How to Remove Leather Stains with Simple Homemade Cleaner

Leather is one of the most durable and stylish materials available, but this does not mean it is not going to become dirty from time to time. Whether you are showcasing the perfect leather jacket or enjoying your designer leather boots and purses, the material has long been a popular option for a wide assortment of clothing and accessories.

Making a homemade leather cleaner allows you to save money and produce an all-natural product that you can use on all of your leather goods. Keep in mind whenever using a new leather cleaner or leather conditioner, whether it’s homemade or not, test the mixture in a hidden area of the leather before applying it to the entire item to prevent any discoloration or damage to the leather.

Leather Cleaner Recipe for Removing Oil, Dirt & Food Stains

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon white flour
• 1/8 cup of sea salt
• 3/8 cup of distilled water

Tools:

• Microfiber cloth
• Spoon
• Bowl

Instructions on How to Make:

• Pour all ingredients (baking powder, flour, sea salt, and distilled water) into the bowl.
• Using a spoon, stir well.

Instructions on How to Use:

1. Before applying the mixture on to the stain, spot test the mixture in an inconspicuous area of the leather.
2. Dip the microfiber cloth in the mixture.
3. Gently rub the stain with the cloth.
4. Pat the area dry with a dry cloth before attempting to clean again, because it might take more than one application to remove the stain.

Alternative Recipes:

1. Take a pinch of cornstarch and apply directly on to the stain let it sit for about 15 to 20 mins.
2. Equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar.
3. One part of vinegar to two parts of linseed oil.

Leather Cleaner Recipe for Removing Mold & Mildew

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide
• 2 tbsps. vinegar
• 2 cups water

Tools:

• Microfiber cloth
• Spoon
• Bowl

Instructions on How to Make:

1. Pour all ingredients (baking powder, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and water) into the bowl.
2. Using a spoon, stir well.

Instructions on How to Use:

1. Before applying the mixture on to the stain, spot test the mixture in an inconspicuous area of the leather.
2. Dip the microfiber cloth into the leather cleaner mixture.
3. Apply mixture on the area affected by mold or mildew.
4. Using the microfiber cloth gently rub on the stain. If that doesn’t work, try brushing the area.

Pro Tips:

1. If you have a lot of mold on your leather clean it outdoors.
2. Make sure to wear a mask on your mouth so you don’t breathe in any mold particles.

Leather Cleaner Recipe for Removing Salt Stains

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vinegar
• 2 cups water (distilled)

Tools:

• Microfiber cloth
• Spoon
• Bowl

Instructions on How to Make:

1. Pour all ingredients (vinegar and distilled water) into the bowl.
2. Using a spoon, stir well.

Instructions on How to Use:

1. Before applying the mixture on to the stain, spot test the mixture in an inconspicuous area of the leather.
2. Dip the microfiber cloth into the mixture.
3. Apply mixture on the salt stain and gently rub in circular motions, repeat procedure if the salt stain does not go away.
4. After the salt stain is removed you can wipe your leather with a slightly damp cloth.

Leather Cleaner Recipe for Cleaning Pet Urine Stains

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsps. brown sugar
• 1 cup orange peel (preferably chopped)
• 2 cups water (distilled)

Tools:

• Pet deodorizer
• Paper towel
• Microfiber cloth
• Blender
• Bowl

Instructions on How to Make:

1. Pour all the ingredients (brown sugar, orange peel, and distilled water) into the blender.
2. Blend the ingredients, then, transfer into a bowl.

Instructions on How to Use:

1. Before applying the mixture on to the stain, spot test the mixture in an inconspicuous area of the leather.
2. Dip the cloth into the mixture.
3. Apply the mixture on to the urine stain.
4. Using the cloth gently rub on the stain.
5. Let area dry for 1-2 hours.
6. Spray the clean area with pet deodorizer.

Leather Cleaner Recipe for Cleaning Water-Based Stains

Ingredients:

• Mild moisturizing liquid soap (Ex: Dove, Neutrogena)

Tools:

• Microfiber Cloth
• Spoon
• Bowl

Instructions on How to Make:

1. Pour the moisturizing liquid soap into the bowl.
2. Using a spoon, stir well.

Instructions on How to Use:

1. Before applying the mixture on to the stain, spot test the mixture in an inconspicuous area of the leather.
2. Slightly wet the microfiber cloth and then dip the cloth into the moisturizing liquid soap.
3. Then gently rub the stain for about a minute or so, repeat the procedure if the stain does not go away.

Alternative recipe:

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl.
2. Dip the cloth in the mixture and gently rub it on the water stain.

Leather Cleaner Recipe for Cleaning Blood Stains

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. liquid detergent (Choose a soap that is mild enough for the leather such as dishwashing liquid soap)
• 2 cups water

Tools:

• Microfiber cloth
• Spoon
• Bowl

Instructions on How to Make:

1. Pour all ingredients (dishwashing liquid soap and water) into the bowl.
2. Using a spoon, stir well.

Instructions on How to Use:

1. Before applying the mixture on to the stain, spot test the mixture in an inconspicuous area of the leather.
2. Dip the cloth into the leather cleaner mixture.
3. Apply mixture on the area affected by bloodstain.
4. Using the cloth gently dab on the stain.
5. Wipe the area with a dry cloth.

Leather Cleaner Recipe for Removing Ink Stains

Ingredients:

• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)

Tools:

• Microfiber cloth or cotton swab

Instructions on How to Use:

1. Apply rubbing alcohol on to the cotton ball or cloth.
2. Before applying rubbing alcohol on to the stain, spot test rubbing alcohol in an inconspicuous area of leather.
3. Then gently rub on the stain in circular motion.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to remove almost every type of stain you no longer have to rely on professionals to remove the stain for you. Instead whenever you’re faced with a stain you can easily get rid of it at by making your own leather cleaner right in the comfort of your own home. Lastly to learn how to make your very own leather conditioner at home you can read our post homemade leather conditioner.