How to Clean Green Stains on Leather From Brass

Dry Leather Treatment
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: Apr 23, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Using supplies from home, you can remove brass tarnish stains without damaging the leather.

Things You Will Need

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Old toothbrush
  • Cotton cloths
  • Water
  • Leather conditioner
  1. Mix white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl to create a thin paste. The mixture will foam a little. The vinegar and baking soda mixture creates a mild acetic acid which helps remove the brass tarnish.

  2. An old toothbrush makes a great cleaning tool.
  3. Scrub the paste into the brass stain using an old but clean toothbrush. Use a gentle scrubbing motion, working the paste into the pores of the fabric. Allow the vinegar paste to sit on the tarnish stain for a couple minutes.

  4. Brass makes a beautiful accent but can get tarnished with age.
  5. Dampen a cotton cloth with water. Wipe away the vinegar paste and the green tarnish stains from the brass. If any tarnish stain remains, repeat step 2.

  6. Dry the leather thoroughly, then apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a clean cotton cloth and rub it into the leather.

The Drip Cap

  • Brass and leather make a nice combination, but brass can tarnish and leave green tarnish stains on your leather.
  • Tend to tarnish stains as soon as possible so they don't have time to work their way down into the pores of the leather.
  • Using supplies from home, you can remove brass tarnish stains without damaging the leather.

Photo Credits

leather image by Andrii Oleksiienko from Fotolia.com

leather image by Andrii Oleksiienko from Fotolia.com

toothbrush image by Nicola Gavin from Fotolia.com

isolated brass tacks image by davidcrehner 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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