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To clean leather sofa


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. 

How to Clean Your Couch

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 09/27/22

Fact checked by

Emily Estep

Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and fact-checker focused on environmental sciences. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

In This Article

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.

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.

Best Couch Cleaning Services of 2022

Equipment / Tools

Materials

The Spruce / Olivia Inman

How to Clean a Leather Sofa

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

The 10 Best Leather Sofas of 2022 | by The Spruce

How to clean a leather sofa at home

Modern samples, thanks to their thoughtful design and construction, from leather upholstery as a finishing element, only add sophistication and elegance to themselves. Any furniture in the apartment is used daily by people. We open the cabinet doors and pull out the chest of drawers. We try to protect those surfaces that we have to touch more often with various kinds of covers. We put a blanket on the bed. We cover the surface of the table with a tablecloth. Only the sofas and armchairs, despite being the most frequently used, remain open. If you can still pick up a cape on fabric upholstery and at the same time everything will look organic, then this will not work with leather products. You didn’t buy such a set, definitely not cheap, to hide it under a cape.

It remains to either refrain from using it for its intended purpose, or prepare for the fact that you have furniture that requires special treatment and care. We suggest you find out in advance how to clean a leather sofa from stains and dirt at home. Regularly transporting the product to a specialized dry cleaner or calling a team of specialists at home is troublesome and expensive. In some cases, professional equipment and specialized preparations are indispensable. But ordinary cleaning is quite within the power of everyone to do.

Daily care of upholstered furniture

The most important thing for the preservation of such products is a comfortable environment - constant temperature, moderate humidity and no direct sunlight. Simply following these requirements will prolong the appearance of the headset. More effective methods of maintaining cleanliness will be needed only with significant contamination. This article contains the most common ways to care for such things. The ingredients used for this are publicly available and are in every home. We will tell you in detail what and in what cases you can use.

Use a vacuum cleaner

At least once a week, along with the general cleaning of the apartment, vacuum your rest area. On a smooth glossy surface, dust is visible just as well as on a polished one. But, before cleaning a leather sofa, take a closer look at the nozzles used. Whether they are metal or plastic, they can damage the skin. There should be no sharp edges or corners. A small scratch on the protective layer will lead to further damage and cracks. The degree of safety of the furniture depends on your attentiveness and accuracy.

If the coating is fluffy, it is not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning. Dust and dirt should be swept away only with a soft bristle brush and all movements should be made strictly in its direction. The same applies to corrugated trim elements.

Wet cleaning

After removing large debris and dust, it is necessary to wipe the entire upholstery. Such a procedure will help remove contaminants that have not been pre-cleaned, but have not yet had time to penetrate into the pores of the material. We dilute a little soap in clean warm water, you can use liquid soap. Even better if it has a moisturizing effect. We moisten a soft sponge in the solution, wring it out well and wipe all accessible surfaces, not pressing hard. This procedure will help you, without any cleaning products, at home, wash the dirt off the leather sofa before it penetrates the structure. We wait 15-20 minutes until the solution dries, and wipe it along with the lagging dirt.

A good effect is obtained by using ordinary Vaseline or baby oil instead of a cleaning solution. Apply the composition to the product and, after waiting a quarter of an hour, wipe everything with a dry cloth, making polishing movements. Under the influence of external conditions, the skin dries up from time to time, which leads to its cracking and loss of presentation. Treatment with such oils moisturizes and softens leather upholstery. It restores its softness and shine.

Beaten egg white can be used for this purpose. The natural component works more effectively. But, if the coating is old and dotted with a network of cracks and damage, there is a risk that the organic matter will not be completely removed by wiping. Its remains can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

How to clean stains on a leather sofa and wipe off stubborn dirt

Before proceeding with direct removal, read the accompanying passport for your furniture from its manufacturer. The upholstery material, the type of dye used and a list of recommended care products are necessarily indicated there. If such a document is not available for any reason, check all formulations for interaction with the coating in places that are not conspicuous before use.

Try soapy water, petroleum jelly, or baby oil first. Most types of pollution are amenable to these means. You can use special ones designed for skin care:

All of them have a composition that not only destroys dirt, but also protects the product, creating a barrier from environmental influences, and restoring the structure. Thereby extending the service life. Before cleaning your leather sofa with an unfamiliar product at home, carefully read the instructions. Compositions not intended for skin treatment should not be used. Preparations intended for smooth material are not suitable for suede and nubuck. And vice versa.

Additional detergent components that can be used in the fight against pollution are also familiar to every housewife:

With some care you can use:

This set is enough to keep the furniture in good condition. Any dirt is easier to remove while it is fresh. The more neglected the situation, the more actively and aggressively the means will have to be used. For application and processing, use only foam sponges, flannel cloths, microfiber and soft brushes with natural bristles. But don't put too much effort into caring for a leather sofa. Otherwise, the paintwork or protective layer may be damaged, or the upholstery may stretch or tear.

Classification of stains and how to deal with them

Most often, unexpected stains on furniture come from food and drink. If you have not made it a rule to ban eating in the rest corner, these further tips are for you.

Grease marks

When the stain is very fresh, do not rub it with a cloth. So you only increase the area of ​​​​contamination and press particles of fat into the pores, which will become more difficult to remove from there.

Sprinkle any absorbent on the mark - chalk, talc, starch, salt, soda. Allow a few minutes for the grease particles to soak in and gently sweep everything off. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated. Then wash the entire area with soapy water or dishwashing detergent.

Old stains are removed by covering with soapy water or petroleum jelly. Allow to stand for 15-20 minutes and wipe with a dry cloth.

Spilled drinks

Freshly spilled tea, coffee, beer, wine and other liquids should first be blotted with a dry cloth. Then sprinkle with any available substance to absorb residual moisture. After a few minutes, remove the remaining dirt, wash the place with soapy water.

We try to clean a leather sofa from old stains in the same way as other dirt. First we try to soak with any warm detergent composition, and then we wipe it with a rag. If that doesn't help, try using Vaseline. If this does not work, as an extreme method, you can use a solution of ammonia, alcohol or lemon juice. But on painted products, we must first check the action in a hidden area. In order not to discolor the treated area. After processing, we rinse again, wipe everything thoroughly with clean water, dry it with a napkin and apply a layer of petroleum jelly or oil. The unpleasant smell after spilled beer is removed by adding a little ammonia to the water.

Blood stains

Blood stains, whether fresh or dried, can only be treated with cold water or solutions. Heat accelerates clotting and makes cleaning difficult. If the pollution has not had time to dry, apply talc, starch, soda on it and let it soak. Then remove the resulting slurry and wash the area with cold water and any detergent.

Moisten old stains with soapy water and let stand in this form for about twenty minutes. Then you need to rinse the leather sofa with a damp sponge, let it dry and grease it with petroleum jelly or baby oil, protecting it from drying out.

Ink and marker marks

These marks can be easily removed with weak alcohol solutions or acetone. But check if this concentration will affect the coloring layer. Sometimes small spots can be erased with an ordinary eraser.

Microbial Infestation

A common skin problem is mold and mildew. A contributing factor can be increased humidity in the room, spilled and not cleaned liquid, and even poorly wiped furniture after washing. It is especially necessary to carefully monitor products that have abundant folds and additional elements.

If a colony of spores is found, immediate disinfection is required. This is best done by wiping the area with a mild vinegar solution. But, without allowing the composition to be absorbed, rinse everything with detergent and wipe with clean water and napkins. Launched cases of mold damage to a leather sofa cannot be washed off on their own, like ordinary dirt. The fungus penetrates deep into the structure. To get it, you will need the effort of professionals and special operating means.

Care instructions for light colors

Keeping such furniture clean turns out to be an additional hassle for the owner. Any blots on such a surface stand out especially brightly. In part, this inconvenience is offset by the ability to use more radical cleaning products.

Many steps are the same as for painted products. Vacuum and wipe regularly. First with a damp sponge, then with Vaseline. We only note the distinctive features that can be used on such headsets:

If you are going to clean a white or light leather sofa at home, do not forget to test the product on an inconspicuous area before treating the base. And after washing with water, dry and lubricate the surfaces with nourishing baby oil.

Restoration of scuffs and scratches

You can easily repair leather goods yourself. After the standard cleaning procedure, allow the material to dry and carefully inspect it in good light from different angles. Over time, scratches and worn spots form on any surface. Under the influence of cleaning agents, the painted surface also brightens. To restore the appearance, you can use special tools. Whitish spots are returned to their juiciness with cream-paint for leather products. To hide cracks, treatment with a spray or napkins impregnated with a restorative composition based on wax or silicone helps.

Restoration of wooden elements

If your suite has decorative inserts and armrests made of wood, they also need to be looked after. The already tested furniture polish and petroleum jelly will help you with this. They will help hide minor scratches on lacquered surfaces, and remove whitish stains left after hot cups.

A few more tips for caring for furniture

In this article we tried to tell you how to wash and how to clean leather sofas and armchairs. But no matter how hard you try, no matter how carefully you use them, over time, the coating wears out, tears and loses its presentability. If earlier such a product was considered to have served its time and was thrown away, modern technologies allow it to return to its second youth. Only such a procedure requires special tools, consumables and some experience in their use.

Leather repairs

These are done in leather repair shops. But for those who like to make their own hands, all means are quite affordable. And the necessary skills are developed in the course of actions. What opportunities exist in this service sector:

Thus, the old product is returned to its original appearance. Such work will cost much less than a complete alteration of new upholstery or the purchase of other furniture.

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

November 28, 2017

Furniture care

20 minutes

All furniture needs maintenance, 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 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 natural material cover 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:

A steam cleaner can be an alternative to a vacuum 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 soiling 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.

What must not be used for maintenance?

When choosing a cleaning agent, immediately exclude ordinary stain removers, washing powders with abrasive particles, grease-removing dish gels, chlorine products and hard brushes from the list. In no case do not use sharp objects: the skin is easy to damage and scratch, and to eliminate traces you will have to buy a special tool.

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