How to Get Oil Out of Shoes
Last Updated: Feb 24, 2025 ⊜References
Cleaning Canvas and Running Shoes
1 Sprinkle baby powder on the oil. Give the baby powder time to absorb the oil for 10 minutes. During our research, we found that baby powder also works well as a grease and oil absorber, so it will help pull the oil out of your shoes. Rest assured, this method is effective. Make sure that the stain is completely covered with the powder and leave it in an undisturbed area for at least 5 minutes.
- You can use cornstarch instead of baby powder if you prefer.
2 Use a toothbrush to brush away the baby powder. After 10 minutes, the baby powder will have absorbed the oil and turned into an oil-soaked powder. Do not rub the powder into the shoes, as this will cause the oil to stick back to the fabric. Dust the powder off into the sink or onto a paper towel for easy disposal.
- If you have a clean boot brush, you can use that as well.
- If the oil stain is not completely removed from your canvas shoes, try the following solution.
3 Rub the stain with one drop of dish soap and warm water. Baby powder may not completely remove stubborn or old oil stains. In this case, soak a washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess. Apply one drop of dish soap to the cloth and gently rub the oil stain until the stain is lightened or gone.
- Dish soap is specially formulated to break down oil from your dishes, so it’s great for removing grease from shoes.
4 Let your shoes air dry. After cleaning, store them in a cool, dry place. Don’t try to wear them until they are completely dry, as this can cause the shoes to smell and affect their comfort.
- Air drying your shoes can take up to a day.
Tip: Before drying, place a rolled-up sock or a crumpled paper ball inside your shoes to help them hold their shape while drying.
Removing Oil from Leather Shoes
1 Blot the stain with a towel. Fresh stains can be easily removed with a paper towel. Gently blot the oil from the surface with a clean paper towel. Do not rub the stain at all, or it may seep deeper into the leather.
- If the stain is old, this simple step may not work. In that case, proceed to the next step.
2 Spray oil remover on the stain. Oil remover works well on leather; it functions much like baby powder. It penetrates deeply and lifts the stain without damaging the material. First, shake the spray can well. Then, spray the oil remover on the stain from about 5 inches (12 cm) away, ensuring the entire stain is covered.
You can find oil remover sprays at leather stores.
3 Leave the shoes with the remover on for three hours. It may take two to three hours for the remover spray to work its magic on the leather. Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place where they will be undisturbed during this process.
- For older or larger stains, the remover may take up to three hours.
4 Clean with an oil remover brush or microfiber towel. You will know when the remover has absorbed all the oil by seeing residue on the shoe’s surface. Use a toothbrush or a good shoe brush to remove the dried remover. You may need to repeat this cleaning process before the shoes are completely oil-free.
Tip: If white marks from the remover remain on the shoes after they are completely dry, gently wipe them off with a damp cloth.
Getting Oil Out of Suede Shoes
1 Start by sprinkling cornstarch on the stain. Cornstarch helps remove grease stains without damaging suede shoes. Look at the stain carefully, covering the oil stain completely with a thin layer of cornstarch. If any part of the stain is darker than the others, add a layer of cornstarch to the darker areas.
- Instead of cornstarch, you can use baby powder as in step 1.
2 For best results, leave the cornstarch on the stain for 1 hour.
Make sure to store the cornstarch-applied shoes in a cool, dry, and safe place. Let the cornstarch sit on the stain for at least 1 hour.
- For older, thicker, or larger stains, you can leave it for up to 1 week.
3 Use a clean towel or cloth to blot the cornstarch.
Be gentle when removing the cornstarch from the shoes. Never rub cornstarch too hard, as this can push the oil deeper into the suede. Wipe gently and make sure the cornstarch is completely gone before wearing your shoes.
Related Articles: How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Suede Cleaner.
Warning: Warning: Never use dish soap or laundry detergent on suede shoes. Doing so can permanently damage the shoe.
Things You’ll Need
Cleaning Canvas and Running Shoes
❍ Baby powder
❍ Toothbrush or boot brush
❍ Dish soap
❍ Wash cloth
Removing Oil from Leather Shoes
❍ Paper towels
❍ Oil remover spray
❍ Toothbrush or boot brush
Getting Oil Out of Suede Shoes
❍ Cornstarch
❍ Clean towel or rag
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References
1.↑https://www.diyncrafts.com/7271/lifehacks/20-brilliant-uses-for-baby-powder
2.↑Rio Jongsae Kim. Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 April 2021.
3.↑https://www.diyncrafts.com/7271/lifehacks/20-brilliant-uses-for-baby-powder
4.↑https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a20519/new-uses-baby-powder/
5.↑https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GemOkI6nomM&feature=youtu.be&t=65
6.↑https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a55028/suede-shoes-stain/
7.↑https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-K47u-SAOs&feature=youtu.be&t=29
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Rio Jongsae Kim
Designer Shoe & Bag Care Specialist
Rio Jongsae Kim is a Designer Shoe and Bag Repair Specialist and the Owner of Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada. With over 40 years of experience, Rio and Kim’s Shoe & Bag Repair specialize in the repair and reconstruction of leather and luxury goods including shoes, handbags, and accessories. Rio’s experience and dedication to quality repair and restoration have led to his work being featured on Yahoo, Insider, and MSN.
Co-authors: 2
Updated: February 24, 2025