How to Remove Grease Stains from Leather (3 Easy Methods)

Learn 3 effective ways to remove grease stains from leather.

Leather is a material that is always in style and popular to have featured in your home. Taking care of it helps ensure your leather furniture, clothes, fixtures last a lifetime. So, what do you do when you notice a grease stain on your precious leather? 

Thankfully, leather is a tough material that is surprisingly easy to clean. Whether it’s an old spill or a fresh one, we’ve got just the technique to restore your leather surface and make it as good as new. 

How to remove grease stains from leather using a powder

You likely have everything you need to clean your leather already sitting in your cupboard.

For this cleaning method, you will need the following items:

• Paper Towels (optional for blotting)
• Clean Cloth
• Cornstarch or Talcum Powder (Baby Powder)
• Leather Conditioner

This method requires a little extra time but requires the least amount of effort.

1. First, you want to start by dabbing the grease stain with a paper towel or clean cloth to remove any excess grease from the leather. Be sure not to scrub the leather as you want to avoid causing more damage. Scrubbing also can rub the grease in further. 
2. Next, sprinkle the talcum powder or cornstarch on the grease stain. It works well to draw out all the grease because talcum powder is more absorbent than grease.
3. Let the powder sit overnight for best results, but you can leave it for a few hours if you want to clean it sooner.
4. Gently brush the powder off the leather surface, making sure you are not rubbing it back in. 
5. Repeat this process if there are still some grease stains on the leather surface.
6. Follow up with a leather conditioner to restore your leather to its pique condition.

How to lift grease stains using dish soap

Dish soap is a mild cleaner that helps clean up just about anything, and it is particularly good at cutting through grease. (Try it on your grease stains on your clothes and thank me later.)

For this cleaning method, you will need to gather these items:

• Paper Towel or Clean Cloths
• Mild Dish Soap
• Microfiber Towel
• Warm Water

Be sure to avoid using an extra-strength as those soaps are a little harsher on your leather, and we want to avoid damaging them. 

1. Start by dabbing the grease stain with a paper towel or clean cloth to remove excess grease from the leather. 
2. Mix the mild dish soap with the warm water in a small bowl or bucket. 
3. Using a clean cloth, dip a section of the cloth into the cleaning mixture and begin to work the cleaner into the grease stain.
4. Slightly dampen a clean, fresh cloth with only water and begin to wipe the dish soap mixture from the leather surface. 
5. Use a dry microfiber towel to blot the grease stain and absorb as much of the water as possible. Water can damage leather if left to sit for too long. Using a microfiber cloth or a sponge is best as these are extra absorbent. 
6. Repeat if the grease stain is still visible on your leather surface

Remove grease stains with a homemade cleaning solution.

If the grease stain is particularly a tough one, you can try this homemade cleaning solution to remove the grease from your leather.

To make the solution, you will need the following:

• 3/8 Cup of Water
• 2 Tablespoons of Sea Salt 
• ½ Teaspoon White Flour
• One Tablespoon Baking Soda

Additional materials you will need to clean your leather surface using this solution:

• Clean Clothes (at least two)
• Warm Water
• A Soft Bristle Brush (optional)

Mix the ingredients in a small bowl or bucket. The cleaner will be a paste-like consistency. 

1. Apply the paste to the grease stain and allow the solution to sit for an hour. 
2. Using a soft bristle or a clean cloth, gently wipe the solution off the surface. 
3. If any residue remains, use warm water and a damp cloth to remove the excess homemade solution. 
4. Use a microfiber towel to blot the spot dry and remove any remaining moisture.

Other ways to lift grease stains from leather

Leather is an easy-to-clean material (thankfully), and there are many ways to lift grease. If any of the above methods aren’t doing the trick, you can always try using another helpful method listed below to lift grease from your leather surfaces. 

• Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a small bowl. Using a sponge or a cotton ball, lightly dab this diluted solution into the leather surface. Follow up with a clean cloth to blot the moisture from the stain after wiping. 
• Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a small bowl and gently begin rubbing the solution into the grease stain using a cloth. Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth and absorb as much of the water as possible. 

For both of these methods, keep repeating until the grease is gone, and be sure to absorb all moisture to avoid water damage. 

Using household items saves you money and allows you to clean up any grease stains quickly if you do not have any professional leather cleaning products on hand. Be sure to test the surface to make sure any of the cleaners above do not harm than good and test in a conspicuous place.

Using a leather conditioner after each of these cleaning methods keeps your leather looking great. It replenishes the leather with natural oils and keeps the leather looking smooth and hydrated. 

Leather is much easier to clean than you probably thought. Keep your leather in excellent condition, and this timeless material will look good no matter what you throw at it.

If you found this method helpful in lifting grease stains, you might also get some use out of 10 Tips to Remove Stains from Carpets. Having practical ways to prepare you for life’s little messes can help keep your home in a like-new condition.