Egg White Removes Grease from Leather Upholstery

## Why It Works Egg white is primarily protein (albumin) and water. The albumin molecules are amphiphilic — they have both water-attracting and oil-attracting segments. This allows them to interact with and bind to grease molecules, lifting them from the leather surface in the same way surfactants in soap do, but more gently. The proteins also interact favorably with the leather's collagen structure, conditioning rather than stripping it. It's a mild degreaser that's compatible with the material being cleaned. ## How to Do It 1. Blot fresh grease stains immediately with a clean dry cloth — remove as much as possible before applying anything. 2. Beat one egg white lightly. Don't whip it to foam — you want liquid, not aerated. 3. Dip a clean soft cloth into the egg white. Apply to the grease spot and work in gently with small circular motions. 4. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes. 5. Wipe off with a clean damp cloth, working from the edges of the stain inward to avoid spreading. 6. Buff dry immediately with a dry cloth. 7. Apply a leather conditioner after cleaning to restore moisture. ## Pro Tips - This works on fresh grease stains much better than set-in stains. Act as quickly as possible. - For set-in grease stains, apply cornstarch first, let sit 30 minutes to absorb oil, then brush off and follow with egg white. - Test on a hidden area of the leather first, particularly for dyed or colored leather. ## When to Use This Fresh food grease on a leather sofa, car seats, leather jacket, or leather dining chairs. A good first response before reaching for a commercial leather cleaner, which can sometimes be harsher.