To get stains out of leather, blot the spill, clean the area with Angelus Easy Cleaner and a microfiber towel, and let it air dry. If a stain is still there, spot test Angelus Spot Remover on a hidden area, then apply it to the stain with a cotton swab. Finish by conditioning smooth leather with Angelus Leather Balm. That system, Easy Cleaner first and Spot Remover for what's left, handles water, oil, grease, ink, food, drink, blood, and dye transfer on almost any leather item.
Angelus has been family owned since 1907 and makes the cleaners and stain removers that cobblers, upholsterers, and sneaker restorers rely on.
The Angelus stain removal system
- Clean with Angelus Easy Cleaner. Always start here.
- Treat what's left with Angelus Spot Remover. Spot test first; never on faux leather, vinyl, or patent.
- Last resort for extreme grime: All Purpose Foam Cleaner. Spot test; never on suede.
- Restore with Leather Balm, then protect with Water & Stain Repellent.
Shop This Guide
Step 1
Easy Cleaner Kit
Lifts most fresh stains. Safe on leather, suede, faux leather, and rubber.
Shop the kitReal reviews from Angelus customers
4.9 stars from 780+ reviews of Angelus Easy Cleaner
★★★★★
"Got all of the nasty stains that have been building up for YEARS and only took me about 15 minutes to clean each pair. If you want to save yourself from buying new shoes, this is your product!"
Kristin · Verified buyer · Easy Cleaner Kit
★★★★★
"While this product is gentle on leather, it is super tough on stains and dirt. I keep a bottle of this around, all the time! I highly recommend."
Dans H. · Verified buyer · Spot Remover
★★★★★
"Very pleased with the Angelus Easy Cleaner Kit as it removed a dirt stain on mesh that I thought would not lift easy but it did."
Darius H. · Verified buyer · Easy Cleaner Kit
How to Get Stains Out of Leather, Step by Step
Blot Fresh Spills Immediately
Press a clean, dry microfiber towel onto the spill to absorb as much as you can. Don't rub; rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper. Work from the outside in.
Clean With Easy Cleaner
Apply Angelus Easy Cleaner to a microfiber towel or the Premium Brush and work it over the stain in small circles, edge inward. Wipe away the lifted stain with a clean towel.
Pro tip: Clean the whole panel, not just the spot, so it dries evenly without a ring.
Let It Dry and Check
Air dry at room temperature, away from heat. Damp leather looks darker, so judge the result only once it's completely dry.
Treat What's Left With Spot Remover
Apply a small amount of Angelus Spot Remover to a cotton swab and dab the stain, switching to a clean section as it lifts. Repeat in short passes rather than flooding the area.
Always spot test: under a cushion, inside a strap, or inside a shoe's heel. Let it dry before treating the visible stain.
Condition and Protect
Apply a thin layer of Angelus Leather Balm to smooth leather, let it dry, and buff. Then apply Water & Stain Repellent so future spills bead up.
How to Remove Specific Stains From Leather
| Stain | Start With | If It Remains | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water rings | Evenly dampen the whole panel | Easy Cleaner on the full panel | Leather Balm |
| Oil & grease | Blot, then Easy Cleaner | Spot Remover | Leather Balm |
| Ink & marker | Spot Remover | Repeat in short passes | Leather Balm |
| Denim dye | Easy Cleaner | Spot Remover | Leather Balm |
| Food, coffee, wine | Blot, then Easy Cleaner | Spot Remover | Leather Balm |
| Salt | Brush off crust, Easy Cleaner | Repeat Easy Cleaner | Leather Balm |
| Blood | Cool damp towel, then Easy Cleaner | Spot Remover | Leather Balm |
| Urine & odor | Blot, then Easy Cleaner | Deodorizer | Leather Balm |
| Bleach or alcohol | Easy Cleaner to remove residue | Recolor with Dye or Paint | Dye: Leather Balm or Lustre Cream. Paint: Acrylic Finisher |
Deep dives: How to get ink off leather · How to get oil out of leather · How to remove paint from leather · Mold on leather
Bleach and Alcohol Damage
Bleach and alcohol remove color rather than leaving a stain. Clean off residue with Easy Cleaner and prep the spot with Leather Preparer & Deglazer. On absorbent leather, restore color with Angelus Leather Dye and finish with Leather Balm or Lustre Cream. On coated leather, use Angelus Leather Paint and seal the paint with Acrylic Finisher.
Mold and Mildew
We don't make a mold remover, so research the best method for your item, and above all dry the leather out completely so it doesn't spread. Once it's gone, condition with Leather Balm. More: mold on leather.
Stains on Different Leather Items and Types
Bags & purses
Empty and stuff it, keep products off the lining and hardware, spot test inside a strap. Full guide
Furniture
Clean the whole cushion so it dries evenly; spot test under it. Leather Balm won't leave upholstery slick.
Car seats
Small sections, keep liquid out of perforations, use Spot Remover sparingly.
Shoes & jackets
Same system. See leather shoe care and leather jacket care.
Suede & nubuck
Let dry, brush and erase with the Nubuck & Suede Kit, then Easy Cleaner on a damp brush. Suede guide
Faux, vinyl & patent
Easy Cleaner only. Skip Spot Remover; it can damage the coating.
Mistakes That Make Leather Stains Worse
- Rubbing instead of blotting. It spreads the stain and drives it deeper.
- Household products. Vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, cornstarch, rubbing alcohol, and bleach dry leather, strip finish, or remove color.
- Cleaning only the spot. It can leave a ring. Clean the whole panel.
- Skipping the spot test before Spot Remover.
- Drying with heat. It can set stains and crack leather.
- Skipping conditioning. Leather Balm puts the oils back.
Leather Stain Removal FAQ
What is the best stain remover for leather?
Angelus Spot Remover for stains cleaning can't lift, like ink, oil, and dye transfer, after a spot test. For everyday stains, start with Angelus Easy Cleaner.
Can you get stains out of leather?
Most, yes. Fresh spills usually come out with Easy Cleaner, and set-in ink and oil respond to Spot Remover. Stains that removed color, like bleach, need recoloring with Angelus Leather Dye or Paint.
How do you get old stains out of leather?
Clean with Easy Cleaner, let dry, then work Spot Remover into the stain with a cotton swab in short, repeated passes after spot testing. Condition with Leather Balm afterward.
Does water stain leather?
It can leave rings when one area dries differently. Evenly dampening the whole panel usually blends the ring away, and Water & Stain Repellent prevents it.
Can I use vinegar or baking soda on leather?
We don't recommend it. Vinegar is acidic and baking soda is abrasive and drying; both can damage the finish. Angelus Easy Cleaner and Spot Remover are made for leather.
How do you keep leather from staining?
Apply Water & Stain Repellent to clean, dry leather, blot spills immediately, and condition regularly with Leather Balm.
