Leather garments are known for their durability, versatility, and style. They can be an investment piece that can last for years if taken care of properly. However, leather is also susceptible to damage caused by body oil.
Here Are Ways To Remove Body Oil From Leather
Body oil, a combination of sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells, can gradually accumulate on the surface of leather and cause discoloration, staining, and even deterioration of the material. If left untreated, body oil can lead to permanent damage, ruining the appearance and texture of your beloved leather garments.
The best way to clean body oil is using corn- starch or leather degreaser.
The good news is that there are several ways to remove body oil from leather, and prevent further damage. In this blog, we will explore the different methods that you can use to get rid of body oil stains from your leather garments, and how to maintain the leather to prevent future staining. Whether you have a leather jacket, purse, or shoes, these tips will help you keep your leather looking its best for years to come.
What Is Body Oil Made Up From?
Body oil is a combination of sweat, shedding of skin, and oily secretion coming out of the skin.
Sweat is a clear, salty liquid that is excreted by the sweat glands in the skin. It helps to regulate body temperature and remove toxins from the body.
Sebum is an oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It helps to moisturize and protect the skin and hair.
Dead skin cells are constantly shed from the surface of the skin, and they can mix with sweat and sebum to form body oil.
When body oil comes into contact with leather, it can gradually accumulate on the surface of the material and cause discoloration, staining, and deterioration. This is why it is important to remove body oil from leather garments as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
What Does Body Oil Do To Leather?
Body oil can have several negative effects on leather. When body oil comes into contact with leather, it can gradually accumulate on the surface of the material and cause discoloration, staining, and deterioration.
Here are some of the ways that body oil can affect leather:
Discoloration: Body oil can cause leather to darken or change color, especially if the leather is light-colored. Over time, the discoloration can become more pronounced and difficult to remove.
Staining: Body oil can leave stains on leather that are difficult to remove. The stains can appear as dark spots or rings on the surface of the leather.
Deterioration: Body oil can break down the fibers in the leather and cause it to become brittle and crack over time. This can lead to permanent damage and ruin the appearance and texture of the leather.
How Body Oil Affects Different Types Of Leathers?
Body oil can affect different types of leather in different ways. Here are some of the ways that body oil can affect specific types of leather:
Suede: Suede is a type of leather with a soft, fuzzy surface that is created by rubbing the underside of the animal hide. Body oil can darken and discolor suede, leaving visible stains that can be difficult to remove. Suede is also more delicate than other types of leather, and excessive scrubbing or cleaning can cause the fibers to become matted or damaged.
Cowhide leather: Cowhide leather is a popular and durable type of leather that is commonly used in jackets, bags, and shoes. Body oil can discolor and darken cowhide leather, especially in areas where the leather is thin or creased, such as the elbows of a leather jacket or the toe box of leather shoes. Over time, the oil can cause the leather to become brittle and crack.
Nubuck leather: Nubuck leather is similar to suede in that it has a soft, velvety texture. However, nubuck leather is created by sanding the outer surface of the animal hide, which gives it a finer texture than suede. Body oil can darken and stain nubuck leather, and can be difficult to remove without damaging the texture of the leather.
To prevent damage to different types of leather, it is important to use the appropriate cleaning and conditioning products that are specifically designed for that type of leather.
Ways To Clean Body Oil From Leather
Corn-starch
Here are the steps to remove body oil from leather using corn-starch:
Clean the leather: Before applying cornstarch, make sure the leather is clean and dry. Use a leather cleaner or a solution of mild soap and water to remove any dirt or stains from the leather.
Apply cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch on the affected area of the leather. Use enough cornstarch to cover the entire oil stain.
Let it sit: Let the cornstarch sit on the leather for several hours or overnight. The cornstarch will absorb the oil from the leather.
Brush off cornstarch: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove the cornstarch from the leather. Be gentle to avoid damaging the leather.
Repeat if necessary: If the oil stain is still visible, repeat the process of applying cornstarch and letting it sit on the leather.
Condition the leather: After removing the oil stain, condition the leather to keep it soft and supple. Use a leather conditioner that is appropriate for the type of leather you are working with.
It’s important to note that this method may not work for all types of leather, and it’s always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area of the leather first to make sure the corn-starch doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Leather Degreaser
Here are the steps to remove body oil from leather using leather degreaser:
Clean the leather: Before using a leather degreaser, make sure the leather is clean and dry. Use a leather cleaner or a solution of mild soap and water to remove any dirt or stains from the leather.
Test the degreaser: Test the leather degreaser on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Apply the degreaser: Apply the leather degreaser to the affected area of the leather. Use a clean, dry cloth to rub the degreaser into the leather, working in small circles. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific degreaser you are using.
Let it sit: Let the degreaser sit on the leather for the recommended amount of time. This will vary depending on the type of degreaser you are using, but typically it will be between 10-15 minutes.
Wipe away the degreaser: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the degreaser from the leather. Be sure to remove all of the degreaser, as any residue left behind can damage the leather.
Condition the leather: After removing the oil stain, condition the leather to keep it soft and supple. Use a leather conditioner that is appropriate for the type of leather you are working with.
It’s important to note that some leather degreasers can be harsh and may cause damage to certain types of leather. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and test the degreaser on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather before using it on the entire stain.
Recommended Degreaser Brands
There are many leather degreaser brands available in the market that can be effective in removing body oil from leather. Here are some recommended degreaser brands that are known for their quality:
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner by Leather Honey: This leather degreaser is a two-in-one cleaner and conditioner that is formulated to remove oil and dirt from leather while conditioning and protecting it.
Fiebing’s Deglazer: Fiebing’s Deglazer is a heavy-duty leather degreaser that can remove oil, grease, and wax from leather. It’s a strong degreaser, so it’s recommended to test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the leather.
Lexol Leather Degreaser: Lexol Leather Degreaser is designed to remove oil, grease, and other stubborn stains from leather. It’s a water-based formula that is safe for use on most types of leather.
Angelus Deglazer: Angelus Deglazer is a fast-acting leather degreaser that can remove oil, wax, and other stains from leather. It’s a versatile degreaser that can be used on all types of leather.
Chamberlain’s Straight Cleaner: Chamberlain’s Straight Cleaner is a mild leather cleaner and degreaser that is formulated to remove body oils, dirt, and other stains from leather. It’s a gentle cleaner that can be used on all types of leather.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a leather degreaser and test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather before using it on the entire stain.