Oil stains can be more of a hassle to remove. These stains can penetrate leather, suede, fabric, and synthetic materials, marking their surfaces. Fortunately, you can remove these stains by simply using household products. Here are some of the best ways how to remove oil stains from shoes so they look clean again.
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Why Oil Stains Are Hard To Remove From Shoes?
Oil stains penetrate deep within the fabric/leather, which is where they sit popularly; hence cleaning up those oil stains cannot be attained by mere water. Unlike stains made by water, oil stains seem to sit better and dry. The longer it is left, the harder to remove oil stains from shoes.
How To Remove Oil Stains From Shoes (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. The Use of Baking Soda To Soak Up Oil
Baking soda works for removing oil stains. Baking soda acts as a good absorbent and helps remove oil stains from shoes.
Steps:
- Sprinkle a large amount of baking soda on the oil stain.
- Let stand for 30 minutes (more or less, depending on the severity of the oil stain), preferably overnight.
- With the help of a soft brush or cloth, wipe off the baking soda.
Repeat the procedure if necessary until accomplishment.
2. Cornstarch Method
How to remove oil stains from shoes using the cornstarch method: cornstarch acts to absorb oil from the shoes, just as baking soda does.
Steps:
- Apply cornstarch to the area of the stain.
- Wait for at least one hour.
- Brush or wipe off the cornstarch.
Repeat if necessary to remove oil stains from shoes.
How To Remove Oil Stains From Leather Shoes
Take special care of leather shoes and avoid oil stains on the beauty.
1. Use Talcum Powder Or Baby Powder
Talcum powder makes the best use of getting your oil-stained leather shoes out.
Steps:
- Place talcum powder on the oil stain.
- Let it stay overnight.
- Wipe off the powder with a dry cloth.
- Buff the area with a clean, soft cloth for stains on the leather shoes.
2. Dish Soap Method
Mild dish soap breaks down oils into tiny parts and does not damage leather.
Steps:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap and warm water into it.
- Dampen a nice soft cloth into the solution.
- Gently rub the stain in circular motions.
- Wipe with a clean damp cloth.
- Let shoes air dry and you have to remove the oil stains from leather shoes.
How To Remove Oil Stains From Suede Shoes
Suede shoes are delicate and require a good method to remove oil stains from shoes.

1. White Vinegar
How to get oil stains out of shoes with white vinegar. White vinegar can dissolve oil from suede shoes.
Steps:
- Moisten a cloth with white vinegar.
- Gently blot (do not rub) over the stain.
- Allow to dry completely.
- Buff the area with a suede brush to restore the nap and remove oil stains from shoes.
2. Suede Eraser Or Pencil Eraser
How to remove oil stains from suede shoes use a pencil eraser. For minor oil stains, a suede eraser or a good old pencil eraser can effectively get oil stains out of shoes.
Steps:
- Lightly rub the eraser on the stain.
- Brush off the residue with a suede brush.
How To Remove Oil Stains From Fabric Shoes
Oil stains on your shoes made of fabric, such as sneakers, are different from the way you apply oil on the rest of your shoes.
1. Dish Soap And Warm Water
Method for removing oil from shoes using dish soap and warm water.
Steps:
- Combine warm water with dish soap.
- Soak a soft cloth or sponge in the solution.
- Gently blot the stain.
- Rinse with a clean damp cloth.
- Air-dry the shoes to get oil stains off shoes completely.
2. Baking Soda Plus Vinegar Paste
Baking Soda Plus Vinegar Paste is the easy removal of oil stains from shoes made with fabric.
Steps:
- Combine equal amounts of baking soda with vinegar to make a paste.
- Apply to the stained spot.
- Allow it to remain there for 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe off with a clean cloth.
- Then allow shoes to dry up to conclude the removal of oil stains from the shoes.

How to Remove Yellow Stains from White Shoes 6 Easy Tips
Keeping Oil Stains Away from Shoes
- Shoes should always be treated with a waterproof spray to prevent them from absorbing oil.
- Do not wear shoes in areas where there is an oil spill.
- Wash out the stains as early as possible before they dry up and make oil stain removal much harder from the shoes.
- They face extreme oil exposure and leave the room with footwear.
Conclusion
Shoes seem as if they attract the stains of oils; Oily stains stand steadfastly, but every stain has its terror, and so does removing oil stains from shoes at home. Whether for shoes made of leather, suede, or fabric, cleaning solutions exist. The secret is in quick action and the usage of absorbents like baking soda, cornstarch, and talcum powder. With these methods, you can remove oil stains from shoes and maintain their non-stained state.