Do you have a suede pair of shoes or boots that you love but are embarrassed to wear because of the oil stains?
Yes, I was exactly like you!
As I drove my car to the mechanic one few months age, I couldn’t help but admire my new suede shoes. They were a beautiful dark tan and went perfectly with my outfit. I had only had them for a few weeks, but they were already my favorite pair of shoes.
I parked the car and headed inside, not noticing the oil spill on the ground until it was too late. In a matter of seconds, the oil had soaked through my shoes and ruined their appearance. I was so disappointed; I loved those shoes.
I considered just giving up and throwing them away, but then I thought about all the money I had spent on them. There must be a way to get the oil out of suede without ruining them completely.
I researched a lot and carried out lots of tests and trials. And eventually I got the perfect solution about how to get oil stains out of suede shoes.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy and effective way to get oil stains out of suede shoes or boots, then this article is just what the doctor ordered.
It’s especially helpful if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to break out the heavy duty cleaners. Keep in mind that suede can be tricky to clean because it has an extra layer of surface protection which makes it more difficult for dirt and grime to penetrate the fibers. But that also means that all you need is one little trick (or two) to make your life easier!
The easiest way to get oil stains out of suede shoes and boots is with this DIY method that uses common household items like baking soda, dish soap, water, and vinegar. This process will not only remove the oil stain from your clothes but also make them look brand new!
So what are you waiting for? Read on for no-brainer DIY instructions on how to get oil stains out of suede!
Suede is a delicate fabric and should be treated with care. Oily substances can cause the fabric to become stained and even damaged.
Oily substances can cause the fabric to become stained and even damaged. If you happen to spill oil on your suede shoes or boots, act fast! The longer the oil sits on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove.
Oil is a liquid that has many uses in our daily lives like cooking, heating homes and fueling vehicles. It’s also used in industrial processes such as making plastics and rubber products. But oils are not just found outside of your home; they’re all around you inside your home too. They can come from various sources including spilled food items, hair products (shampoo, conditioner), cosmetics (make-up) household cleaners like soaps and detergents as well as automotive fluids like engine oil and gasoline.
So if you happen to spill oil on your suede shoes or boots, act fast! The longer the oil sits on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove.
Why You Should Use This DIY Method Over Other Methods
For starters, these DIY methods are incredibly easy to follow- even if you’re not very handy. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than most commercial methods. And perhaps best of all, it’s just as effective as commercial methods in getting oil stains out of suede shoes and boots.
So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how well it works!
The main reasons why I prefer homemade DIY methods to get rid of oil stains from suede shoes and boots are:
- You can save money by using this DIY method over other commercial products, as a result they are great for those who don’t have a lot money to spend in order to clean their suede items.
- More environmentally friendly than other commercial methods.
- This methods are simple, easier and can be done at home in approximately around an hour or so!
- More effective.
- Less damaging to your suede shoes than commercial products, thus decreases the chances of making the stain worse and rendering your shoes useless.
- You don’t need any special equipment or materials to use these DIY methods. Easy access materials are required that can be found anywhere.
- These DIY methods are safe for all types of suede shoes and boots.
- You can use these DIY methods on all kinds of oil stains, no matter how large or small they are.
- These DIY Methods does not require any harsh chemicals that could damage your suede shoes.
- Easy access materials that can be found anywhere.
How to Get Oil Stains Out of Suede Shoes with Household Items
So what can you do if you spill oil on your suede shoes?
Well, there are a few methods you can try. We recommend trying the Method 1 (Easy-as-pie) first, as it is the easiest and effective most of the times. If that doesn’t work, then you can try Method 2 (Work-a-little-hard-bro) or Method 3 (Be-a-pro).
Method 1 (Easy-as-pie)
| Time Required | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Budget Required | $0-$5 |
Logistics Required
- Suede brush (suggested : Simple Shine / Jason Markk)
- Nail File
- Blotting paper/ kitchen tissue
- Suede eraser/normal eraser (suggested : Saphir Gommadin / Kiwi Eraser)
- Suede safe degreasing dishwashing liquid
- Kitchen scrubber/ old toothbrush
- Wet wipes/ clean microfiber cloth
- Lint roller (optional)
- Shoe tree (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Step 1 – Prepare’em: Make sure you have the tools you’ll need on hand. Before starting, remove laces and insoles (if applicable). For further support, insert shoe trees before cleaning.
- Step 2 – Blot’em: If the spilled oil on suede is still fresh and in liquid form, take a blotting paper or kitchen tissue and blot away as much oil as possible by pressing the paper/tissue few times on the stained area for minimum 30 seconds each time.
- Step 3 – Nail’em: If the stain is old and has become stiff, take a nail file and try to scrub off as much dry stains as possible by repeating few times and brushing off the residue after each round. be careful not to scrub too hard as it may damage the suede.
- Step 4 – Erase’em: Now for the remaining stains, use a suede eraser or normal pencil eraser to rub on the stained area in circular motion until it is gone. repeat few times.
- Step 5 – Wipe’em: Wipe off the residue with wet wipes or with a moisten microfiber cloth.
- Step 6 – Soap’em: Make a solution using degreasing dishwashing liquid and warm water. Dip a kitchen scrubber or an old toothbrush in the soapy water solution and rub the stained area with that in a gentle circular motion. Let the solution sit for 45 minutes. Then wipe off the surface with wet wipes. If you feel necessary, you can repeat the process few times.
- Step 7 – Dry’em: Take off as much wet elements as possible using paper towels. Then keep the suedes away overnight to dry naturally.
- Step 8 – Buff it: Once you’ve given them adequate time to dry, use a soft suede brush to buff the surface and apply lint roller few times until they look good as new (or fresh at least!).
Pro-tip: If the oil spill has caused the suede to change color, use a suede safe dye pen to restore the original color.
Method 2 (Work-a-little-hard-bro)
| Time Required | 90 minutes + overnight drying |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to medium |
| Budget Required | $10-$15 |
Logistics Required
- Soft-bristled suede brush (suggested : Simple Shine / Jason Markk)
- Suede eraser (suggested : Saphir Gommadin / Kiwi Eraser)
- Wet wipes/ clean microfiber cloth
- Corn starch / Whiteboard chalk
- Talcum powder
- White vinegar and baking soda paste
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Paper towels
- Steel wool/ nail File
- Blotting paper/ kitchen tissue
- Shoe tree (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Step 1 – Prepare’em: Make sure you have the right materials at your reach. Remove laces and inner soles(if any) before the process. Insert shoe trees before cleaning for additional support. Prepare a white vinegar and baking soda paste with 2:1 ratio.
- Step 2 – Blot’em: Assess the type of stain first. If the stain is still fresh and oil in liquid form, blot as much oil oil stain as possible by following step 2 of method 1. Then sprinkle a handful mixture of talcum powder and corn starch/powdered white chalk on the stained area and let them sit for 30 minutes. After that wipe of the residue using wet wipes or wet microfiber cloth.
- Step 3 – Scrub’em: If the oil stain has dried and rigid, or if any stain is still visible after the preceding methods, use a steel wool/nail file to scrape away the stains. Once the residue has been removed with a wet wipe or cloth, use another one to clean off excess water.
- Step 3- Clean’em: Take the pre-made vinegar-baking soda paste on a clean microfiber cloth/rag by dipping it. Alternatively, use a liquid suede cleaner or rubbing alcohol.
- Step 5 – Move Around: Apply the cleaning paste on the stained area with a moist cloth/rag and rub lightly in a circular motion using your fingers, but don’t overdo it.
- Step 6 – Buff it: Allow your suede shoes or boots to dry naturally overnight before cleaning them with a clean, soft microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any residue and buff them to a smooth finish.
Pro-tip: If the suede shoes or boots are still wet, you can use a hair dryer on low heat to speed up the drying process. However, do not apply direct heat/flame as it may damage the suede.
Method 3 (Be-a-Pro)
| Time Required | 60 minutes + overnight drying |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to medium |
| Budget Required | $25 – $30 |
Logistics Required
- Professional suede cleaning solution (suggested – Saphir Omnidaim)
- Suede protector spray (optional, suggested – Kiwi Suede Cleaner)
- Soft-bristled suede brush (suggested : Simple Shine / Jason Markk)
- Suede eraser (suggested : Saphir Gommadin / Kiwi Eraser)
- Wet wipes/ clean microfiber soft cloth
- Talcum powder and Corn starch / Whiteboard chalk
- Paper napkin/ Blotting paper/ kitchen tissue
- Steel wool/ nail File
- Blotting paper/ kitchen tissue
- Shoe tree (optional)
Steps to Follow
- Step 1 – Prepare’em: Brush excess dust, dirt and scuffs and follow steps 1-3 of method-2 (Except preparing the vinegar-soda paste).
- Step 2- Clean’em: Make a microfiber cloth/rag wet by the professional suede cleaning solution or spray and apply on the stained area gently in a circular motion using your fingers and the wet cloth.
- Step 3 – Buff it: Allow your suede shoes or boots to dry naturally overnight before cleaning them with a clean, soft microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any residue and buff them to a smooth finish.
- Step 4 : Waterproof’em (optional) : You can also tell by the way you speak that you care a great deal about your suedes being waterproof to the greatest extent feasible. For this, use a suede waterproofing spray (Saphir Medaille d’Or Suede Renovateur is suggested) and allow the shoes/boots to dry completely.
- Step 5 – Store’em: To keep your suede shoes clean and free of stains, store them in a clean, breathable container or a dust bag.
Pro-tip: If there are a lot of stains, you may want to visit your local cobbler. Professional assistance can be used to remove tough stains while also taking precautions to avoid the same problems from recurring.
How to Prevent Oil Stains on Suede Shoes In the Future
Suede shoes are a popular and stylish choice for both men and women, but stain removal is little difficult. In this article, we’ll show you how to prevent oil stains on suede shoes in the future.
Oil stains can be difficult to remove from suede boot or shoe, so it’s important to take precautions to avoid them in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing oil stains on suede shoes:
- Make sure that you don’t wear your suede shoes when you’re going to be doing any strenuous activity or working with oils or grease.
- If you know that you’re going to be near something that could potentially stain your shoes, e.g. oil, grease, water, moisture, avoid that zone.
- Always keep a suede brush with you so that you can quickly brush away any dirt or debris that could potentially stain your shoes.
- Be careful when walking near areas where there might be oil or grease on the ground. If possible, walk on the grass or on a different surface.
- If you do get an oil stain on your suede shoes, take care of it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to remove the stain.
By following these simple tips, you can prevent oil stains on suede shoes and keep them looking their best.
How to Get Grease Out of Suede Shoes
Grease stains are very similar to oil stains and can be just as difficult to remove. If you’ve got a grease stain on your suede shoes, don’t panic! There are a few simple methods you can use to remove the stain.
The first thing you’ll need to do is to scrape off any excess grease with a butter knife or a credit card. Once you’ve done that, you can try one of the following methods:
Method 1: Cornstarch
One way to remove a grease stain from suede is to use cornstarch. Simply sprinkle the cornstarch onto the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After that, brush off the cornstarch and the stain should be gone.
Method 2: Baby Powder
Another method you can use is baby powder. Sprinkle the baby powder onto the grease stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After that, brush off the baby powder and the stain should be gone.
Method 3: Vinegar
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using vinegar. Simply dampen a cloth with vinegar and rub it onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Method 4: Baking Soda
Another method you can use is baking soda. Simply sprinkle the baking soda onto the grease stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After that, brush off the baking soda and the stain should be gone.
The DON’Ts While Getting Rid of Oil Stains from Suede Shoes
Suede shoes are a beautiful addition to any wardrobe, but they can be difficult to clean.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to test it on an inconspicuous area of the shoe first to make sure it won’t damage the suede. Once you’ve found a safe method, simply follow the instructions mentioned above to get those oil stains out of your beautiful suede shoes!
There are some points you need to keep in mind and avoid doing while cleaning the oil stains from suede shoes:
- DO NOT use harsh chemicals or cleaning products on your suede shoes. This can damage the suede and make the stain difficult to remove.
- DO NOT try to scrub hard the oil stains out. This can also damage the suede and make the stain worse.
- DO NOT dip your suede shoes in water completely. This can also damage the suede and make it difficult to clean.
- DO NOT put your suede shoes in the washing machine. This will definitely ruin them.
- Avoid using Mink oil or Neatsfoot oil on suedes.
If you have time, don't miss this interesting video on how to get rid of oil from Ugg boots
Courtesy : xoStylingwithSarah
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my suede shoes in the dryer after cleaning?
The answer is – No, as the dryer can damage the suede. It is best to err on the side of caution and air dry your shoes instead.
How to get oil out of suede ugg boots?
The best way to get oil out of suede ugg boots is to use a combination of cornstarch and baby powder. First, sprinkle the cornstarch onto the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, brush off the cornstarch and sprinkle on the baby powder. Let it sit for another 15-20 minutes and then brush off the baby powder.
The stain should be gone! If no, then apply vinegar-baking soda paste on the stained area and let it sit for 30 minutes. After that wipe the area with a moist wipe and let it dry overnight before giving a good buff and wear again.
How to get oil out of suede Nike shoes?
Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch and let the shoe sit for 2 hours. Instead of using a suede brush, use a clean cloth or a hand vacuum to remove any remaining particles from the shoe.
How to remove cooking oil, olive oil or vegetable oil from suede shoes?
The method to remove cooking oil or vegetable oil from suede shoes, sneakers and boots are same as mentioned above. You can use any of the methods – cornstarch, baby powder, vinegar or baking soda to get rid of the oil stains.
Final Words
I hope this article has helped you get your oil stains out of suede shoes and boots. I also hope you learned some interesting things about the process! For example, did you know that cornstarch is a natural anti-stick agent?
If not, don’t worry – there are plenty more interesting tidbits in our website for you as well. So keep reading, and keep learning!
And who knows – maybe one day you’ll be able to tackle even the most challenging of oil stains!
Happy Suede Cleaning Day!
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