How to clean leather suite
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
How to Clean a Leather Sofa
By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation.
She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 12/09/22
Reviewed by
Melissa Homer
Reviewed by Melissa Homer
Melissa Homer is a trained cleaning professional, consultant, and educator with a two-decade career spanning commercial and professional residential cleaning.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep
Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
The Spruce / Olivia Inman
In This Article
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Types of Leather on Sofas
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How Often to Clean a Leather Sofa
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How to Clean
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Tips to Keep a Leather Sofa Clean Longer
Project Overview
Leather sofas are a tried and true furniture classic.
They can be found in a variety of colors and styles that range from midcentury modern to the classic British Chesterfield. And bonus: natural leather sofas are durable and easy to both clean and maintain.
Pet hair and most spills on leather furniture can be easily wiped away, as leather doesn't absorb liquids and odors as quickly as fabric upholstery. A quick cleaning for your leather couch is as simple as mixing up equal parts vinegar and water and wiping the material down with a soft cloth. Combined with deeper cleanings using the right soap and leather conditioner, a well-constructed leather sofa can last for decades.
Types of Leather on Sofas
The quality of the leather on sofas can vary depending on the type of hide used and how it is processed and finished.
- Aniline: Aniline leather is full-grained hide that has been treated with the chemical aniline. It is prized for the ability to see the pores and imperfections on the hide.
Aniline leather is exceptionally soft, but it does not have a protective coating preventing the finish from being stained. - Semi-aniline: Processed with a thicker protective coating than aniline, semi-aniline is more resistant to stains, more durable, and less expensive than aniline.
- Pigmented or Protected: The natural leather is coated with a polymer that contains dye pigments to create the most durable, scuff-resistant, and least susceptible to stains type of leather for furniture.
- Suede: Natural suede leather is created from the soft underside of a split-grain animal hide. It has a nappy finish that is easily stained. There are specific care and cleaning steps for suede furniture that must be followed.
Other than suede, the cleaning methods for all types of leather sofas are the same. But, it's still a good idea to check the sofa manufacturer's specific cleaning instructions and to test any cleaning products on an inconspicuous spot to be sure the leather dye is stable.
How Often to Clean a Leather Sofa
To keep a leather sofa looking its best, it should be dusted weekly and given a more thorough cleaning monthly. Of course, spills and stains from mud, ink, or grease should be cleaned up and treated immediately.
Along with regular cleaning, your leather sofa also needs regular conditioning to maintain its soft quality. Most leather furniture should be conditioned every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you tend to wet-clean it. Even gentle wet cleaners remove oils from leather.
Best Couch Cleaning Services
Equipment / Tools
- 1 vacuum with upholstery brush attachment
- 2 microfiber cloths
- 1 small bowl or bucket
Materials
- 1 bottle castile, saddle, or mild soap
- 1 box corn starch or talcum powder
- 1 bottle isopropyl alcohol
- 1 bottle leather conditioner, like Lexol
The Spruce / Olivia Inman
How to Clean a Leather Sofa
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Remove Dust and Debris
Weekly dusting will help keep your leather sofa clean and bright.
Use a vacuum with an upholstery brush to capture the unwanted dust, pet hair, and dirt. The crevice tool on most vacuums is helpful to reach areas between and under cushions. You can also use a disposable electrostatic duster or a microfiber cloth.
The Spruce / Olivia Inman
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Wipe Away Grime
A gentle touch and mild cleaning products will remove all but the toughest stains from leather. While there are plenty of good commercial leather cleaners on the market like Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner or Wipes all you need is a mild soap like Castile, saddle soap, or a bar of Ivory, some warm water, and a microfiber cloth.
Create a cleaning solution in a small bowl or bucket with warm water and a few drops of liquid soap. If you are using a bar of soap, simply dampen the microfiber cloth and rub it over the bar of soap.
Work in small areas, starting at the top of the sofa, and wipe down each piece of the surface. Your cloth should be thoroughly wet, but not dripping.
For areas of heavier soil like sofa arms, use gentle circular motions to trap all of the soil. Rinse and wring the cloth frequently as you work. The Spruce / Olivia Inman
Warning
Always test any commercial or homemade leather cleaning product on a hidden area before cleaning the sofa to make sure that there is no color change to the leather.
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Buff to a Shine
Once you have wiped away the soil, you do not need to rinse the leather. Too much water can damage and discolor the leather. Instead, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface.
The Spruce / Olivia Inman
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Tackle Tough Stains
Stains on leather do happen, but they are no match for prompt and careful attention and a few cleaning solutions.
- Grease stains: If treating a grease stain on your leather couch, remove any solid debris and blot the area with a paper towel to absorb as much of the oil and grease as possible.
Sprinkle the area with a layer of cornstarch or talcum powder. Allow the cornstarch to remain in place for at least four hours or overnight to absorb the oil from the leather. Vacuum away the cornstarch and repeat as needed until the stain is gone. - Ink: Blot fresh ink stains with a paper towel, being careful not to further smear the ink. Rub a damp microfiber cloth over a bar of mild soap and working in small circles, rub the area of the leather with the ink stain. Move to a clean area of the cloth as the ink is transferred. Only use isopropyl alcohol to remove an ink stain as the last resort as it can discolor the leather.
The Spruce / Olivia Inman
- Grease stains: If treating a grease stain on your leather couch, remove any solid debris and blot the area with a paper towel to absorb as much of the oil and grease as possible.
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Condition Dry Leather
If your leather sofa has lost its luster and feels stiff and dry, use a good commercial leather conditioner like Chemical Guys Leather Conditioner to restore the leather's suppleness. Follow the product directions and buff the leather with a microfiber cloth to restore the finish.
The Spruce / Olivia Inman
Tips to Keep a Leather Sofa Clean Longer
- Wipe up any spills as soon as they happen.
- Vacuum off the sofa weekly.
- Keep your leather sofa out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading or cracking of leather.
- Don't sit on the leather sofa if you're sweaty, as your body oils can be absorbed by the leather and cause stains and discoloration.
The 10 Best Leather Sofas of 2023
We clean and protect the leather interior with our own hands
Leather interior is a distinctive feature of rich car equipment. Leather not only looks beautiful and respectable, but is also quite practical to use: it is much easier to wipe off a drop of ice cream or a spilled drink from it than from fabric or velor. And the traditional cons of the skin - freezing in winter and strong heating in summer - are leveled by heated seats, perforation and ventilation.
However, the leather interior requires regular and methodical maintenance, otherwise the coating will quickly become coarse, crack and lose its appearance.
And the restoration and alteration of the skin are not cheap services. Let's talk about how to properly maintain, clean and protect the leather interior of the car.
Cleaning the leather interior: dry cleaning
Cleaning the leather interior always starts with vacuuming - if you immediately start rubbing with a cloth or brush over the leather, fine grains of sand accumulated in the folds will scratch the surface. Therefore, stock up on a car vacuum cleaner powered by on-board 12 volts - with its help you can clean the cabin even in the yard, without an external source of electricity.
Grains and dust traditionally accumulate at the junction of the seat and back, so when cleaning, be sure to recline the chairs and thoroughly vacuum all hidden places. It is better to remove the headrests of the seats immediately, and dismantle the back of the rear sofa altogether and work with them separately. Pay attention to all folds, seams and creases in the leather covering.
Use the soft lint nozzle on your vacuum cleaner to avoid scratching your skin. Especially difficult joints additionally blow with a compressor.
In detailing centers, the seams on the skin are cleaned with small brushes so that not a single grain of sand is lost among the threads. For these purposes, you can use a toothbrush with the softest pile. Don't forget about the seams on the headrests.
Leather interior cleaning: wet cleaning
Next, we move on to wet cleaning with the help of a special car cosmetics - leather cleaner, which will not only remove surface dirt, but also clean the pores of the skin. From accessories for cleaning you will need a microfiber cloth and a shoe brush with soft bristles. Rough rags or paper napkins will not work, as they can leave scratches on the skin.
How to choose a leather cleaner? Often, a cleaner and conditioner are combined in one bottle - such products are good for everyday care, but not for deep cleaning. Based on your goals and the availability of time: if you started a general cleaning of the leather interior for several hours, then choose a separate cleaner and conditioner, and not a “2 in 1” product, it will be more effective.
And pay attention to the composition of the cleaner: alcohol dries out the skin, and silicone seals the dirt under the film - it is better to do without these components.
It is strictly forbidden to scrub stains from the skin with white spirit, acetone and other strong solvents - you will ruin the coating! For stubborn dirt and stains, use a foam leather cleaner and a brush - even deeply ingrained dirt can be removed with gentle circular motions with due patience.
Most leather cleaners can be applied directly to the surface, but be sure to check the instructions on the label - aerosol cleaners are sometimes recommended to be sprayed onto the brush. If the skin is heavily soiled and greasy, let the cleanser soak in a little (no longer than a minute), and then rub it.
Start cleaning at the top of the chairs and work your way down. Don't try to clean the entire back or seat at once - work methodically on small areas. For aesthetic pleasure, you can mentally (or actually, using masking tape) divide the chair into two parts and compare them after cleaning the first one - the result will be very visual and motivating.
Protecting the leather interior: conditioner
After using the cleaner, the leather must be protected with a special composition - leather conditioner or wax cream. Lanolin (an animal wax obtained from sheep's wool) is absorbed into the skin, moisturizing it and maintaining elasticity. And silicone protects against pollution - the skin stays clean longer and is easier to clean. Also, leather conditioners protect it from ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from fading, drying out and cracking. In general, caring for a leather interior is in many ways similar to caring for a person’s own skin: it also ages and coarsens if you do not use moisturizers and sunscreens.
The conditioner is applied to a foam sponge or clean microfiber, after which the skin is rubbed first horizontally and then vertically. After 10-15 minutes of absorption, the remnants of the product must be polished over the surface. After applying the leather conditioner, let it fully absorb before entering the salon.
All-purpose polishes for leather and plastics can be used daily - for example, after a normal car wash with wet cleaning of the interior. They add shine, but do not moisturize or soften the skin, so they do not replace the conditioner, but only complement it.
How to extend the life of the leather interior
In addition to regular (once every 3 months) cleaning and conditioning, to keep the leather interior in perfect condition, proper maintenance is also necessary. Here are some helpful tips to extend the life of your car leather:
- Wear upholstery-safe clothing
If you are wearing a leather jacket, be sure to take it off before getting into the car - do not rub leather against leather. Lovers of leather pants and skirts should buy a seat cover, otherwise the leather will quickly rub off. Also avoid clothes with sharp metal elements: plaques, clasps, decorative tags - all of them can damage the skin. - Protect your interior from the sun and overheating
The sun and heat are the main enemies of the skin.
Avoid excessive heat in the passenger compartment: Park your vehicle in the shade, leave your windows slightly open, and use sunshades when parking for long periods of time. - Keep the salon clean on the beach
Any abrasive instantly leaves scratches on the skin. Beach sand is no less of a summer threat to a salon than the sun. On trips to the sea, keep a vacuum cleaner at the ready, shake off clothes and shoes thoroughly.
Regular and proper care of the leather interior will help to keep it in excellent condition for a long time without re-upholstery and restoration. Also read our article on caring for interior fabric elements and self-cleaning a car.
Do-it-yourself dry cleaning of the interior
How to clean the leather interior?
- Blog
- Lifehack
- How to clean leather interior?
Alexandra Alekseeva
October 21, 2019
October 21, 2019
Leather is a durable and easy-care material.
However, it also requires regular maintenance.
Interior leathers
Leather varies. The following types of material are used for sheathing interior elements:
- nappa (nappa) - elite expensive leather (pores are visible on it), increased elasticity. For its painting, special balms are used;
- dyed leather - this material is harder and cheaper. For its preparation, ordinary paints are used, on top of which a layer of varnish is provided;
- eco-leather is an artificial material that stands out for its softness, relatively low cost and practicality. It is this material that is one of the most popular when sewing car covers;
Find seat covers for cars (indicate: brand, model, year of manufacture)
Distinguishing these materials from each other is quite difficult, but possible. For example, if you compare genuine leather with other leather products, then the natural sidewall will be clearly visible.
The second example is eco-leather. On its cut, the layering is visible - the substrate, the factory foam layer and a thin layer of special polyurethane-based paint.
How to extend the life of the leather interior
There are a number of rules, following which, the driver will be able to extend the life of the leather upholstery. These include:
- regular care is the most important factor. You can take care of the skin yourself or go for dry cleaning. The main thing is to do this at least 1 time in 3 months;
- care "without fanaticism" - no need to polish the interior to a shine every time you get into the car. Too frequent use of detergents will contribute to accelerated fading of the skin, which will lead to a loss of rich color;
- do not experiment with cleaners - only one proven product should be used to clean leather elements. It is not uncommon for burns to appear on the surface of the material, resulting from the incompatibility of two or more compositions;
- to carry a large towel in the trunk - it will help out when you need to transport a baby stroller or a bicycle in the car;
- do not work dirty - before applying protection, the skin must be thoroughly cleaned.
Covering a dirty element with a layer of silicone will cause the material to shrink and lose its shape;
- do not get into the car wet and naked - water and sweat can cause irreparable damage to leather elements. Soon the fabric may crack or sag.
By following these tips, the driver of a car with a leather upholstery will get rid of a number of common problems that appear due to improper care of the material.
See also: How to clean eco-leather covers: 5 tips for a motorist
Many car portals are full of all kinds of advertisements for detergents. In fact, you should not bother buying a lot of expensive and not very compositions. The main thing is the main thing you need to have on hand:
- brush - must have soft bristles. Shoe brushes are suitable for cleaning leather items. They are durable and sold at low prices;
- cleaner - there is a large selection of skin care products.
The main requirement for them is no alcohol and "2 in 1". Important - the composition should be intended exclusively for the skin. It is also worth avoiding too "hyped" means - there is a high risk of running into a fake;
- microfiber - any microfiber towel will do. Cheap options are enough for 7-9cleanings, and more expensive - by about 20-25.
Together, these attributes will not take up much space in the trunk. They can fit into a car organizer.
How to clean the leather interior?
The whole algorithm for cleaning the leather upholstery of the interior is reduced to several stages. They include:
Thoroughly wipe surfaces dry. It is important to pay attention to creases and seams. You need to blow out the remaining dust from them - a compressor or a brush is suitable for this;
The main part of cleaning is the application of detergent. It is best to start doing this from the top of the chair.
If the product is with a trigger spray, then two clicks on it are enough. In the case of a foam cleaner, the driver will need about a palm of the product. After applying the composition, carefully rub it with a brush. As soon as the brush begins to rub dry, you need to move on to wiping with microfiber;
It is better to start cleaning from the driver's seat, but in fact, to transgress to others.
If after cleaning the leather upholstery there is a persistent pungent odor in the interior, you will have to open the car and leave it to ventilate.
How to protect the leather interior?
After cleaning the leather elements, you should try to keep it in perfect condition. It is worth remembering that the protective equipment for each type of salons is different. The main thing is not to apply too much composition. Approximate consumption - 25-35 g for the entire cabin.
To protect the leather interior, it is best to choose a product in the form of a paste or cream.
In any case, the protection should not be liquid. The method of applying the product is as follows:
Apply to a soft microfibre or foam pad. Squeeze the sponge several times, distributing the product over its entire area. Process elements horizontally and then vertically. After 15 minutes, the remaining protection must be distributed with microfiber over the entire surface of the seats and other interior parts.
After coating with protection, the leather elements should become glossy. If matte areas remain on the surfaces, then the product was applied unevenly.
AUTOMARKET expert's opinion:
Compounds for protecting the leather interior are conditionally divided into 2 types. The first includes conditioners based on paraffins, silicones and any other inorganic compounds. The second group of protective agents is cream waxes. They are made on the basis of natural bees and carnauba wax, as well as animal and vegetable oils. Conditioners are suitable for eco-leather and leatherette, and cream waxes are suitable for genuine leather.
