How to Clean a Color Transfer on White Patent Leather

How to Fix a Bleach-Tarnished Gold Ring
Written By
Nikki Cash
Nikki Cash
Published: Jan 19, 2010
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read
Rubbing alcohol
Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Color transfer occurs when the dyes on new shirts or fabrics become rubbed onto white patent leather. White patent leather is vulnerable to dye stains as well as everyday ink, dirt or grease stains. Patent leather generally has a smooth surface, which helps make stain removal with household products easier.

Clean the surface of the white patent leather. Mix one part alcohol and one part water and either pour this into a spray bottle or apply onto a rag. Then use the mixture to clean the patent leather free of the color transfer. Let the leather air dry without direct contact with sunlight.

Make a cleaner. Mix one part vinegar with two parts raw or food-grade linseed oil. Apply this mixture onto a lint-free rag.

Apply the cleaner onto the white patent leather. Using swirling movements, rub the cleaner onto the leather. Let it dry overnight.

Photo Credits

Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Nikki Cash

Nikki Cash graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's in film/TV, where she won an MPAA Scholarship. Since graduating, she has written and produced an independent feature film starting her career as a writer in 2005. Cash enjoys writing eHow…

Sponsored
Our Everyday Life Logo

Explore our everyday life, the best source for food and drink tips, health and general wellness, healthy relationships and much more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.