How to Clean Oil From Suede

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Never wet suede to clean it.

A grease stain on your suede jacket or shoes isn't the end of the world (or the clothing), you can get oils stains out of suede. The key is knowing what you need to do and taking action quickly. If the grease stain is really set in, you may have to throw in towel, or the jacket, and call a professional. That said, it probably won't hurt to try to get the grease out of suede on your own, first.

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Step 1

Apply cornstarch to the oil stain on your suede item. Let it sit on the stain overnight. The cornstarch will absorb the oil while it sits.

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Step 2

Brush the cornstarch away from the oil stain.

Step 3

Repeat steps one and two several times, unless the stain was completely absorbed by the first application of cornstarch.

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Step 4

Use a soft eraser to gently brush the area. This will help lift the nap up so it doesn't look matted.

Step 5

If the stain is still present, dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently scrub the spot. Scrub gently in a back-and-forth motion, and use a soft cloth to continually dab off excess fluid.

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