Simple Tips on How to Get Oil Out of Leather at Home

First, grab all the necessary stuff you’ll need:

• Lint-free cloth (soft and dry)
• Talcum powder (or cornstarch)
• Soft leather brush

Steps:

• Using a cloth, gently blot out the oil stain.
• Sprinkle the powder over the stain.
• Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb the oil.
• The next morning, brush off the powder with a leather brush.

Pro Tip: You can also use baking soda, as it cleans and deodorizes your leather item.

Method 2: Dish Soap 

This is yet another technique on how to get oil out of leather without having to spend dollars. You’ll only need:

• Soft cloth
• Mild dish soap 

Now, follow the steps below:

• Work your way from the corners inward to gently blot the oil stains with a soft cloth.
• Fill a cup with warm water and add a tsp of mild dishwasher.
• Take another clean cloth and dampen it so it’s wet, but not dripping (or wring it out).
• Gently rub in a circular motion over the stain until clean. Damp again if needed.
• Take another moist cloth and wipe off any soapy residue.
• Let it air out in a well-ventilated area, away from sunlight or any other heat sources.
• Finally, use a good quality leather conditioner to keep it soft, shiny, and supple.

Method 3: Rubbing Alcohol

Here’s what you’ll only need:

• Rubbing alcohol 
• Soft fabric cloths (2 or 3)

Steps to follow:

• Test the rubbing alcohol on a hidden area first to see if it doesn’t affect negatively, like fading or decoloring your leather item.
• Clean out the excess oil by gently blotting.
• Next up, dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and work your way in a circular motion.
• Once cleaned, let it air dry naturally. Avoid using any heat source to speed up the drying process.

Important note: Avoid using harsh alcohol or chemicals on delicate leathers, like aniline or suede.

Conditioning is Key

You can use any method mentioned above, and once you’re done getting oil stains out of leather, it’s time to moisturize it. Choose a better quality leather conditioner (even mink or neatsfoot oil). Apply gently to your leather jacket or sturdy leather shoes. 

Conditioners replenish the oils back to the leather that may have been stripped away during the cleaning method. Using circular motion should always be the priority because it distributes it evenly across the item. Let it absorb well, and then you simply wipe off the excess with another soft cloth so it doesn’t turn greasy.

Bonus Method: For Suede Leather 

Just remember to never treat suede with harsh methods or liquid solutions, as it has a very delicate texture. So this method below works wonders. What you’ll need:

• Cornstarch or talcum powder
• Soft-bristled brush

How it’s done:

• First, gently blot out the stain using a soft cloth
• After that, sprinkle some cornstarch (or talcum, whichever’s available)
• Let the powder rest for a night 
• The next morning, you can brush off the residue.

Note: if you have a high-end item like a leather bag or a leather trench coat for women, and DIYs don’t work, it’s always a good idea to seek professional assistance. 

So Which Type of Leather Are You Dealing With?

Not all leather is made equally, hence you cannot treat them the same. They all require different tactics, which is why it’s important to know the type you’re owning. Here’s a quick look at a popular type of leather, so you’d know what method will get the oil out of leather.

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