Doing Routine Cleaning
Wipe the belt down with a damp cloth. For most cleaning, start with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Wipe down the belt, focusing on any dirty areas. You can also just try a dry cloth if the belt isn't too dirty.
Purchase saddle soap or another leather cleaner. Using a cleaner designed for leather is always the best choice. Saddle soap is a traditional leather cleaner, and it will suffice. However, you can also use another cleaner specifically designed for leather, as well. Sometimes, just a little mild soap will do the trick. However, you may not want to use it on a more expensive belt.
Add a little cleaner to a clean cloth. It can help to start with a very slightly damp cloth. Add a little cleaner. If the cleaner is in a tub, like saddle soap usually is, you may need to rub the cloth in the cleaner to work up a light lather.
Rub the cleaner into the leather. Try to follow the grain, and don't rub too hard. Once you've rubbed it in, use a clean part of the cloth or another lightly damp cloth to wipe up the excess.
Let it dry overnight. It's best to leave the belt overnight so it has time to absorb all of the polish or cleaner. That way, it will stay on the belt instead of transferring to your hands or clothes, damaging them.
Working on Stains
Try cornstarch on oil-based stains. It's best to use cornstarch when the oil is fresh. Sprinkle the powder on the stain, and let it absorb the oil. If the oil stain is older, try rubbing in the powder with your fingers to help remove the oil stain. The heat from your fingers will help remove the stain. Use your fingers to brush the powder off. You can also try a dry rag to remove most of the oil first.
Remove water stains with a damp cloth. If your belt has gotten wet in certain places, you've likely ended up with water stains. To deal with problem, you need to use a damp cloth to wet the whole belt, so that it can dry altogether without leaving small stains.
Use rubbing alcohol on small stains. For a small stain, such as a pen mark, rubbing alcohol may do the trick. Use something small to apply it, such as a cotton swab. Once the stain is gone, blow it dry with a blow dryer.
Apply a lemon and cream of tartar paste. For other stains, try mixing cream of tarter and lemon juice together in equal parts. Apply it to the stain, and leave it on the leather for 10 minutes. Wipe away the mixture.
Use more aggressive measures as a last resort. Washing the belt more thoroughly with soap and water could completely ruin your belt, so it's best to use it as a last resort. However, if you're throwing it out anyway, washing the belt by hand may save it. Rub in more water and soap to try to clean the belt.
Deodorizing a Belt
Try activated charcoal. Add some to a bag or other air-tight container, and throw the belt inside. Seal it up, and leave it for at least a day. If it still smells, try it for longer. You can find activated charcoal at pet stores (in the fish supplies) or online.
Use kitty litter. Another option for deodorizing is kitty litter. Kitty litter is designed to absorb odors for obvious reasons. To use, seal the belt in with the kitty litter in an airtight container. Let it sit for at least a day; let it go longer if it still needs deodorizing.
Use baking soda. Another option for deodorizing is using baking soda. Simply seal it in with the belt and leave it for a day or so. If you're worried about it leaving a white residue, try one of the baking soda "packs" made to deodorize things like refrigerators, as the baking soda isn't loose.
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