How do I remove a suntan lotion stain from leather?

Start by inspecting the label of the item to make sure you know what type of leather you’re dealing with. Once confirmed, prepare for cleaning by wiping down the stained area with a damp cloth. Then, apply a cleaning solution such as water and soap or vinegar. Gently rinse the area, use a nonabrasive cloth to rub away residue and finish up by wiping the area down with a damp cloth and applying a leather conditioner.

What cleaning solutions work best on suntan lotion stains?

For lighter suntan lotion stains, you can use a combination of water and soap or vinegar. If a more potent solution is needed, you can try using saddle soap, rubbing alcohol, or even a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Suntan lotion > Leather

Remove Suntan Lotion Stains for Good with These Expert Tips!

Nothing ruins your favorite leather item quicker than an unsightly suntan lotion stain. The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way– if you know how to tackle the issue the right way, you can restore your beloved leather back to its rightful glory! Read on for some easy tips on how to eradicate those pesky suntan lotion stains for good.

Updated 12 Mar 2023

By Luke Smith

Step 1: Inspect the Stain

Before attempting to remove the stain, start by checking the label of your leather item. Different types and dyes of leather may respond differently to cleaning solutions, so it’s important to make sure you know what type of leather you’re working with. If there is no label, take a look at the item's surface. Smooth, matte leather may be more delicate than faux leather or thicker, more textured leather pieces.

Step 2: Prepare for Cleaning

Once you know what type of leather you’re dealing with, you can begin preparing for cleaning. Start by thoroughly wiping down the stained area with a damp cloth. Don’t use too much moisture, as this could cause further damage or discoloration. Once this is done, you can proceed to the actual cleaning process.

Step 3: Apply Cleaning Solution

For a light suntan lotion stain on leather, you can use a combination of water and soap or vinegar to help loosen the stain. Mix together one teaspoon of either solution with two teaspoons of water and gently dab mixture onto the affected area using a cotton ball or cloth. If a more potent solution is needed, you can try using saddle soap, rubbing alcohol, or even a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.

Step 4: Rinse and Clean

Once the cleaning solution has been applied, lightly rinse the area using a damp cloth. Make sure you’re not using too much water to avoid causing damage. Now that the suntan lotion is loosened, use a nonabrasive cloth to rub away any excess residue. If the stain still remains, you can opt to repeat the previous steps until it is fully removed.

Step 5: Finish Up!

Once stain has been sufficiently removed, wipe down the area again with a damp cloth. This will help remove any excess soap or cleaning solution residue. Finally, let the leather air dry and then apply a leather conditioner to the area to help preserve its natural properties. You should now be left with a clean and stain-free leather item!

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