Removing stains from leather: the right method for each stain and leather type

One brief moment of inattention – and suddenly there’s a stain on your leather bag. It is perfectly normal in everyday life for grease stains, water spots, and the like to appear on leather. However, they don’t look very nice. So, what should you do when your favorite leather item gets dirty?

We at Harbour 2nd know this problem all too well. Ever since our company was founded in 2014 in Hamburg's Speicherstadt district, we have been studying the material and its care in depth—after all, our handbags, leather backpacks, and other items are made of it. We have created an extensive guide here on how to remove stains from leather gently and effectively. With our tips, you can do it too, even on your own leather surface!

Determine the leather type before treatment

To avoid damaging the leather when removing the stains, you should first identify the type of leather. For a detailed explanation, feel free to check out our article on the different leather types. This brief overview will help you get started:

Smooth leather

Has a smooth, even surface and is usually slightly shiny. The color is uniform, and the leather feels rather cool to the touch.

• Aniline leather: Natural grain patterns and color variations are clearly visible here, and pores and scars are also easy to see. It has a soft, warm feel to the touch.
• Semi-aniline leather: Less of the structure is visible, and the color is more uniform than with aniline leather.
• Oiled or waxed leather: Has a slightly greasy or waxy surface, and light scratches can usually be rubbed away easily.

Napped leather (nubuck and suede)

You can recognize this by its matte, velvety surface. It feels warm to the touch and does not reflect light.

• Nubuck leather: This type of napped leather is characterized by a velvety surface that changes color slightly when you brush against it. The fine, short nap feels soft.
• Suede: The surface is rather matte, and the fibers are significantly longer than those of nubuck. It feels soft and fluffy. In German, suede is often colloquially called “Wildleder”, although that term has a different technical meaning.

Attention: It could, of course, also be synthetic leather. You can recognize this by its very uniform grain structure, for example. No pores are visible. If possible, check the back side as well; it is often made of textile fabric. However, these are only indicators—it is best to check the label or contact the manufacturer.

How to remove stains according to leather type

At Harbour 2nd, we work with different types of leather—for example, cowhide used in products that are washed after assembly, leaving the leather completely open-pored, or chrome-free tanned smooth leather. We therefore know how differently various leather types react. It is important to us not to give generic care tips. That is why we have created this overview for you based on the leather type:

These principles apply when treating leather

Once the right cleaning product has been chosen, it is time to treat the stains. There are a few important points to consider to protect the leather. Here are our tips:

• Act quickly: Depending on the type of stain, they should be treated as quickly as possible. Therefore, inspect the stain immediately and identify the cause so you can treat it specifically.

• Do not rub: Liquids should never be rubbed in; instead, they should be carefully blotted with an absorbent cloth.

• Use water sparingly: Under no circumstances should leather be saturated with water (or other liquids).

• Test: Always try a new cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first.

• Let it dry: If you use a care product after cleaning, you should always let the leather dry first.

• Soft tools: Do not use abrasive objects like sponges for cleaning. Instead, a soft microfiber cloth is suitable.

• Dry gently: When drying, avoid UV radiation as well as heaters and hair dryers.

• Follow manufacturer instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's exact instructions regarding contact time and dosage.

• When to stop: Stop your cleaning attempt if color transfers to the cloth, the surface becomes sticky, the stain spreads, or the nap mats. In these cases, consult a professional.

Treatment of leather by stain type

Whether sunscreen or sauces: The process can vary slightly depending on the type of dirt that ends up on the surface. We recommend these measures:

Grease and oil stains

You should blot fresh grease stains with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Be careful to apply only light pressure and not to spread the grease. Now you can use cornstarch or talcum powder. Apply the powder directly to the affected areas and let it work for at least 8 hours. Sometimes up to 24 hours are necessary. Afterward, you should vacuum up the powder.

If the stain has been there for a longer time, use a special leather degreaser suitable for the requirements of the leather type. Do not try to rub a grease stain out with water.

Water stains

In case of contact with water, we recommend letting the leather dry completely at room temperature—but never on a radiator or in direct sunlight. If possible, stuff the inside of the leather product with absorbent, unprinted paper to help it retain its shape. Then, moisten the entire surface with a barely damp cloth to avoid visible water marks. Afterward, you can treat it with leather care if the manufacturer recommends it—for our washed bags, it is better to avoid this.

Important: If you have a water stain on a suede model, you should go straight to a professional.

Ink and ballpoint pen stains

Especially in bags where writing utensils are transported, these stains occur frequently—so frequently that we have created a separate guide for you on how to remove ballpoint pen from leather.

Food stains

Here too, we recommend visiting a professional in case of doubt—such as for wine stains and the like. If you want to try it yourself, act quickly. Carefully blot the stain while it is still damp as much as possible without rubbing it or pressing too hard. Afterward, apply a mild leather cleaner to a cloth and treat the stain with soft movements, without spreading it.

Important: rule out other changes

Not every change is dirt. It could also be abrasion, a natural patina, loss of color, or a change in a coating. Look closely at the leather and check if it really is dirt.

What we recommend for leather stains on our products

Basically, we advise you to always follow the cleaning methods of the manufacturer of your leather articles. For our products, we recommend treating stains with a commercially available care product like leather milk. Alternatively, you can use a drop of olive oil to restore the even structure of the surface.

Our washed leather products are unsealed, which is why care products or oil will soak in deeply. This makes the leather slightly darker. We therefore advise you to treat the entire surface to avoid isolated dark spots.

The stains cannot be removed?

In many cases, it is possible to remove stains from leather and continue enjoying the durability of this natural product. If your model has such heavy staining that you no longer want to use it, please take a look at our shop for a replacement. There you will find great products such as our leather wallets, which develop a beautiful natural patina over time. You can look forward to maritime-inspired retro looks, premium-quality cowhide, and, of course, our competent customer service!

Are you interested in cleaning leather bags or how to remove scratches from leather? Then taking a look at our blog is also worthwhile!