Keeping a leather belt clean may not be easy, however a simple damp cloth may suffice for basic operations. If there are stains, you may have to use some little trick to remove them, but if so, keep in mind that some substances could damage the leather of the belt. Finally, if your belt smells bad as well as dirty, you can use one of the methods described in the article to neutralize the bad smell. These solutions are also great for putting a vintage or used belt back in shape.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Routine Cleaning
Step 1. Clean the belt with a damp cloth
For routine cleaning of the belt, the first thing to do is to rub it gently with a soft cloth after moistening it with hot water. Particularly dwell on the dirtiest areas. On occasions when you feel like a dusting is enough, you can use a soft dry cloth instead of a damp one.
Step 2. Purchase a leather cleaning soap
The best choice is definitely to use a product specially formulated to clean the skin. You can buy a suitable soap online, in leather goods stores or in well-stocked supermarkets. Both a liquid and a solid product can work.
In some circumstances even a simple mild soap may be sufficient, however it is better to use a specific product to clean an expensive leather belt
Step 3. Pour some leather soap onto a clean cloth
It is best if the fabric is only slightly damp. Apply only a small amount of soap initially. If it is a product in a jar, like most leather soaps, what you need to do is rub it gently with the cloth to take a small amount.
Step 4. Rub the soap on the leather of the belt
Try to follow the direction of the grain and don't scrub too hard. After rubbing the soap on your skin, repeat the operation with a clean part of the cloth or with another slightly damp cloth to remove excess soap.
Step 5. Let the belt dry overnight
It is best to wait several hours before wearing it to give it time to absorb the moisturizers contained in the soap. This way they will penetrate the leather of the belt rather than transfer to your hands or clothes, with the risk of damaging them.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Stains
Step 1. Remove grease stains with corn starch
This method is particularly suitable for removing freshly made oil stains. All you need to do is sprinkle the stained skin with cornstarch and give it time to absorb the oil. If the grease stain is not recent, after applying the cornstarch, rub it gently with your fingers to make it more effective. The warmth from your hands will help remove the stain. When you're done, gently wipe off the excess dust with your fingers.
You can also try soaking up most of the grease with a dry rag before sprinkling the stain with cornstarch
Step 2. Remove water stains with a damp cloth
If the belt has gotten wet in some places, it is likely that the water has left unsightly marks. To solve the problem, you need to moisten the entire surface with a damp cloth; in this way all the skin will dry at the same time, so no spots will form.
Step 3. Use denatured alcohol to remove small stains
If the stain is small, such as a marker mark, denatured alcohol may be the best solution. You can apply it to the area to be treated using a cotton swab, rag or cotton swab. When the stain is gone, blow dry the leather on the belt.
Step 4. Make a cleansing paste with cream of tartar and lemon juice
To remove other stains, try mixing cream of tartar and lemon juice in equal parts. Once ready, apply the cleaning paste to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Finally, wipe the belt with a clean rag.
Step 5. Use more aggressive methods as a last resort
Washing the belt with soap and water could damage it, so it is best to use this system only as a last resort if other attempts have not worked. However, if the only alternative is to throw away the belt, washing it by hand may be able to save it. Rub it with a soapy cloth to try to get rid of the stains.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Bad Odors from Belt Skin
Step 1. Try using activated charcoal
Pour some into a bag (or airtight container), then insert the belt into the bag. Seal the bag and let the activated charcoal sit for at least 24 hours. If it still smells bad after the time runs out, try again for a longer period.
You can buy activated carbon online, in DIY stores, furniture stores (for example at Ikea) and in stores dedicated to aquariums
Step 2. Use the cat litter box
It is another good option since one of its functions is to absorb unpleasant odors. As indicated for activated charcoal, what you need to do is seal the belt in a bag or container along with the cat litter box. Also in this case let the material act for at least 24 hours, after which extend the treatment if the bad smell is still perceptible.
Step 3. Use baking soda
Another option for scenting leather is to use baking soda. The method is the same as described in the previous two steps: pour some into a bag and seal it with the belt inside. Wait 24 hours or longer for it to take effect. If you're worried about white powder residue remaining on your belt, you can use one of those breathable odor-absorbing sachets in the refrigerator, which contain baking soda.
