How to Clean Leather Upholstery in 5 Steps
Leather couches, ottomans, and armchairs are timeless and luxurious in any living space. Plus, they're durable and hard-working and capable of lasting a really long time with proper cleaning and care. Are you doing enough to care for your leather upholstery? Or, are you doing too much and risking damage? We're covering the best way to clean leather upholstery.
Materials You'll Need
Microfiber cloth
Mild dish soap
Saddle soap or leather conditioner
How to Clean a Leather Couch in 5 Steps
Clean all surfaces and vacuum the nooks and crannies. Begin by wiping down the entire leather surface with a dry microfiber cloth. Then, use the vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming the leather couch helps remove loose dirt, pet hair, dust, and debris. Use soft bristle upholstery attachments, detailing brush attachments, and crevice tools to get into the corners and beneath the chair or couch cushions.
Test the cleaning solution. Before applying any cleaner, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch and let the cleaner dry. Not all leather is equal, and it's better to be safe than sorry if it ends up discoloring the leather pores.
Deep clean with a gentle solution. Use a mild liquid dish soap solution or specially formulated leather cleaner diluted in water to gently clean the surface of the couch. Apply the solution with a soft cloth, and massage the cleanser in circular motions as you work across small sections.
Rinse and dry. After cleaning, wipe the couch with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soapy residue. Immediately buff dry the upholstery with an absorbent cloth to prevent water spots or accidental damage.
Condition. Optionally, apply a quality leather conditioner to keep the upholstery supple and prevent drying or cracking. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, and avoid excess conditioner.
FAQ
Can I use household cleaners on a leather couch?
Think gentle. Don't use harsh household cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia-based products on leather items. Those cleaning agents can affect dyed finishes. Stick to mild soap or specially formulated leather cleaning products.
Should I clean my leather couch every month?
Regular maintenance helps genuine leather furniture look its best, but you don't need to aim for a monthly cleaning. Instead, plan on dusting your leather sofa every month with a dry cloth, and commit to a deeper clean with sprayable leather cleaner every three months to remove dirt, oils, and buildup. That said, if you rarely sit on the leather surface, you can likely go six months between deep cleanings. And obviously, if you experience a spill, make sure you clean it promptly to prevent permanent stains.
Photo by Cater Yang on Unsplash
How can I remove stains from a leather couch?
To remove stains from a leather couch, first, identify the type of stain and then choose an appropriate cleaning method. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause damage or discoloration.
For water-based stains, gently blot the area with a clean, damp cloth.
For oil-based stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain to absorb excess oil, then gently brush it off.
For stubborn stains, consider using a leather stain remover specifically designed for the type of damage you're dealing with.
How do you remove ink stains from leather?
For ink stains, try applying a small amount of saddle soap directly onto the stain. Gently rub the soap into the stain using a soft cloth or sponge. Allow the soap to sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat the process if necessary until the ink stain fades.
Can you get grease stains out of leather?
Yes, but it can be challenging. White vinegar can help (but as with all cleaning products, remember to test in a hidden area first). Moisten a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently dab at the grease stain. Avoid saturating the material with vinegar, as excessive moisture can damage it. Continue dabbing until the stain lifts. Once the stain is removed, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residual vinegar. Once it's clean and dry, consider applying a leather conditioner to restore moisture and maintain the suppleness of the leather.
