before putting on new shoes for the first time, and then use it regularly, especially during inclement weather. A properly selected impregnation will create an invisible protective layer on the shoes, which will protect the natural leather against the penetration of moisture and the deposition of any dirt, including grease stains.
However, if, despite proper and careful care, you are unable to protect your leather shoes from an unsightly, greasy stain, we have several proven ways to remove it.
1. Water with dishwashing liquid
Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap, then dip a cloth in it and gently wipe the shoe. It will be much easier to get rid of the stain if it is cleaned freshly. After finishing the treatment, be sure to wipe the shoe dry.
2. Talc powder or potato flour
This method can be used even in the case of natural leather with long hair (suede, nubuck). After gently blotting the stain with a paper towel, sprinkle the area of the stain and leave the shoes on overnight. Then shake off any remaining flour or talcum powder. To increase the effectiveness of this method, you can use a toothbrush with delicate bristles. If the greasy stain is still visible, repeat the procedure.
3. Water and vinegar
Vinegar is great for removing greasy stains on leather shoes. Just moisten a cloth in a solution of water and vinegar and then gently wipe the dirt. The stain should disappear from the material when exposed to vinegar.
4. Products intended for removing stains from leather surfaces
If the above methods did not work in the fight against a stubborn stain, you can look for special, professional products in the store intended for cleaning natural leather.
In the assortment of shoe stores you can easily find all kinds of sprays, pastes, creams, milks, balms and special liquids. It is important to match the product to your skin type and color to avoid discoloration or damage. If you are not sure whether the product is suitable, test it on an inconspicuous area of the shoe before using it for the first time to make sure it will not damage the material.
After care, always leave the shoes to dry completely, preferably at a safe distance from intense heat and direct sunlight.
Attention. Remember that leather shoes cannot be washed in a washing machine, as large amounts of water may destroy the material and lead to its deformation. So, washing will not only not help remove greasy stains from shoes, but will most likely cause irreversible damage.
Appropriate and regular care of leather shoes will allow you to minimize or even completely avoid the occurrence of unwanted dirt and greasy stains. Moreover, it will also protect your shoes against the harmful effects of external factors, which will significantly extend their life.