To get oil out of leather, blot it immediately with a dry microfiber towel, clean the area with Angelus Easy Cleaner, and let it dry. If an oil mark remains, spot test Angelus Spot Remover on a hidden area, then dab it onto the stain with a cotton swab. For heavy, set-in grease on durable leather that won't budge, Angelus All Purpose Foam Cleaner Aerosol is our heavy-duty degreaser. Finish by conditioning with Angelus Leather Balm.
Angelus has been family owned since 1907, and this three-level system is how we tackle oil and grease on shoes, boots, bags, jackets, and furniture.
Quick answer: oil and grease, from mild to extreme
- Blot right away. Don't rub.
- Easy Cleaner on the whole panel.
- Spot Remover for any oil shadow left (spot test first).
- All Purpose Foam Cleaner only for extreme grease on durable leather (spot test, never suede).
- Leather Balm to restore the leather's own oils.
Shop This Guide
Last resort
All Purpose Foam Cleaner
Heavy-duty degreaser for durable materials. Never on suede.
ShopReal reviews from Angelus customers
4.9 stars from 780+ reviews of Angelus Easy Cleaner
★★★★★
"This stuff took out a oil stain and a grass stain out of my infrared 10s and they're suede."
Elmer D. · Verified buyer · Easy Cleaner
★★★★★
"It remove most stains including dirt, salt, food, perspiration, grease and cosmetics. I will recommend for my friends."
Verified buyer · Easy Cleaner
★★★★★
"I use it for cleaning the bottom and midsole of the sneaker and any hard stain on the uppers. If you're looking for a cleaner to use I would highly recommend this one."
Erik I. · Verified buyer · All Purpose Foam Cleaner
How to Get Oil Out of Leather, Step by Step
Blot the Oil Right Away
Press a clean, dry microfiber towel onto the oil, turning to a clean section as it fills. Don't rub; that spreads oil and pushes it deeper. The faster you blot, the less soaks in.
Clean With Easy Cleaner
Work Angelus Easy Cleaner over the stain in small circles, from the outside in, then wipe away the lifted oil. Let it air dry completely before judging the result.
Pro tip: Clean the entire panel so it dries evenly without a ring.
Treat What's Left With Spot Remover
Dab Angelus Spot Remover onto any remaining oil shadow with a cotton swab, switching swabs as it lifts. Repeat in short passes, letting it dry in between.
Always spot test on a hidden area first, and don't use it on faux leather, vinyl, or patent.
Last Resort: Set-In Grease
For heavy grease on durable smooth leather, like work boots or garage gear, use Angelus All Purpose Foam Cleaner Aerosol. Spray from 6 to 8 inches away, let the foam sit a few minutes, then brush and wipe it off.
Condition
Once dry, apply a thin layer of Angelus Leather Balm to the whole panel, let it dry, and buff. Degreasing removes the leather's natural oils too; Leather Balm restores them so the spot doesn't dry out or look different.
Oil on Different Leather Items
Leather shoes
Insert Shoe Trees, follow Steps 1 to 3, condition, and finish dress shoes with Shoe Wax Polish.
Work & motorcycle boots
Steps 1 to 4 as needed, then condition and waterproof with Mink Oil Paste. Boot guide
Bags & purses
Empty and stuff the bag, keep products off lining and hardware, test inside a strap.
Jackets
Lay flat, clean the panel, test inside the hem, condition the whole jacket.
Couches & car seats
Clean whole cushions and seat panels; treat headrest and armrest darkening with Spot Remover after a test.
Suede & nubuck
Blot, let dry, Easy Cleaner or Foam-Tex, Spot Remover after a test, brush with the Suede Kit. Never All Purpose Foam.
Faux leather (PU)
Oil sits on the surface. Blot, then Easy Cleaner only. No Spot Remover.
Mistakes That Make Oil Stains Worse
- Rubbing the oil. It spreads and drives deeper.
- Household products. Dish soap, vinegar, lemon juice, baby powder, cornstarch, and baking soda dry leather or leave residue in the grain.
- Adding more oil. Olive or cooking oil darkens leather and can go rancid. Use Leather Balm.
- Starting strong. Easy Cleaner, then Spot Remover, then All Purpose Foam only if needed.
- Skipping the spot test.
- Drying with heat. It can set oil and crack leather.
Prevent it next time: apply Water & Stain Repellent to clean, dry leather so spills bead up and wipe off. More stain help: how to get any stain out of leather.
Oil Stain FAQ
How do you get oil out of leather?
Blot, clean with Angelus Easy Cleaner, treat any remaining mark with Spot Remover after a spot test, and condition with Leather Balm.
Can oil stains on leather be removed?
Most can, especially if treated quickly. Fresh oil usually comes out with Easy Cleaner; older stains respond to Spot Remover in a few short passes.
What is the best degreaser for leather?
Angelus All Purpose Foam Cleaner Aerosol for extreme grease on durable materials. Spot test first and never use it on suede. For most oil stains, Easy Cleaner and Spot Remover are all you need.
Does cornstarch or baking soda remove oil from leather?
We don't recommend them. Powders leave residue in the grain and don't break down the oil. Easy Cleaner and Spot Remover lift it.
How do you get old grease stains out of leather?
Clean with Easy Cleaner, then work Spot Remover in with repeated short passes after a spot test. For heavy grease on durable leather, use All Purpose Foam Cleaner as a last resort.
