Coffee stain on leather shoes

Submitted by swisssweetie on 19 October 2009 - 3:29pm

Help! A friend accidently spilled hot coffee on my favorite pair of leather shoes. Thankfully, I wasn't burned but it left dark stains on my tan colored shoes. Any tips on how to clean or remove this stain without ruining the shoes? THANKS!

Re: Coffee stain on leather shoes

Submitted by Kzoosoo on 25 October 2009 - 3:38pm.

Nancy, try "#7 Bug and Tar Remover" found in Hardware stores (you may have to ask for this) or Lestoil. The other option I discovered is to buy package of "Dryel" which is the home drycleaning product, and use the spotcleaner in the package to soften and remove the tar. I'm not sure if all of the stain will come out if it is a cotton shirt, but may on a polyester one. Guess I'd try the Lestoil first and then the Dryel. If all else fails, he has a new "paint shirt " for school. If you have to buy too many products to remove a stain from clothing, and they cost more than the price of that item, then it is not worth it. And I am frugal, not cheap, but do know when to throw in the towel. Good Luck with this and let me know. Blessings! Suzanne

Re: Coffee stain on leather shoes

Submitted by nancy44 on 25 October 2009 - 5:50pm.

i will try both of those items......he probably has a new paint smock...lol

Re: Coffee stain on leather shoes

Submitted by farmhousebarb on 25 October 2009 - 4:30pm.

I didn't see this question sooner, but I agree with the Lestoil. As I have stated in past posts..we are O/Op of a triaxle dumptruck,which either our son or son-in-law drives. They do alot of paving w/asphalt and always have it allover! I told my DIL as well as my daughter,to use Lestoil to clean their clothes. It almost always works!! Good luck!

Re: Coffee stain on leather shoes

Submitted by Kzoosoo on 20 October 2009 - 1:51pm.

I'm assuming that you have tried the soap and water. But I have used the cornmeal with good success, but you need a lot. Depending on the leather finish, I'd recommend the Tannery Leather cleaner or the Fiebings saddle soap which I have also used. The Tannery cleaner was great on my leather coat.Follow these steps to remove coffee stains from Leather and Suede:

Carefully blot up excess liquid.
Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
Swish to create a great volume of suds.
Apply only the foam with a sponge.
Wipe dry with a clean dry cloth.

If an oily stain remains:

Powder the stain with an absorbent such as cornmeal.
Give it plenty of time to work.
Gently brush it off. Repeat if necessary.
On leather only, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebings Saddle Soap to condition the leather. (If coffee contained cream and any greasy stain remains, follow procedures to Remove Milk and Cream.)