How to Restore White Leather

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Keep your white leather at its brightest.

White leather products look clean at the outset, but even with the gentlest wear and tear they can begin to look dingy and turn shades of gray or yellow, not to mention showing every minor stain and scuff. Whether you're cleaning golf shoes or bringing a white leather bag back to life, with the proper care and maintenance you can keep your white leather products looking like new for the longest time possible.

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Micro-scrubbing sponge

  • White leather cleaner

  • Soft-bristle toothbrush

  • Cotton swab

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • White shoe polish

  • Toothpick

  • 2 soft cloth rags

  • Leather conditioner

Video of the Day

Step 1

Remove any scuff marks by rubbing leather with a micro-scrubbing sponge such as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Rinse sponge clean, apply a white leather cleaner, and buff leather in small circles to clean and remove overall discoloration.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Remove stains by gently scrubbing them with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a dab of leather cleaner. Very small stains can be removed with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Camouflage any remaining fine stains such as ink-pen marks or cracks in the leather by applying a white shoe polish gently with a toothpick directly over the stain and allowing to dry.

Step 3

Dampen a soft rag, and apply a leather conditioner. Buff the leather using small circular movements. Allow conditioner to set for 20 minutes to an hour, and wipe conditioner off with a dry soft rag. Repeat process if necessary.

Tip

Dampening a cloth before adding the leather conditioner allows you to do a thinner application of the conditioner.

Warning

Always test products in an inconspicuous place before applying them to your entire leather good. Chemicals such as rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover and even leather cleaner and conditioner can cause discoloration if the leather has not been treated.

Advertisement

references & resources