How to Get Grease Out of Suede: Quick & Easy Methods

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Plus, learn to protect your suede from future stains
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Many people love suede shoes, coats, and furniture because of the material’s soft, delicate texture. Unfortunately, it also stains fairly easily. While suede can be hard to clean, it’s possible to remove oil and grease stains with some basic household products. We interviewed shoe care, suede, and cleaning specialists to teach you how to remove oil stains with cornstarch , dish soap , and suede cleaners . Plus, we’ll explain how to protect your suede from stains in the first place and answer other common questions about cleaning suede.

How do you get grease stains out of suede?

Designer shoe and bag care specialist Rio Jongsae Kim says to cover the oil stain with cornstarch or baby powder and let it sit for a couple of hours to absorb most of the oil. Then, wipe off the excess with a shoe brush and a damp rag.

Section 1 of 5:

Removing Oil with Cornstarch

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  1. If the stain hasn’t dried yet, blot up as much of the oil as possible before it sets into the suede. Set the suede down on a flat, solid surface, then hold the paper towel firmly against the oil stain. You may be able to take care of most of the oil before it becomes a bigger problem. [1]
    • For the best results, tackle the stain when it is fresh. Even if a stain sets in, you will have a much easier time cleaning it later.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Rio Jongsae Kim is a designer shoe and bag repair specialist and the owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair, with over 40 years of experience.

    Mallika Sharma is a certified leather care technician and the founder of The Leathery Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India.

    Daniel Olin is a home cleaning specialist and the CEO of Easyway Maid Service, a home-cleaning company based in Austin, Texas.

    Moe Draper is a shoe care and repair specialist and the owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair, with over 20 years of experience.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    Liberally pour cornstarch directly onto the stain so that it’s completely covered. You can’t use too much of it, so don’t hold back. Cornstarch is absorbent and very effective at drawing oil out of fabrics. [2]
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  3. Brush off as much cornstarch as possible by hand, then moisten a microfiber cloth with lukewarm water. Squeeze out the excess, then gently dab the suede to remove the remaining cornstarch. [5]
    • Excess water is damaging to suede, so be careful. Rinse the suede under lukewarm water, then let the shoe (or other suede item) dry in open air away from heat sources.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    Start at the top of the stain and work downwards. Sweep a suede brush along the treated area gently to avoid damaging the suede. Brushing suede removes any remaining parts of the stain and softens the fibers to restore the suede . [6]
    • If you don’t have a suede brush, use a clean toothbrush instead.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    For tough oil stains, you may need to apply cornstarch 2 or 3 times. If it doesn’t seem to be working, you may need to try another method, like dish soap or suede cleaner, or have the item professionally cleaned.
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Section 2 of 5:

Spot-Cleaning Grease Stains with Dish Soap

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    Hold a clean paper towel against the oil for a minute, absorbing as much of it as possible. This will prevent most of the oil from setting into the fabric and turning into a tougher stain.
    • Even if you’re not able to wash the suede right away, try to sop up the oil before it sets in.
  2. 2
    Test the dish soap in an inconspicuous area. Dish soap may damage or discolor some types of suede. It also generates a lot of foam, so you must use water to rinse it out, which may damage the suede even further. Before using this method, test the dish soap in an inconspicuous area to make sure it’s safe to use on your suede item.
    • If the soap discolors or damages the suede, do not proceed with this method. Try a different one, or have your suede professionally dry cleaned.
    • Because suede shouldn’t be exposed to a lot of water, this method is best used for spot-cleaning small, pretreated stains.
  3. Most liquid dish soaps will help eliminate oil stains, but ones specifically labeled to cut through grease work best. Apply enough soap to cover the stain. Just remember that you’ll have to rinse it all off when you’re done, so try not to use more than necessary. [7]
  4. 4
    Blot the stain with a damp microfiber cloth. Home cleaning specialist Daniel Olin explains how to work the soap into the stain: “You’re going to want [to alternate between] blotting and rubbing in circles across the suede surface.” [8] Start from the top of the stain and work your way down, being careful not to rub too harshly.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    “Have a second microfiber rag handy that’s just wet with water to block up and wipe off the remainder of the detergent,” Olin says. [9] Make sure to squeeze out the excess water so you don’t damage the suede, and again, work from top to bottom. When you’re done, allow the suede to dry in an area that’s well-ventilated and out of direct sunlight.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    If the stain doesn’t come off after the first attempt, repeat all the steps. Continue scrubbing the spot to bring the oil back to the surface. You may need to do this a few times to eliminate older stains.
    • If you’re having trouble getting rid of a tough stain, getting a suede cleaning kit may help. Try scrubbing the spot with a suede specialty cleaner and eraser.
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Section 3 of 5:

Using Suede Cleaners

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    Set the suede on a hard, flat surface. If you have a suede cleaning kit , use the brush included with it. Start at the top of the stain, then work down to the bottom with short, light strokes. Brush off as much dirt and debris as possible so it doesn’t get stuck inside the fabric. [10]
    • Try using an old toothbrush or nylon scrub brush if you don’t have a suede brush.
    • Shoe care and repair specialist Moe Draper recommends that you “purchase the shoe brand’s maintenance products (which they advocate that you purchase) to maintain the longevity of your shoes.” [11] Check out your shoe brand’s website to see if they recommend specific suede cleaners or other products.
  2. Go back over the stain from top to bottom again, this time with the suede eraser , which is a small bar similar to a pencil eraser. Rub the entire stain a few times until the eraser no longer appears to affect it. [12]
    • Suede erasers, along with specialty suede cleaners, are often included in suede care kits. Order them online or from retailers that sell leather clothing.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    Cover the stain with the cleaner. Many suede cleaners come in a spray bottle, so all you have to do is point the nozzle at the appropriate area. If yours comes in liquid form, put about 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of it on a clean microfiber cloth and spread it over the stain. [13]
    • Another option is household vinegar. Dampen a cloth or paper towel with about 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of vinegar and dab it onto the stain.
  4. Squeeze the dampened cloth to remove excess moisture, preventing it from dripping all over the delicate suede. Wipe the stain from top to bottom. The suede won’t get too wet, but the remaining oil may come right off.
    • Rinsing the suede under running water is safe as long as you dry it appropriately. Set it in a safe spot away from direct sunlight or other heat sources.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Get Oil Out of Suede
    Using the suede brush or a similar soft-bristled brush, work from the top of the stain downwards. Keep your strokes short and light to avoid damaging the fabric. Brushing the suede raises its nap, or fur, making it feel soft and look clean again. [14]
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Section 4 of 5:

Protecting Your Suede from Stains

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  1. 1
    Spray your suede with a water repellent. One of the best ways to prevent stains on suede shoes and boots , coats, and other items is to apply a water-repelling spray . Follow the instructions on your water repellent to apply it properly. In general, you’ll spray it all over the fabric and allow it to dry completely. Remember to reapply a coat once every season. [16]
    • Be sure to test the product on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the suede.
    • To prevent stains, Draper says, “It is best to weatherproof or nano-protect your suede before even wearing [it for] the first time.” [17]
  2. 2
    Allow your suede to air dry after cleaning. To keep your suede looking and feeling its best, it’s important to dry it properly. Never put your suede items in the dryer. Instead, allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help prevent the fibers from becoming damaged or faded. [18]
  3. 3
    Store suede in a cool, dry area. Keep your suede away from heat and moisture, and make sure it has plenty of room to breathe. Use fabric bags or covers instead of plastic to allow for better airflow. Hang or lay your suede flat to avoid creases and to maintain its shape. [19]
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Section 5 of 5:

Cleaning Suede FAQs

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  1. 1
    Can I use bleach to remove tough stains from suede? “You want to avoid using any kind of bleach products,” explains Olin, “because that will further stain the suede and completely change the color.” [20] If you’ve already tried every at-home method for removing stains, take your suede to a professional cleaner who specializes in suede and leather.
  2. 2
    How do I remove dirt from suede? Sharma says, “A suede brush can be used to clean dry dirt and dust on suede.” [21] Suede is a soft, natural material, so it usually doesn’t require a lot of elbow grease to remove dirt and surface stains. Simply scrub the stained area with a suede brush, using a light back-and-forth motion.
  3. 3
    How do I remove water-based stains from suede? Water-based stains need to be treated as soon as possible so they don’t permanently damage the suede. Dab as much of the liquid up as possible using a paper towel. Then, dab some white vinegar onto a microfiber towel and gently blot the area until it’s damp but not soaked. Let the vinegar dry, then use a suede brush to remove any remaining residue and fluff up the suede. [22]
  4. 4
    What is the best way to clean suede shoes? The best way to clean suede shoes is to use a suede brush or another soft-bristle brush to remove dirt and debris. Brush back and forth to remove scuff marks. [23] If there are stubborn stains, apply suede cleaner according to the package’s instructions.
  5. 5
    How do I clean suede furniture? In general, you clean suede furniture the same way you clean any suede material . First, vacuum up any loose dirt, then use a soft-bristle brush or clean towel to brush away any remaining debris. Apply suede cleaner or white vinegar with a clean microfiber cloth to blot up any stains.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you get a grease stain out of suede?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    Place some powder on the stained area and leave it on the stain overnight. The powder will absorb a lot of the excess oil. If the stain still remains after you remove the powder, scrape the area gently with a suede brush. As a last resort, take the item to a professional for a colour restoration.
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      Things You'll Need

      Removing Oil with Cornstarch

      • Paper towel
      • Cornstarch
      • Suede brush
      • Microfiber cloth
      • Water

      Washing Stains with Dish Soap

      • Paper towel
      • Liquid grease-cutting dish soap
      • Microfiber cloth
      • Water

      Using Suede Cleaners

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/a27583370/clean-suede-shoes/
      2. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a55028/suede-shoes-stain/
      3. ↑ Rio Jongsae Kim. Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a55028/suede-shoes-stain/
      6. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-suede-boots-shoes-jackets-and-accessories.html
      7. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
      8. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x08lOAK7waQ&feature=youtu.be&t=71
      2. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/qgsYg0XVBJw?t=83
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x08lOAK7waQ&feature=youtu.be&t=71
      6. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-suede-boots-shoes-jackets-and-accessories.html
      8. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
      10. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-suede-boots-shoes-jackets-and-accessories.html
      11. ↑ Daniel Olin. Home Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview
      12. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
      13. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-clean-suede-shoes
      14. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/laundry/how-to-clean-suede-boots-shoes-jackets-and-accessories.html
      15. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get oil out of suede, all you’ll need is dish soap, a brush, and a cloth. If the stain is fresh, use a paper towel to soak up some of the oil. Then, squirt some dish soap onto the stain and leave it to soak for 10 minutes. After that, use a brush or old toothbrush to scrub the dish soap into the stain. Wipe off the soap with a damp cloth. If there’s still residue from the oil, repeat the process. Alternatively, buy a commercial suede cleaner. For more tips, including how to clean oil stains with cornstarch, read on!

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