How to Remove Rust Stains from Leather

How to Remove Rust Stains from Leather
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: May 7, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Use supplies from home and your local store to restore your leather to its pre-stained condition.

Things You Will Need

  • Sponge
  • White vinegar
  • Table salt
  • Saddle soap
  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Cleaning cloths
    Sponges clean gently but effectively.
  1. Pour white vinegar onto a clean sponge. Wipe the rust stain with the sponge, leaving the surface a bit wet.

  2. Table salt provides a mild abrasive.
  3. Shake table salt onto the vinegar on the leather. Use your sponge to rub the salt and vinegar into the rust stain.

  4. Rinse the sponge under cool water; then wipe the vinegar and salt off of the leather.

  5. Saddle soap is gentle on leather.
  6. Wet saddle soap with a dampened cleaning cloth and wash the area of leather that was stained with rust. The saddle soap will remove any traces of salt and vinegar, as well as the last remnants of rust.

  7. Rinse your cleaning cloth in a bucket of water and wipe away the saddle soap. Use a dry cleaning cloth to dry the area.

The Drip Cap

  • Rust creates a reddish brown stain that can cause discoloration if left to sit on your leather goods.
  • Use your sponge to rub the salt and vinegar into the rust stain.
  • Wet saddle soap with a dampened cleaning cloth and wash the area of leather that was stained with rust.

Photo Credits

leather shoes image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com

leather shoes image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com

sponge for cleaning image by Serghei Velusceac from Fotolia.com

salt and pepper image by Rog999 from Fotolia.com

soap container image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

Mary Ylisela

Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness…

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