How to Clean a Leather Belt

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References

Keeping a leather belt clean can be a little tricky, though basic maintenance can be done with a damp cloth. For stains, you may need to employ other little tricks to help remove them, though keep in mind they could damage the leather of your belt. Also, if your belt has developed an odor, try one of the deodorizing tricks to help reduce the smell, a trick you can also use on vintage or used leather belts.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Doing Routine Cleaning

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For most cleaning, start with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Wipe down the belt, focusing on any dirty areas. You can also just try a dry cloth if the belt isn't too dirty.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist

Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}
2
Purchase saddle soap or another leather cleaner. Using a cleaner designed for leather is always the best choice. Saddle soap is a traditional leather cleaner, and it will suffice.^{[2]
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Research source} However, you can also use another cleaner specifically designed for leather, as well.
- Sometimes, just a little mild soap will do the trick. However, you may not want to use it on a more expensive belt.^{[3]
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It can help to start with a very slightly damp cloth. Add a little cleaner. If the cleaner is in a tub, like saddle soap usually is, you may need to rub the cloth in the cleaner to work up a light lather.^{[4]
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Try to follow the grain, and don't rub too hard. Once you've rubbed it in, use a clean part of the cloth or another lightly damp cloth to wipe up the excess.^{[5]
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It's best to leave the belt overnight so it has time to absorb all of the polish or cleaner. That way, it will stay on the belt instead of transferring to your hands or clothes, damaging them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Working on Stains

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1
Try cornstarch on oil-based stains. It's best to use cornstarch when the oil is fresh. Sprinkle the powder on the stain, and let it absorb the oil. If the oil stain is older, try rubbing in the powder with your fingers to help remove the oil stain. The heat from your fingers will help remove the stain. Use your fingers to brush the powder off.
- You can also try a dry rag to remove most of the oil first.^{[6]
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If your belt has gotten wet in certain places, you've likely ended up with water stains. To deal with problem, you need to use a damp cloth to wet the whole belt, so that it can dry altogether without leaving small stains.
For a small stain, such as a pen mark, rubbing alcohol may do the trick. Use something small to apply it, such as a cotton swab. Once the stain is gone, blow it dry with a blow dryer.^{[7]
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For other stains, try mixing cream of tarter and lemon juice together in equal parts. Apply it to the stain, and leave it on the leather for 10 minutes. Wipe away the mixture.^{[8]
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Washing the belt more thoroughly with soap and water could completely ruin your belt, so it's best to use it as a last resort. However, if you're throwing it out anyway, washing the belt by hand may save it. Rub in more water and soap to try to clean the belt.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Deodorizing a Belt

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1
Try activated charcoal. Add some to a bag or other air-tight container, and throw the belt inside. Seal it up, and leave it for at least a day. If it still smells, try it for longer.^{[9]
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- You can find activated charcoal at pet stores (in the fish supplies) or online.
Another option for deodorizing is kitty litter. Kitty litter is designed to absorb odors for obvious reasons. To use, seal the belt in with the kitty litter in an airtight container. Let it sit for at least a day; let it go longer if it still needs deodorizing.^{[10]
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Another option for deodorizing is using baking soda. Simply seal it in with the belt and leave it for a day or so.^{[11]
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Research source} If you're worried about it leaving a white residue, try one of the baking soda "packs" made to deodorize things like refrigerators, as the baking soda isn't loose.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Susan Stocker
Stain Removal Specialist

Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.}

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Question

How do you get a stain out of a leather belt?

Susan Stocker
Professional Cleaner
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker

Professional Cleaner

Expert Answer

Mix some warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Then, dip a microfiber cloth into your cleaning solution and wipe the stain down with your cloth. Continue doing this until the stain is gone and dry your leather with a dry cloth.

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My cat puked on my belt, will the first methods work for this?

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Yes, they should.

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I have white marks on my black dress belt. How can I remove them?

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You should just use sharpie to cover it up, if there aren't too many spots.

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