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What to clean a leather couch with


How to clean a leather couch: an expert guide

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.

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

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.

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

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 2023

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 easily develops 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.

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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choice of cleaning agent

Leather sofa is stylish, beautiful and comfortable. However, beauty is impossible without the systematic care of its surface. At the same time, it is important to know about the features of leather furniture so that it serves for a long time and looks like new for many years.

Leather as a material has been used by mankind since time immemorial. It has not lost its relevance even today.

It is important to understand that a product made with leather requires a lot of attention:

Furniture covered with leather, very comfortable, transforms the look of the room, gives the status of prosperity and respectability to its owner.

Contents

What you need to know before you start

Before cleaning leather furniture at home, you need to prepare everything you need for a quality and effective cleaning.

The leather sofa is in demand more often than other furniture.

For this you will need:

To know what can and cannot be done with any thing, you must have at least some idea of ​​what it is made of.

It is important to know which cleaning and detergent products can be used for the type of leather used in the manufacture of the sofa. Otherwise, the leather upholstery can cause irreparable damage and ruin the furniture. It is worth noting that saving on cleaning and other leather sofa care products is inappropriate: improperly selected and inexpensive, it can ruin the furniture upholstery.

Leather furniture requires special cleaning methods.

Vacuum before cleaning the upholstery, paying special attention to where the cushions are located and making sure that the plastic parts do not damage the leather covering. Then gently wipe the surface with a clean soft damp cloth dampened with water . If there is no serious dirt on the furniture, then such cleaning can be limited. But if it is heavily soiled, an effective detergent should be used for cleaning.

Whereas in the past, cattle leather was used for furniture, today it is already possible to purchase a sofa covered with exotic animal leather.

Detergent selection

The selection of a leather sofa care product requires special care, as leather is a capricious material. In order not to spoil the upholstery, it is best to use a solution of high-quality toilet soap. Preference should be given to products containing olive oil: it softens and does not dry the skin. Cheap "hard" soap will give the opposite effect.

With regular care and the right cleaning products, your leather sofa will be clean, beautiful and in good condition.

The use of traditional synthetic detergents is not recommended, since the surfactants contained in them can lead to the destruction of the structure of the skin and the appearance of cracks and peeling of the material on the surface.

Before you start cleaning your leather sofa, read the documentation that came with it when you bought it.

How to clean a sofa

To extend the life of your furniture, you need to know how to clean a leather sofa. But first, having prepared a warm (not hot!) Soap solution, you should test by applying the solution to a small area. In this case, you can not rub hard, so as not to "drive" dirt into the pores of the skin.

It is important to know which detergents are recommended by the sofa manufacturer to remove dirt from the sofa.

If the test was successful, you can start cleaning:

Patent leather and aniline leather cannot be treated with the same products.

At the same time, if the surface of leather furniture is not completely dirty, but has only individual problem areas, then it is worth focusing on them, and not rubbing the entire surface. For heavily soiled areas, a special wax-based cleaner can be used, but its choice must be approached with extreme caution and carefully read the instructions for its use.

If you are not sure about the positive result of the detergent, do a trial cleaning in a place that is not visible to prying eyes.

Any cleaning agent must be used very carefully and not rub hard to avoid damaging the finish.

You may need to test more than one product before you find the right product for your sofa.

We clean furniture made of dark and colored leather

Each type of leather has its own characteristics and must be taken into account when cleaning. If dark or colored leather is used for covering, then products that are used for light material are suitable for caring for it, except for vinegar or acetone, which can ruin the paint. But in any case, before using a cleanser, it is necessary to conduct a test to check the effect of the drug on skin color.

Do not jump to conclusions about the effect of the detergent before cleaning the entire sofa.

Leather goods are cared for by skilled craftsmen using natural products, which are often more effective and safer than synthetic ones. For example, for cleaning, many recommend using fresh natural cow's milk. It needs to be slightly warmed up, moisten a clean cloth, wring it out well and wipe the surface of . Such milk treatments leave the skin soft and shiny. And in order to achieve the best effect, you need to take care of the furniture regularly, and your favorite sofa will delight you with beauty, comfort and softness for a long time.

Wait until the tested area of ​​the leather is completely dry, and only after making sure that there are no traces of dirty spots in the form of a change in the original color of the skin, proceed to cleaning the rest of the sofa.

Putting in order a white leather sofa

A white leather sofa is a beauty, a demonstration of the level of wealth and refined taste. However, keeping such furniture clean is a big problem: children's “arts”, accidentally spilled wine, strong tea or coffee will surely leave traces on its snow-white surface. Therefore, a beautiful white sofa will require special care.

The first step is to clean the sofa of large debris.

Do not use ammonia, bleach or other harsh detergents on leather furniture.

If the stain can be removed immediately, the leather sofa should be cleaned immediately, because old stains on a white surface are much more difficult to remove. Moreover, each source of pollution has its own methods of elimination.

  1. Spilled wine or juice stains can be removed with a clean cloth soaked in a mild alcohol solution, after removing the remaining liquid before the stain spreads.
  2. The big problem is removing marks from a ballpoint pen. It is recommended to get rid of them with the help of adhesive tape, which must be applied to the soiled area, and then carefully removed. After that, you need to already clean the surface from traces of the tape itself, wiping the place with a mild soapy solution. If the desired result is not achieved, you will have to use a cotton pad moistened with acetone or alcohol, gently wiping the contaminated surface with it.
  3. Pen marks can also be removed with rubbing alcohol and then treated with a leather care product.
  4. Chewing gum can be removed by placing pieces of ice wrapped in a plastic bag around it. If "voluntarily" she does not want to leave the surface, you will have to carefully remove it with any blunt object.
  5. Wax stains can be removed like chewing gum.
  6. Traces of coffee or tea can be removed with a light soap solution, for the preparation of which you will need a quality toilet soap.

An important advantage of a light-colored sofa over a dark one is the possibility of using products without fear of visibly damaging its color.

A weak solution of vinegar helps to get rid of many impurities.

Leather can be cleaned with normal dishwashing detergent.

Do not use a lot of water when cleaning a leather sofa.

Regular cleaning - fast, prudent and gentle

In order for a leather sofa to last as long as possible and please with its beauty and comfort, it must be regularly maintained. This will protect against the appearance of stubborn stains and premature wear of the cover material.

If your efforts to clean soiled areas of the sofa do not give the desired result, do not be discouraged - contact the experts.

Weekly:

The light leather of the sofa is an excellent object for drawing with a felt-tip pen or a ballpoint pen for your little one left “for a minute”.

After cleaning

After cleaning the product, it must be treated with a high-quality care product for upholstered leather furniture, which will prevent the appearance of cracks on the surface of the upholstery and give it shine and strength.

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