Household Connections: Removing Stains From Vintage Leather

Always do a small spot test on a discreet area of the leather (like a inside hem or the under arm) to be sure that this the method you are using will not damage the leather or remove any color or finish.

Do not use these methods if a garment is rare, valuable, or antique. Seek the advice of a professional if you are unsure of these techniques.

Bloodstains

If the stain is recent, hand wash the leather immediately with mild soap or leather cleaner.
Note: It may not be possible to remove some dried or set in blood stains

Perspiration

Wash leather in warm water with baby shampoo and/or fabric softener, making sure that the skin is saturated. Rinse lightly and dry flat.

Wax

Using an iron set on cool, place blotting paper or brown paper on the leather and then heat wax until it transfers from the leather onto the paper. Repeat as many times as necessary until the spot is removed, being sure to clean paper each time so that wax is not transferred back onto the leather or onto the iron.

Oil Based Stains

Leather skin is highly absorbent of oils and set in oil stains will not come out. Conditioning the entire leather item with an oil based conditioner may help even out the discoloration of the stain, making it less noticeable.

For recent stains, mix Soap Flakes (you can make your own by grating a bar of unscented vegetable based soap) with a few tablespoons of water. Rub the soapy mixture slowly onto the spot. Rinse thoroughly.

Removing Odors

If your previously loved vintage item has a detestable odor like cigarette smoke, its going to take some work to get it out, but it is not impossible.

First try cleaning the leather item. If cleaning the leather doesn’t work try one (or a few) of these remedies at home.

Febreeze

If the leather item has a lining, Febreeze is a great first response. It will undoubtedly take the smell out of any fabric. For the leather part of the item, it is possible to use Febreeze even though it is not recommended for use on leather by the manufacturer due to the possibility of staining or dye removal.

A spot test before applying the Febreeze to the entire item is essential to ensure that you will not damage the leather by using it. If the spot test shows no change to the leather, saturate the item inside and out with Febreeze and allow to dry flat.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used a few different ways to remove odors from leather, all of which are very gentle, however it is always best to perform a spot test to be safe.

Dry Baking Soda
Put Item in a paper bag or pillow case with an open box of baking soda for at least 24 hours. You may also sprinkle baking soda into the pockets and interior of the item or fill a sock with baking soda and leave it inside.

Baking Soda Solution
Mix one teaspoon or baking soda with one liter of warm water and saturate the leather item (you may also increase the mixture and soak the item). Rinse item and dry flat.

Vinegar