Keeping a leather belt clean can be a little tricky, though basic maintenance can be done with a damp cloth. For stains, you may need to employ other little tricks to help remove them, though keep in mind they could damage the leather of your belt. Also, if your belt has developed an odor, try one of the deodorizing tricks to help reduce the smell, a trick you can also use on vintage or used leather belts.

Leather belts are a wonderful way to accessorize your outfits, whether it is wearing an exotic leather belt with an expensive pantsuit or a leather belt made from cowhide that you wear with your blue jeans and casual outfits. Leather belts will last for many years if given the proper care. Cleaning your leather belt is not difficult and can be done with just a couple of basic household products.

Castile Soap Method

  1. Wet a clean, soft cloth with lukewarm water and wring out the excess moisture.
  2. Rub the dampened cloth gently over a bar of Castile soap. Castile soap is available at pharmacies or discount stores. It is made with vegetable or olive oil and is very gentle.
  3. Rub the leather belt briskly with the cloth. Rub another damp cloth over the area to rinse, and then rub it briskly with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat this method a couple of times to clean stains and the gloss to the leather.

Saddle Soap Method.

  1. Restore old leather to near its original condition by cleaning it with saddle soap, according to the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Services website. Apply a bit of saddle soap to your leather belt with a damp cloth. Rub the saddle soap over the entire belt and then rinse it by rubbing it gently with another damp cloth.
  2. Clean oily or greasy spots with a cloth dipped into dry-cleaning fluid. This is available at a dry-cleaner or discount store.
  3. Rub castor oil all over your belt to recondition it and to keep its supple feel. Buff with a clean, dry cloth

FAQ

How to clean belts?

We recommend that you keep your belts' adhesive qualities intact by cleaning and conditioning belts when necessary. A clean belt will properly offer the friction qualities it should.

Cleaning Agents

  • Soap and water: For all belt types; Nylon belts should be dried after washing
  • Alcohol: Spot cleaning on all belts
  • Alkalis (low concentration): Not for use on EPDM rubber
  • Ammonia: Not for use on NBR, EPDM or Silicone
  • Borax: Good for all belting
  • Chlorine: Do not use
  • Kerosene: Not for use on PVC or EPDM covers
  • Live Steam: Not for use on Nylon belts
  • Household cleaners: Many are useful, check formulation and perform a spot test
  • Quaternary Ammonia: Useful for cleaning/sanitizing food conveyor belts

Please note: Combinations of agents may cause unpredictable damage.