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Best cleaner for leather couches


The 8 Best Leather Cleaners of 2022

Our favorite is the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Set

By

Katie Melynn

Katie Melynn

Katie Melynn is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. As a mom of three, she's written about parenting and family life for At Ease Magazine, Legacy, and Monterey Bay Parent, where she was a monthly columnist.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/08/22

Reviewed by

Katie Berry

Reviewed by Katie Berry

Katie Berry is a cleaning expert with 30 years of household management experience and 12 years of writing about cleaning methods and routines for Housewife How-Tos. She is the author of several books about homemaking.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Leather furniture and goods are expensive, so it's important to clean them with quality products. Caring for your leather items properly can prolong their life and keep them looking and performing their best. We researched the top-reviewed leather cleaners and compiled a list of our favorites. These leather cleaners are easy and convenient to use, condition leather without impacting the finish or color, and are affordable.

Our top choice, Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, cleans a variety of leather goods by actually lifting dirt out of the material.

Below, find the best leather cleaners for everything from furniture to shoes.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Kit at Amazon

Best Budget:

Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner at Amazon

Best Cleaner:

Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner for Car Interiors at Amazon

Best Conditioner:

Leather Honey Leather Conditioner at Amazon

Best Wipes:

Armor All Car Interior Cleaner Leather Wipes at Amazon

Best Combo:

Weiman 3 in 1 Deep Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Cream at Amazon

Best Kit:

Lexol Leather Conditioner and Cleaner Kit at Amazon

Best for Spot Cleaning:

Chemical Guys Leather Quick Detailer at Amazon

In This Article

Courtesy of eBay

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

There are several great leather care products and kits from the Chemical Guys, and their leather cleaner and conditioner kit gets top marks from us due to its excellent performance, ease of use, and handy packaging. The kit comes with two formulas: one for cleaning and one for conditioning. Once you've cleaned your leather item, switch to the conditioning solution. After that, your leather should look as good as new. You also have the option to use only the cleaner or conditioner, based on your current needs.

The Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner is so effective because it actually lifts dirt out of the leather pores. To use, spray and scrub the leather lightly with a stiff brush. Keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way. (And it’s always recommended to spot test a small area first.) This cleaner works into a lather as it cleans, so you can see exactly which areas you've covered. To condition, wipe the conditioner on a cloth or sponge, and then buff the leather. It contains vitamin E to make your leather shiny and supple. Plus, it is pH balanced appropriately for most leathers and can be used on everything from furniture to car interiors.

You will need to purchase application tools—such as a brush, sponge, or microfiber cloth—separately. Fortunately, the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner products are affordable enough to make the extra purchases justifiable.

Type: Spray/liquid︱Amount: 32 ounces (16 ounces each)︱Conditioner: Yes︱UV Protectant: Yes

Walmart

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

For an outstanding balance of price and performance, consider the Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. This spray product does the job of cleaning and conditioning your leather goods in one go. It is a top performer, and it's affordable—which we love.

You will need to use a bit of muscle to get this cleaner working, especially on heavily-soiled leather. After you spray, wipe the product around and buff the leather. It doesn’t sud up like other cleaners; instead, it goes on similarly to a traditional conditioner. It does include UV protection, so you can be sure that the application will help protect your leather goods beyond just the initial cleaning.

Type: Spray︱Amount: 11 ounces︱Conditioner: Yes︱UV Protectant: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

If you want the best leather cleaner available, go with the Chemical Guys Colorless and Odorless Leather Cleaner. This is the same leather cleaner from our top overall pick, sold on its own. We love it so much that we had to include it twice on our list.

The Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner cleans deep into the leather pores, lifting dirt as it lathers up. The superior performance, especially for deep cleaning, makes this cleaner stand out from competitor products. It works on a variety of leather goods, doesn’t strip the color from your leather, and doesn’t leave an odor. While this is a bit more expensive than some other options, a little bit goes a long way.

Type: Spray︱Amount: 16 ounces︱Conditioner: No︱UV Protectant: No

The 10 Best Leather Sofas of 2022

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

True to its name, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner glides on smoothly and brings your leather back to its former glory. Leather Honey has been made and sold in the U.S. since 1968. With over 50 years of leather cleaning knowledge behind them, the company is one of the oldest and most trusted on our list.

The actual conditioner works similarly to most other stand-alone conditioning products. While it can be used for a variety of leathers, including color-treated leather, we recommend testing it on a small sample first. You only need to squeeze a small amount—about the size of a quarter—onto a lint-free cloth to begin working on your leather. Just buff it into the surface and watch your favorite leather couch come back to life.

Leather Honey conditioner can be used to protect new leather or restore old leather. It is made with silicone and solvents that won’t leave any residue behind. This leather conditioner is also odorless, making it one of the few on the market without added fragrances. However, it does not have any UV protection additives.

Type: Liquid︱Amount: 8 ounces︱Conditioner: Yes︱UV Protectant: No

What Our Editors Say

"After buying a well-loved West Elm leather couch on Craigslist, I knew I needed to do something to bring its cracked surfaces back to life. Leather Honey's leather conditioner was truly a game-changer. It was as if the couch just drank up this conditioner like a cool glass of water. Its formula is gentle and powerful at the same time, and while it took a little elbow grease to apply, the result was worth the effort."—Erin Johnson, Commerce Editor

Walmart

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Armor All is known for its automotive care products, but these leather cleaner wipes can be used on all sorts of leather items, from car seats to couches. The handy wipe dispenser makes them ideal for travel and car application, but you can use them in your home, as well. To use, just wipe down your leather surface. No extra application materials needed!

These Armor All Leather Wipes are more expensive than other liquid or spray products. They also don’t last as long. Depending on how often you are cleaning your leather, it can be easy to waste wipes by using them for only a small spot.

Type: Wipes︱Amount: 20 wipes︱Conditioner: Yes︱UV Protectant: No

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Want a product that can clean and condition your leather without going through multiple steps of a complicated application? Then the Weiman 3-in-1 Deep Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Cream is the product for you. When applying the cream, we recommend putting it on a lint-free cloth and working it into the leather surface. It is safe for treated leather, so you can use it to clean your leather shoes, car seats, handbags, and other leather items.

This leather cream is an extremely moisturizing conditioner that also cleans, but it does not include any UV protection. If it did, it would be an almost perfect product for leather care and protection. As it is, this is a top-performing cream that makes cleaning and conditioning simple and effective without a lot of work.

Type: Liquid︱Amount: 8 ounces︱Conditioner: Yes︱UV Protectant: No

The 7 Best Microfiber Cloths of 2022

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

The Lexol Leather Care Kit comes with everything that you need to clean and condition your leather, including application materials for both products. The kit includes a cleaner, conditioner, and two application sponges. You can even use the cap to dispense just the right amount of product.

This cleaner is great for deep-cleaning needs. To use, work the cleaner into the leather with the sponge. You can also opt to use a microfiber cloth, but you will need to purchase one separately. Lexol recommends wiping any excess cleaner with a damp cloth to prevent residue. Follow that with the conditioning treatment using the same steps. We love that the steps are easy to follow and everything that you need is all in one kit. It is a bit pricier than some other options but still a great value.

Type: Liquid︱Amount: 33.8 ounces (16.9 each)︱Conditioner: Yes︱UV Protectant: No

The 5 Best Leather Repair Kits of 2022 to Restore Your Items

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

This handy spray bottle is convenient and works on just about any leather surface. It can even clean pleather and faux leather items. The Chemical Guys Leather Quick Detailer comes in a small spray bottle that you can apply directly to the leather surface. After spraying, it is dry to the touch. On top of that, it doesn’t require any extra materials for application. Just spray it and wipe it into the surface with a cloth. It’s small enough to keep in the car or hall closet, so you can quickly address messes as they occur.

You should know this isn’t the best option for deep cleaning or conditioning. Instead, it’s meant to buff out small messes or smudges shortly after they are made. If you want to deep clean or condition your leather, you are better off going with another Chemical Guys option.

Type: Spray︱Amount: 4 ounces︱Conditioner: Yes︱UV Protectant: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. In fact, we feature several Chemical Guys products on our list because they work well, last for a long time, and are highly effective. The leather cleaner and conditioner pair includes two of their top-selling products to get new or seasoned leather in great shape. Our budget pick, Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, is easy to apply and takes care of both cleaning and conditioning in one application.

Type

Leather cleaner is available in wipe, spray, and liquid form. The best option for you will depend on where and how you want to use the cleaner. Sprays are often easier to apply but can overspray on unwanted areas, resulting in extra cleanup. Liquids require more effort to apply and buff out, but they do offer the most precise application and are often great for conditioning. Wipes are expensive and result in a lot of waste, but they work well for travel and on-the-go application.

Conditioning and protective elements

Leather cleaners can serve more than just one purpose. Many are cleaner/conditioner combination products. Some even have extra protection for your leather surfaces, such as UV protection. This keeps leather supple and crack-free. However, many combination products don’t work as well as their single-use counterparts. This is especially true for cleaners that work on heavily soiled leather surfaces. However, if you want something that reduces the application process to a single step, combination products are a great option.

Amount

Leather cleaners are available in every size, from small 4-ounce spray bottles you can throw in your car to 16-ounce containers you'll likely store under the sink. Some brands even offer refill options for your spray bottles. Most people won’t need to use a lot of leather cleaner to see a big improvement, even for larger furniture items. A little often goes a long way. This is especially true for liquid leather cleaners and conditioners.

FAQ

This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. Katie is a mother of three young children, so she is all too familiar with cleaning every type of surface in her home. When compiling this list, she considered products she uses on her own leather items, recommendations from other happy users, and the professional opinion of Maryland-based cleaning expert Arryn Wilmington.

How to Clean a Leather Couch

While we spend a lot of time trying to keep towels and sheets looking new, leather is one of those materials that just looks better with age. But even if your goal is a well-worn couch or chair with a beautiful patina, your leather furniture still requires cleaning to stay in its best shape. After all, you want the piece to look well-loved, not neglected. You can easily keep your leather couch clean with some simple pantry staples and some leather conditioner.

To keep your leather couch looking good, you’ll need to do two kinds of cleaning, explains Patryk Gawlak, owner of Peak Cleaning Services LLC. We asked the expert to share his best ideas on simple maintenance and deep cleanings when stains inevitably happen—but not all stains are created equal, so Gawlak notes the importance of using the right materials. We've broken down the expert's tips and tricks so when that inevitable red wine spill happens, you'll be prepared.

Keep scrolling to learn the expert's tips and tricks on how to clean a leather couch, and keep your furniture looking its best for years to come.

Katherine Carter Design

Gawlak recommends regular cleanings as part of your routine to keep your leather couch looking good. On a weekly basis, dry-dust your couch with a microfiber cloth to remove built-up dust and crumbs. You can also use the soft bristle extension of your vacuum to do this, and can simply add it to your vacuuming routine. 

For stains, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get a bit more serious. Once a month, Gawlak also recommends a deeper clean: Wipe it down with a wet wipe, then finish with a leather cream conditioner. “The wet wipe down provides a deeper regular cleaning, and conditioning helps to prevent cracks and discoloration,” he explains. 

Ashley Montgomery Design

For weekly cleanings, a few simple materials can keep your leather couch maintained in good condition. Gather a clean washcloth or microfiber towel, a bit of dish soap, and the leather conditioner of your choice to get started.

Step 1: Wipe Down the Couch

While you can buy commercial leather wipes at many stores, all you need to make your own wet wipe is warm, soapy water and a clean towel. Add a few drops of dish soap to a damp towel and begin wiping down all surfaces of the couch—cushions, sides, armrests, and back.

Step 2: Dry Thoroughly

After wiping down all surfaces, dry the couch thoroughly with a new washcloth or microfiber towel to ensure no excess water is left before conditioning.

Step 3: Condition the Leather

Read the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific sofa to learn which conditioners match the type of leather you have. Once you've gathered the leather conditioner of your choice, apply it to the leather on all surfaces: Genuine leather is, of course, made from cattle skin, and Gawlak compares this step to applying lotion to our own skin to stay moisturized.

The House on Hillside Lane

Because leather is so absorbent and can’t just be thrown in the washer, be careful to ensure that any stain treatments make things better—not worse. Thankfully, most stains can be removed using common household items.

Step 1: Start With Soap

For most stains, like spilled coffee or ice cream, a bit of dish soap can do the trick. Simply add warm, soapy water to a damp cloth and apply it to the affected area.

Step 2: Scrub in Circles

For most types of stains, Gawlak has the same piece of advice: As you work out the stain, rub in small circles. “Don't rub back and forth in a line, as it causes more wear and tear this way,” he says. Working in circles, and being sure not to use too much water, wipe down the area before drying it with a clean towel. 

Dazey Den

There are a few ways to tell if you’re dealing with a grease stain. For starters, if you dropped your pepperoni pizza right side down, you don’t have to guess: You’ll know. But if a mystery stain lingers after wiping it down with a soapy, damp washcloth, or if it feels slimy to the touch, you may be dealing with grease.

Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda

To remove it, “Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few hours until the oil is absorbed,” says Gawlak.

Step 2: Wipe Away Stains

Once the baking soda has had time to set into the stain, wipe it away with a dry, soft cloth. Repeat a second wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any excess baking soda.

Liljencrantz Design

Ink stains may be unsettling at first, but thankfully, they can usually be removed with simple cleaning materials in your home.

Step 1: Bring Out the Rubbing Alcohol

“Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball, then gently dab until the stain begins to lift,” says Gawlak. Be sure to dab, not rub, because rubbing can spread the ink.

Step 2: Pat Dry

Once the stain is removed, dry the area by gently patting it with a clean washcloth. Repeat steps as necessary if ink stains remain visible after drying.

Dwell Aware

Don’t panic if wax, gum, or something sticky gets on your leather furniture. Gawlak notes that the trick is to harden the substance to remove it instead of blotting or rubbing it out.

Step 1: Cool Down the Area

Place some ice cubes in a Ziploc bag and hold it against the problem area. Wait for the wax or gum to harden as much as possible before removing.

Step 2: Gently Scrape Away

Once it’s hardened, you can pick the debris away with your fingernails or with a spoon. Gawlak cautions against using a knife or anything with a sharp edge, which could scratch or even tear the leather.

Step 3: Consult the Manufacturer if Necessary

Finally, Gawlak says to keep an eye on your progress—if it’s not working, slow down and reassess. When in doubt, look to a manual or contact the manufacturer if possible. Some damage, especially damage to the leather itself (in the form of scratches or large stains), may require professional assistance. 

Yes, You Should Be Cleaning Your Couch—Here's What You Need to Know

The best cleaning and care products for leather furniture, customer reviews

Reading 6 min. Hits 266

Leather furniture cleaner must be effective and gentle. Such upholstery is quite durable, it can last for many years, but due to illiterate care it loses its presentable appearance and quickly becomes unusable. When deciding how to clean it, you need to take into account the properties of this capricious material and the nature of the pollution.

Contents

  1. Using chemicals
  2. Traditional methods for removing dirt from leather furniture
  3. Rules for the care of leather furniture
  4. Customer opinions about different products for cleaning leather furniture

Using chemicals

To clean leather furniture, you need to prepare a special tool, a soft sponge, cloth and brush

Leather upholstery care products are required for regular maintenance and for removing various stains. All of them allow you to clean the surface well and create favorable conditions for it.

On the Russian market there are universal, delicately acting drugs and special ones designed to solve a specific problem:

Domestic drugs are as effective as imported ones, and their price is much lower. The main thing is to be careful when applying them, do not overdo it, clean carefully.

Traditional methods for removing dirt from leather furniture

Soap solution - one of the most affordable folk remedies for cleaning leather furniture

Save money with homemade leather furniture products that can be made using readily available substances and products. It is important that they do not harm the upholstery and do not overdry it.

The following mixtures will help you take care of your furniture:

After using any household solution, be sure to wipe the surface dry to prevent moisture from causing fungus. If this does happen, use vinegar to eliminate the mold.

Components for folk remedies are always available on the farm and do not require additional costs. Cosmetic milk and alcohol, which can be used to scrub stains, will cost a little more. All of them are non-toxic, do not cause allergies, and are convenient to use.

Leather Furniture Care Instructions

Periodically treat leather furniture with a special protective agent to reduce the amount of dirt

Such furniture is installed in a room with moderate humidity, away from heat sources.

To protect against dirt, use light-coloured natural material capes, wipe weekly with a damp microfibre cloth.

When cleaning, do not use hard sponges or brushes, use only suitable products. Try to prevent drops of red wine, coffee, paint from getting on the surface, if this happens, immediately remove them with a damp cloth.

Use conditioners or protective balms to firm upholstery, mask scuff marks, and prevent soiling.

If you have any doubts that you can deal with old stains on your own, order a dry cleaning service.

Regular and proper care, the use of quality products, normal operating conditions will help extend the life of the furniture.

Customers' opinions about different cleaning products for leather furniture

Owners of leather sofas recommend starting to care for them from the moment of purchase, avoiding severe contamination, monitor the appearance of stains and remove them in a timely manner.

Not everyone agrees to use covers, because they hide the beauty and elegance of the material. If this is not due to the presence of pets that can damage the coating with their claws, the application of surface-protecting preparations is preferable.

Pay attention to the material of the upholstery. Judging by the reviews, suede cleaners should foam well, leave no streaks, remove dirt, and retain their appearance. They are applied with a brush, they should not contain aggressive components. To protect products, special preparations should be used, such as SUEDE & NUBUCK PROTECTOR from Letech.

Consumer opinions differ about the best brands of leather furniture care products. Reviews about them need to be studied, but you can choose the best option only empirically, by trying a few and determining the one you prefer.

Already when buying a leather sofa, you need to think about caring for it. If this issue is not dealt with, it will not be possible to appreciate the advantages and magnificence of the furniture, and the money spent will only bring disappointment.

How to clean a leather sofa at home?

Basic care instructions

How to clean carpets?

Do-It-Yourself Carpet Cleaning at Home

Chemicals and Equipment

Using Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Powder

Citric Acid

Snow Cleaning

Stain Removal with Glycerin

Laundry detergent

Peroxide

Cleaning tips

Cleaning carpets made of natural and synthetic fibers

Cleaning fluff of different colors - what to look for

Features of dry cleaning from dirt

2 Soft leather furniture Conclusion

to status expensive things. Wealthy people can buy such furniture. Luxury hotels, restaurants, offices are furnished with leather sofas, armchairs, banquettes.

Cleaning leather furniture requires special knowledge and appropriate professional chemicals. One wrong cleaning can spoil a delicate expensive coating, and there are actually no methods of restoration acceptable for a status product.

In this publication, we will tell you how to care for a leather sofa so that it looks flawless for many years, and the leather does not crack or dry out.

Do you want to calculate the cost of dry cleaning sofas? 30% discount for you now!

Features of leather upholstery: pros and cons

Benefits of leather furniture upholstery:

IMPORTANT! The service life of leather furniture depends on proper care. In addition to regular cleaning, the coating needs nutrition, hydration and protection.

Damage to leather upholstery:

When you buy leather furniture, you also need a special care product. Then you do not have to take risks and save the sofa with something completely inappropriate if it has suffered from blood stains, grease, colored drinks, urine, felt-tip pens, wax. But use these funds as an ambulance.

To protect the leather upholstery:

Regular maintenance of a leather sofa

How to care for a leather sofa without professional dry cleaning: