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Leather settee cleaner


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 couch: an expert guide

(Image credit: Future)

Asking how to clean a leather couch? Ensuring it stays fresh and hygienic is vital, of course, but so too is ensuring the beautiful upholstery isn’t compromised by the task.

As with cleaning upholstery around your home it’s important to keep a leather couch free of dust, debris and potential allergens for a healthy home and to give the material proper care.

Our guide has all the cleaning tips necessary to keep a leather couch pristine and handsome.

How to clean a leather couch

Cleaning a couch is easy and a leather couch is no exception once you know the correct procedure. ‘Leather is a wonderful upholstery choice,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘One of its advantages is that it ages well so long as it’s given the right care.’

Here’s the lowdown on how to clean a leather couch to add to your living room cleaning routine.

1. Vacuum a leather couch

(Image credit: Future)

Start cleaning a leather couch by vacuuming it but first remove throws and pillows and check down the sides and back for any loose change, candy wrappers and so on. Use the vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment on leather upholstery to avoid scratching it.  

Slowly suck up all the crumbs and dirt that have accumulated on the surface, using a slow sweeping movement. Switch over to the crevice tool to get anything from the edges your fingers couldn’t reach, as well as cleaning the seams. Repeat on the cushions.

2. Wipe down a leather couch

(Image credit: Future)

While vacuuming will remove dust, crumbs, pet hair and so on, a leather couch can also benefit from further cleaning. But before going ahead, check the furniture tag for the manufacturer’s guidelines.

A W on the label means you can only use a water-based cleaner. S or P means it can only be cleaned with solvents (dry-clean only). SW or WS means that you can use either a water-based detergent or solvent cleaner. A steam cleaner will be fine to use, too. Finally, X means that you can’t use any water or detergent on the surface – get it professionally cleaned instead.

Most couches will be finished leather and it's fine to use a slightly damp cloth to give it a quick clean. However, make sure the cloth is only damp and not wet otherwise a water mark will be left.

3. Clean a leather couch with a specialist product

(Image credit: Future)

Generally a leather couch can be cleaned with a specialist product – we like Leather Honey leather cleaner from Amazon. Apply with a soft lint-free cloth.

‘Spot test in an inconspicuous area first,’ says Lucy Searle. ‘Apply cleaner sparingly, too. Just moisten the cloth to wipe down the upholstery. It’s essential to work gently – leather shouldn’t be rubbed hard – so if it doesn’t come up clean, repeat the process.’

4. Condition a leather couch

You can protect a new couch or soften and moisturize old leather with a leather conditioner – we like Leather Honey leather conditioner from Amazon. 

Use leather conditioner according to the manufacturer’s instructions and, if the couch is old, take the opportunity to repair a leather couch to restore it to its former beauty.

5.

Know when to call the professionals

If a leather couch is stained and cleaning doesn’t help, don't be tempted to scrub – you may be causing more harm than good. Instead, call in a professional upholstery cleaner.

Can I use vinegar to clean my leather couch?

White vinegar can be used to clean a leather sofa, but do test the solution in an inconspicuous place first.

Mix equal parts water and vinegar, then wipe the couch using a microfiber cloth. ‘Work from top to bottom, rinsing the cloth in the homemade cleaning solution from time to time,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. Make sure the cloth is just damp, not wet, to avoid damage to the leather and work gently.

Dry the sofa with a soft clean towel.

You can remove ink from leather with vinegar, but do so with caution – our separate guide has full details.

Can I use dish soap to clean my leather couch?

It is possible to use dish soap to clean a leather couch. ‘Always stick to a mild dish soap to clean leather,’ says Lucy Searle. ‘Mix with warm water in a bowl and use to dampen a microfiber cloth, then wipe down the couch with the solution.’

Use a cloth dampened with plain water to wipe a second time, and dry with a third cloth. ‘Be sure to follow the rule with leather, working gently and never rubbing,’ says Lucy.

Amy Cutmore is Editor-in-Chief, Audience, across Future's Homes portfolio. A homes and interiors journalist of 20 years standing, she has spent much of that time writing about technology, appliances and kitchens. While other people count how many countries they've visited, Amy tots up how many countries' washing machine factories she's toured (it's eight by the way, from South Korea to Slovenia). She can't leave the house without a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and is always ready to explain an acronym – be it QLED, DAB or HDMI. 

How to clean a leather sofa at home

Contents:

Leather sofa looks spectacular in the interior, with careful proper operation it will decorate the room for many years. In order not to ruin expensive leather upholstery, you should use gentle proven methods for cleaning the sofa at home. Preventive self-care will prevent the appearance of obvious contamination and help keep the leather covering in a clean and good condition for a long time. For this, specialized store cleaners or some homemade tools are suitable. If there are extensive greasy areas or complex specific stains on leather furniture, then it is more reliable to order dry cleaning of a leather sofa from a cleaning company.

Usually, the manufacturer attaches a passport, instructions, insert to the furniture. This document will be the main guide in choosing a method and means for cleaning a leather sofa. Look at the label for the type of leather and impregnation used for the upholstery, the correct care instructions will be given there. According to the general rules, leather products should not be treated with aggressive solutions , rubbed with metal or hard brushes, subjected to excessive moisture, friction, it is also not recommended to use a hair dryer or place heaters near. Consider a universal algorithm for cleaning leather sofas, consisting of several steps.

Dry clean

To avoid dust getting into the porous structure of the material, it is necessary to vacuum the sofa once a week, preferably when unfolded. For this, a household vacuum cleaner, slit-like and soft nozzles are suitable. Vacuum the entire surface and elements of the sofa with a soft brush attachment. Most of all, dust, small debris, hair accumulate in bends, folds, depressions, seams. Vacuum these areas thoroughly with a flat crevice tool.

Wet

For routine wet cleaning of leather upholstery, prepare a household soap solution. Add a few drops of liquid soap to a liter of barely warm water. Dampen a soft cloth in the product, wring it out and wipe the entire sofa, paying attention to the joints and seams. When finished, blot the remaining foam with a clean, damp cloth and then with a paper towel. It is not necessary to wet the upholstery abundantly, so as not to damage the material. Soapy water treatment is a preventative way to keep leather upholstery clean. If there are specific stains or pronounced dirt on the coating, especially in the area of ​​​​armrests, seats, then it is better to use specialized products for cleaning leather furniture or call a professional dry cleaner at home.

Finishing

Special polishes are applied to the leather to give it a shine and a well-groomed appearance. In addition to aesthetic characteristics, such products also create an additional protective film, soften the material, and prevent drying and cracking. Such a caring balm, skin conditioner or aerosol wax is sold in the departments of household chemicals. Glycerin is a homemade alternative.

For cleaning leather sofas at home, there are all kinds of special cleaners on sale in different forms of release. The compositions of the products are purposefully designed for the delicate treatment of leather upholstery and are focused on solving several problems at the same time - cleaning dirt, removing specific stains, eliminating unpleasant odors, creating a protective layer. It remains only to choose the right cleaner, study the instructions on the package and follow the recommendations.

Popular commercial leather cleaners:

In addition, it is useful to have moist cleaning wipes for leather furniture on hand. They add shine and quickly remove fresh dirt. For example, you can use napkins from the brands Home Queen, Presto Clean, Tarrago, House lux and others.

Folk remedies for cleaning a leather sofa should be used with extreme caution, there is a risk of completely spoiling the material as a result of the experiment. Still, it is better to give preference to the above store products or resort to professional dry cleaning services.

The most versatile and safest home remedy is a soapy water solution.

As a last resort, the following may be useful:

It is believed that some stains can be removed with acetone, alcohol, gasoline, ammonia, milk, onion, egg white and other unimaginable means. Such folk methods are more likely to do more harm than good. Thinner and alcohol can peel off the paint or stain, so a sensible approach is needed. It’s not even worth commenting about the listed food products - not only will you not clean anything with them, but you will create even more problems, dirty stains combined with unpleasant odors.

To clean the white leather sofa, you can use Lucky Bee Light Leather and Artificial Leather Cleaner or Tri-Bio Bio Cleaner. They are easy to use and delicately help to bring white furniture in order without unnecessary effort and unpredictable damage. First, test your chosen product on a small, inconspicuous product.

If these products are not available, then treat the sofa with soapy water. Fill a basin with warm water and add baby or liquid soap without coloring ingredients. It is not necessary to pour water on the upholstery. Dip a sponge into the foam and gently scrub the finish without rubbing too much. Then pick up any remaining dirt and grout with a clean, damp cloth and blot with paper towels. If, after cleaning, the contaminated areas are not completely washed out, then it is better to call specialists with on-site dry cleaning.

Leather is susceptible to excessive wetting, and from active friction, the material becomes thinner and cracks over time. To avoid deformation, it is advisable to clean the leather upholstery with a gentle method - manually using professional detergents. First, dry cleaning is performed with a vacuum cleaner to collect surface dirt, dust, wool, and hair. Then the detergent is distributed over the surface from the sprayer and with the help of a brush or sponge, all the elements of the sofa are manually cleaned with light, gentle movements. Dirt will fall away before your eyes. As small areas are processed, the dirt is then wiped off with a clean cloth. At the end of the process, the skin must be treated with a special conditioner, protective cream or impregnation and left to dry completely naturally.

Leather sofa cleaning professionals can use vacuum cleaner-extractors, polishers and other equipment in their work. But the use of specialized equipment requires knowledge of a clear algorithm and sequence, therefore it is risky to do dry cleaning on your own, it is better to entrust this process to the masters.

This option is possible, but usually rarely used, given the quality of the leather and the nature of the contamination. If you decide to experiment, you will need a quality professional steam cleaner with adjustable steam level , and you should work at the lowest setting and carefully, using a special soft nozzle. Of course, modern technology significantly speeds up the processing of the sofa, compared to the manual method, but for leather upholstery this is not the safest option. The fact is that the skin can wrinkle, warp, deform and stretch during exposure to steam. Restoration will then be too expensive.

Fresh drops of blood are very easy to remove with ordinary cold water. Moisten the tissue and wipe off the blood, usually this is enough. Old stains are much more difficult to remove, in this case, try to remove the mark with a store cleaner, which were mentioned above.

In fact, traces from a marker, felt-tip pen, ballpoint pen are difficult to remove. The components are absorbed into the structure and literally dry out. Many use alcohol or nail polish remover without acetone. But this method does not guarantee an effective result, although it can help. The use of such liquids often contributes to an even greater increase in the ink stain or provokes peeling of the paint. There is another way - hairspray. Spray it on the mark and after 5-10 seconds wipe off with a damp sponge.

If caught in hot pursuit, no stain will remain on the leather upholstery. Absorb liquid from freshly spilled tea or coffee immediately to the maximum with paper towels. Sprinkle baking soda, salt, talc or starch on the wet track for 20-30 minutes. The dry mix absorbs moisture. Wash the mark with a cloth dampened with cold soapy water and wipe dry. For old pigmented spots, use professional products.

If possible, remove fallen food crumbs, leftover food, greasy marks as soon as you notice. Sprinkle soda on a fresh greasy mark for 2-3 hours, and then remove it with a brush. If the stain is not completely gone, treat with soapy water or a special cleaner in the same way as when removing other stains.

All about methods and means of cleaning the surface of leather sofas

November 28, 2017

Furniture care

20 minutes

Any furniture needs care, and leather furniture is no exception. This is a more whimsical and capricious material: it must be regularly wiped from dust, moistened, prevent damage and quickly respond to stains.

Settling dust gradually penetrates into the porous structure of the material, so it becomes more and more difficult to remove it every day. To prevent this from happening, vacuum the sofa once a week and wipe the sofa regularly with a damp calico or flannel cloth. Do not forget about the folds and seams, where a lot of dirt always collects.

Leather upholstery loses elasticity over time and begins to crack due to the evaporation of natural oils from the surface. To slow down this process, use moisturizers (cream or conditioner) and keep the room at a moderate humidity, around 70%. It is not recommended to place a leather sofa close to heating appliances.

If you are planning to leave for a month or more, throw a special cover made of natural material over the sofa: it will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface.

How to properly clean a leather sofa?

Clean your leather sofa for the first time after purchase. Use a special cleaner and a soft brush for this. After a couple of minutes, remove the remnants of the product with a napkin. When the surface dries, apply a special cream. It is easy to do this with a soft cloth. The cream will create a protective coating, and in the future it will be easier to clean the sofa from dirt.

Follow this sequence for all subsequent cleanings:

An alternative to a vacuum cleaner is a steam cleaner. Walk several times over the entire surface, stopping at the dirtiest areas. Then remove excess moisture with a soft cloth.

If a stain is noticed, apply the cleaner to the stain and blot with a tissue. Do not rub the dirt on the skin, as this will only increase the size of the stain. And do not rub the surface too long and thoroughly: you can damage the structure of the material by “rubbing” the pores.

Moist skin can easily grow fungus or mold, especially in poorly ventilated rooms, so do not forget to wipe the sofa with a dry cloth after cleaning.

Cleaning products

The documents for the sofa must indicate the type of leather used for the upholstery. Many manufacturers write what exactly can and cannot be used to clean a particular model, be guided by this information. Buy a cleaning agent immediately after purchasing the sofa, do not wait for the first stains to appear.

If no documents can be found, choose a neutral cleaner and test it on an inconspicuous area. Wait until the material dries - sometimes the defect can only appear on a dry surface.

Special cleaners require strict dosing - never pour by eye. For general cleaning, choose soft, gentle products with abundant foam, and apply stain removers pointwise to dirt.

Home remedies

Light dirt can be removed with a soft cloth and soapy water. To prepare it, mix two tablespoons of liquid soap and a spoonful of ammonia in a glass of water. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of soap. Soak a cloth in this solution and wipe the surface, then go over it again with a dry cloth.

Stain removal

How to deal with dust, we figured out, now let's talk about removing more serious dirt.

Spot type Cleaning method
Grease stains If the stain has just appeared, sprinkle it with salt and leave for 10-15 minutes. Then remove the salt and wipe the skin with a soft cloth. Table soda will cope with old stains: dilute a spoonful of soda in a glass of warm water, mix, and then wipe the stain with this solution until foam forms. Remove the remaining foam with a napkin and repeat the process again.
Blood Cold soapy water will help clean the sofa of fresh blood. In no case do not use warm water - this way you "fix" the stain on the skin, and it will be ten times more difficult to remove it. An aspirin tablet dissolved in a glass of water will help against dried blood stains.
Paints or markers Marker or pen stains can be treated with an alcohol solution. Moisten a cotton pad and gently remove the stain. Alcohol helps the oils evaporate, so be sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or cream after cleansing. Do not use acetone for cleaning, it can damage the leather.
Drink marks To remove tea or coffee stains, first wipe the skin with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture, and then sprinkle with salt. After a couple of minutes, brush off the salt and go over the stain with a cotton pad dipped in alcohol. Red wine stains are the hardest to get out, so don't delay the process: the sooner you clean the sofa, the more likely you'll be able to save it.
Wax or gum In this case, ordinary ice will help. Wrap it in cellophane or a thin rag and apply it to the stain. Wait 10-15 seconds, and then remove the stain with the blunt side of the knife.

Mold and Mildew Removal

Fungus or mold on leather furniture is caused by high humidity in the home or excess moisture on the surface. To combat them, use specialized tools that are easy to find in a furniture store.

Vinegar solution is suitable for home remedies: mix it at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 100 ml of water, moisten a cotton pad, wipe the infected surface, and remove the residue with a dry cloth before the solution is absorbed into the skin. Periodically check the sofa for mold - the longer it "lives" on the skin, the more difficult it will be to remove.

How to clean a white leather sofa?

The white sofa looks more impressive than its black "brother", but it is much more difficult to care for it. If you prefer home remedies, use a mixture of beaten egg white and half a glass of milk for cleaning. Soak a cloth in it and wipe the surface of the sofa. With fresh greasy stains, heated milk, ammonia or vinegar in a weak concentration will cope. Toothpaste will help against simple dirt: apply a little paste on a soft-bristled brush and gently wipe the stain. After cleaning, do not forget to apply a moisturizer - it will not allow the skin to dry out and protect it from dust and high temperatures.

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