The good news is that you can get oils out of suede boots and restore their sensational look. However, be ready to put in the work since it is not as easy as wiping oils from a smooth synthetic material.
Table of Contents
- Here is How to Get Oil Out of Suede Boots
- Getting the Oil Out With a Napkin
- Getting the Oil Out With Cornstarch
- Getting the Oil Out With Vinegar
- Getting the Oil Out With Dish Soap
- Getting the Oil Out With Commercial Suede Cleaners
- Getting the Oil Out With Suede Eraser
Here is How to Get Oil Out of Suede Boots
Getting the Oil Out With a Napkin
As soon as you get an oil spill on your suede boots, blot it out with a napkin. A clean rag will also blot out the oil, but it is not as effective as a napkin.
Wiping the oil immediately prevents it from leaking into the suede fabric. If it does, you will have a harder time removing it. The suede may weaken at that spot since you will have to rub it more for the oil stain to come out.
When you blot the oil stain with a napkin or rag, some traces will still be left on your boot. These will be easier to remove than dealing with a big oil stain.
Getting the Oil Out With Cornstarch
Corn starch sucks the oil from the suede without damaging the fabric. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Put a small amount of corn starch on the oil stain and rub gently. You can rub with the tip of your fingers or a cotton bud. You may notice the corn starch may form small balls as it soaks the oil. Rub until the stain is no longer noticeable, and then leave the boots to dry.
- If the stain is still visible after the boot has dried, apply another layer of corn starch and rub it with a soft brush or an unused toothbrush. Wipe after rubbing for about 10 minutes or until the stain gets out completely. Use a wet cloth to remove the cornstarch from the fabric and then let the boots dry.
- If you are dealing with a large oil stain, apply the cornstarch and leave it on the boot for about an hour. This will soak the oil slowly, including any oil that may have seeped deeper into the suede fabric.
- Clean the starch with a clean cloth, and your boots are ready to wear.
Getting the Oil Out With Vinegar
Sometimes the stain may be stubborn, failing to get out when rubbed with a napkin or cornstarch. In that case, a stronger cleaner like vinegar is necessary. Here is how you can use vinegar to get oil out of suede boots:
- Wipe any dust particles from the stained area.
- Soak a cotton swab in vinegar and rub the stain with it. Rub gently for about 5 minutes or until when all the oil dissolves.
- Dab the stained area with a clean cloth to remove the vinegar.
- If you can still see the oil mark, soak another piece of cotton and rub again. When the stain oil dissolves fully, wipe the boots and leave them to dry.
Getting the Oil Out With Dish Soap
Soap and warm water dissolve oil stains from your suede boots. Here are the steps to follow:
- Wet the art of the boots with the oil mark. Put a small amount of dish soap on the wet area and leave it for about 10 minutes. Grease-cutting dish soap will give you better results.
- Using a soft brush, scrub the area lightly. Avoid using a hard brush as it will scratch and damage the suede. Remember that suede is more delicate than leather and may be damaged by hard rubbing and coarse objects.
- Rinse the lather from the boots with a soft wet rag. Avoid soaking the boot in excess water as water damages suede and may leave unsightly smudge marks. If you have to use this method, pre-treat the suede to reduce the effect of water on your boots.
- Leave the boots to dry on their own. If you can, avoid drying them under the hot sun as they may lose moisture, dry up too much, and crack.
Getting the Oil Out With Commercial Suede Cleaners
- Spray the oil stain with a coat of suede cleaner.
- Use s microfiber cloth or a soft brush to spread it over the stain.
- Rub tenderly for about 3 minutes.
- Rinse off with a soft wet rag
- Dry the boot naturally
Getting the Oil Out With Suede Eraser
If you have ordered your suede care kit, you may have noticed the small bar resembling a pencil eraser. This is the suede eraser you use to get oil out of your boots. You can use it alone or together with the suede cleaner.
It is easy to use since you only need to rub it over the oil stain until the stain dissolves fully. After that, you can clean the small particles of the eraser that build up on the stained area. Once you remove the oil stain and wipe the boots, they are ready for use or storage.
Conclusion
Suede boots look glamorous if they are well maintained. Your suede boots may need more delicate care, as they are more prone to damage than leather. If you get an oil spill on your suede boots, remove it immediately.
A dry stain will be difficult to get out, but you will still manage to get it out successfully. You may use corn starch, vinegar, or dish soap to get oil out of suede boots. You can also use a suede eraser or suede cleaner to remove oil stains from your boots.
Whatever method you choose, avoid scrubbing the boots coarsely as they may get scratch marks. Also, avoid soaking the suede boots in water as it makes the suede deteriorate fast.
Dry your suede boots naturally, away from the hot sun that sucks all the moisture from the suede material, making it crack.