Dark Stain on Whiskey Shell PTBs

[furo]

Today after lunch I noticed a dark stain that is either from ketchup or piss, I dunno

These are Vass Whiskey Shells. The only thing I've tried is a damp cotton cloth, to buff it out, but that did almost nothing...

Is there a recommeded cleaning solution for this, or just let it go away over time?

 

[sho'nuff]

try spot cleaning it with pure rubbing alcohol. do it several times ; it will not come out at once, but maybe after a few days of doing this.

spot will not entirely disappear but at least it will be not as noticeable.

 

[zjpj83]

piss patina FTW

 

[furo]

Originally Posted by sho'nuff

try spot cleaning it with pure rubbing alcohol. do it several times ; it will not come out at once, but maybe after a few days of doing this.

spot will not entirely disappear but at least it will be not as noticeable.

I will give that a shot then, will try doing it once a day for a few days

 

[sho'nuff]

let us know how it turns out.

another thing, i just noticed you said that you noticed today, as in, it happened today.

it may be dark and noticeable as it is fresh, but after it settles in (a few days), it should be somewhat noticeable just by way of default anyways (not doing anything to it).



also, i dont think it's piss, as piss is just a sort of dirty salt water (but not enough salt to do any damage)

and
ketchup is too viscous to work its way into the leather that fast after lunch. also you would have noticed a clump of ketchup on top unless it got wiped somehow, then in that case, you would see some wipe marks. not just solid circle marks.

 

[JamesX]

I have the same stain on my wallet. It was done by Honeyed Tea. I never managed to clean it. Hope you find a solution.

 

[SpooPoker]

So shell is impervious to 50 years of hard street walking and wear, but a few piss drops ruin it?

 

[furo]

Originally Posted by sho'nuff

let us know how it turns out.

another thing, i just noticed you said that you noticed today, as in, it happened today.

it may be dark and noticeable as it is fresh, but after it settles in (a few days), it should be somewhat noticeable just by way of default anyways (not doing anything to it).



also, i dont think it's piss, as piss is just a sort of dirty salt water (but not enough salt to do any damage)

and
ketchup is too viscous to work its way into the leather that fast after lunch. also you would have noticed a clump of ketchup on top unless it got wiped somehow, then in that case, you would see some wipe marks. not just solid circle marks.

Actually now that you bring it up, it might be from the hot dogs I grilled at lunch, possibly the juice spilled a bit on them?

I know, I know ... I only live 3mi from work so I go home a lot for lunch

 

[sellahi22]

try using a firm-bristle toothbrush to buff it out. no need to be gentle with cordovan.

 

[sho'nuff]

Originally Posted by sellahi22

try using a firm-bristle toothbrush to buff it out. no need to be gentle with cordovan.

it is not sediment that is lodged in there. no need for a tootbrush. just use rubbing alcohol and buff with a spot cotton finger to disolve the stain a bit

 

[sellahi22]

Originally Posted by sho'nuff

it is not sediment that is lodged in there. no need for a tootbrush. just use rubbing alcohol and buff with a spot cotton finger to disolve the stain a bit
are you sure your advice isn't for traditional leather as opposed to cordovan? my understanding is that cleaning cordovan really involves removing some of the oil/wax. the cordovan care guides i've seen all say to aggressively brush to remove spots/scuffs.

 

[sho'nuff]

ok i guess you can be right. didnt know brushing would remove non topical oil spots. i figure it would be fine for removing sedimental issues: dirt in fixtures, dirt stains on sneakers (microscopic sediment embedded in the sneaker). and so forth

 

[AlanC]

Care of Shell Cordovan

Here are the "don'ts" of shell cordovan care:

1. Do not use 'neutral' polish
2. Do not clean cordovan shoes using saddle soap
3. Do not attempt to clean cordovan shoes using petroleum distillates or cleaning fluids
4. Do not use any spray shines or aerosol type waterproofs
5. Do not attempt to dry wet shell cordovan shoes with heat or a heater. Wipe them dry, and allow them to dry naturally
6. Do not attempt to polish shell cordovan shoes while wet

For cleaning shell cordovan shoes, Alden recommends using only a damp soft cloth.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by AlanC

Care of Shell Cordovan
^^^^I'd follow this advice. I've always had success with removing stains on shell by simply rubbing vigorously with a damp rag followed by vigorous buffing.

 

[kolecho]

Just brush or buff them. Do not use any cleaning fluids. Be patient and see the spots go away over time.