How to Clean Grease Spots From a Leather Purse

By: Kimbry Parker

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A grease spot on your leather purse can stop you in your tracks as you prepare to go out. Leather is a high-quality fabric, and grease leaves an unsightly stain that looks like it cannot be removed. You might be tempted to grab a rag and start scrubbing, but grease on a leather purse needs to be handled delicately so it doesn’t spread farther and the leather doesn’t become damaged.

Step 1

Blot any puddled grease from the purse with a dry rag. Moisten a clean rag with warm water and a few drops of mild, grease-cutting dish detergent. Wring out the rag so it’s just damp.

Step 2

Tamp the rag over the grease spot to clean the area. Do not rub or scrub too hard, because this can push the grease deeper into the leather. Let the spot air dry.

Step 3

Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder over the grease spot so it’s completely covered. Scrub the powder into the grease stain with a clean toothbrush, using small circular motions.

Step 4

Leave the powder on the purse for a minimum of three hours. Shake off the purse over a trashcan to remove the excess powder, and then wipe the area with a dry rag to remove the rest.