You won't need dry cleaning: how to get rid of grease stains on leather goods

Unlike textiles, a leather item with a stain cannot be thrown into the washing machine. To get rid of the dirty mark, you'll have to take it to a dry cleaner. However, you can remove the stain yourself. Which, according to experts, is also quite realistic.

That's why OBOZ.UA decided to ask the experts about their life hacks. And here's what they advise to remove stains, especially grease marks, from genuine leather items.

First aid

No matter what kind of contaminant you put on the leather, immediately remove it with a paper towel or napkin. Even plain water can leave dark marks on porous material, so you need to take action immediately.

But do not rub the stain under any circumstances. Collect the stain by gently pressing the cloth to the surface to absorb as much of the substance as possible and prevent it from spreading further.

Dishwashing liquid

Dishwashing liquid can be used to remove grease stains. But you can't use pure soap. Dissolve a few drops of the product in a glass of warm water and apply the solution with a sponge or microfiber cloth. After treatment, collect all moisture with a paper towel or dry cloth. Repeat the procedure several times if necessary. The stain will eventually disappear.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another effective remedy for removing grease from the skin. Vinegar is also good for removing salt stains from leather shoes. To use it, dilute white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Then apply it in the same way as soap and water. Using a soft sponge or cloth, remove the liquid after each round.

Lemon juice

Only light-colored items should be cleaned with this product. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and treat the stain with it as described earlier. By the way, this treatment can be a good preparatory step for cleaning with soap or vinegar. You can also use it separately.

Baby powder

Hygroscopic talcum powder, which is the basis of baby powder, will cope with grease as effectively as with water. Sprinkle baby powder on the stained area, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then gently brush off the residue. Finally, polish it with a dry cloth. This product can also be used to collect dirt before more thorough cleaning.

Cornstarch

If you don't have baby powder on hand, cornstarch can do the same job just as effectively. The method of use is exactly the same: sprinkle on the stain, wait, brush off, and polish.

Baking soda

Add a small amount of water to dry baking soda to get a paste-like substance, apply the product to the affected area and rub it in a circular motion very gently. Rinse off the residue with a damp cloth. Repeat this cleaning until all traces of contamination are removed.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you how to avoid making mistakes when washing sportswear made of high-tech fibers.

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