How to clean a leather couch properly? Maintaining leather furniture requires proper cleaning and conditioning to keep it in excellent condition over time. One effective method is to mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a bowl and apply it with a microfiber cloth. Using a circular motion helps lift dirt from the natural fibers. The cloth should be returned to the solution, wrung out, and rewetted frequently to maintain its effectiveness. For tougher stains, saddle soap can be used to gently remove marks without damaging the material.
Beyond cleaning, regular conditioning treatments help protect the sofa from damage, ensuring it stays lustrous over time. Using a soft polish can further enhance the appearance of genuine leather, preventing cracks and dryness. Choosing the appropriate products and methods is more important than how often cleaning is done, as improper care can lead to unnecessary wear. Following expert tips and the best ways to maintain leather furniture will help extend its lifespan and keep it looking elegant.
How Often to Clean a Leather Couch
The clean routine for a leather couch largely depends on several factors, such as usage, environmental conditions, and the specific care recommendations provided by the manufacturer. As a general guideline, a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum attachment should be used once a week to remove dust gently and maintain its surface. To prevent lasting damage, it’s essential to address spills and stains as soon as possible. According to Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean, a deep clean and conditioning treatment should be done every six to 12 months to keep the material in top shape.
Materials to Avoid
Certain cleaning supplies should never be used on leather as they can permanently damage the material.
Harsh Chemicals: Certain cleaners can be too abrasive for leather, leading to dryness and potential damage. Bleach and ammonia should never be used as they remove the natural oils, which can cause cracking over time.
Two-in-one products: Many formulas may promise to knock out multiple steps in one go, but when it comes to leather care, using a combined cleaner and protector isn’t the best approach. While these products seem appealing due to their ease of use, they often fail to produce the deep-cleaning results that a two-part solution can give you. As Jesse Johnstone, president of Fibrenew, points out, a dedicated cleaner and conditioner will always work better than an all-in-one fix.
The Risk of Too Much Water: When cleaning leather, it’s tempting to think water is a safe choice, but using too much should be avoided. Since leather is porous, excess moisture can soak deep into the material, causing swelling, discoloration, and even long-term damage. Instead, a damp cloth with minimal water is the best approach to preserve its quality.
Avoid Using the Wrong Cleaners on Leather: When cleaning leather, it’s tempting to grab any household product, but certain solutions can do more harm than good. Wood cleaner, glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaners, and even wet wipes might seem convenient, but they should not be used on leather. These products contain chemicals that can strip natural oils, leaving the material dry and damaged. Instead, stick to specialized leather cleaners to maintain its durability and softness.
Steamer: Never use a steam clean method on a leather couch, as the intense heat can potentially strip away its natural fats and oils. This process can flash out essential moisture, leading to premature aging of the material, making it dry and prone to cracks.
Tips for Long-Lasting Elegance
Maintain the Elegance of Your Leather Furniture
Keeping your leather couch in mint condition requires regular care, and it starts with removing loose dust and debris. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface without causing scratches. If your couch has removable cushions, take them out to clean the undersides and every crevice properly. This simple step prevents dirt from settling into the material, which can lead to long-term discoloration.
DIY Cleaning for a Fresh Look
For a deep cleaning, create a solution by mixing a few drops of mild, natural soap with distilled water in a bowl. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy mixture, wring it out so it’s damp but not soaked, and wipe the entire couch. Avoid excessive moisture, as it can damage the leather. Once done, use another cloth dampened with distilled water to remove any residue, ensuring the surface remains clean and free from soap buildup.
Protect and Condition for Longevity
After cleaning, let the couch dry naturally, ideally for 24 hours if possible. Then, apply a high-quality leather cleaner or conditioner like Leather Honey to keep it soft, moisturized, and durable. If your couch sits in direct sunlight, opt for a product with UV protectant to prevent fading and cracks. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area before applying any new DIY cleaners or household products to avoid damage or discoloration.
Restoring and Preventing Stains
If your leather furniture has stubborn stains like ball-point pen marks, use a remover specifically designed for sofas, armchairs, and stools. To restore faded areas, a pigmented serum or cream can rejuvenate and restore its original color. For ongoing care, give your couch a monthly application of a protective coat to prevent stains from setting. With the right effort, devotion, and detergents, your home or car leather seating will remain impressive and well-cared for.
Remove Stains From a Leather Couch
You treat stains depends on the type of stain you’re working with, but there are some general steps you can follow:
Dealing with stains on leather requires a tailored approach to avoid damage. While all-purpose cleaners seem like a quick fix, they aren’t always effective and can do more harm than good. A household cleaner might tackle tough marks, but leather is sensitive to harsh substances not meant for it. Using the wrong products, like multi-purpose sprays, can strip away its natural oils, leading to drying, fading, and even cracking over time. Instead, opt for gentle, resilient solutions designed specifically for leather care.
Water-based stains: Water may seem harmless, but if left wet on leather furniture, it can cause serious damage, drawing out the natural oils and making the material brittle and stiff as it evaporates. To prevent this, wipe up spills immediately using a microfiber cloth—avoid colored cloths to prevent color transfer. Once the surface is dry, treat it with a conditioner to restore its suppleness and moisture, ensuring long-lasting protection. Many experts, including DFS, emphasize the importance of regular maintenance to keep leather looking fresh.
Grease Stains: To treat stubborn grease stains on a leather sofa, first blot the area gently with a microfiber cloth to remove any excess. Avoid using water, as it can worsen the issue. Instead, cover the greasy residue with talcum powder or corn flour and leave it overnight to absorb the oil. After 24 hours, wipe away the powder and check the results. If the stains persist, simply repeat the process as needed until the leather looks clean again.
Tough Wine Stains: Dealing with wine stains on leather upholstery can be trickier than handling grease or water, as the liquid gets absorbed quickly into the surface. To clean it efficiently, act immediately by blotting the area with a microfiber cloth before the stain sets deep.
How to Condition a Leather Couch
To keep your leather couch looking fresh and long-lasting, applying a quality conditioner is essential. It creates a seal on the surface that helps protect against oil, water, dirt, and even food spills. Before using it on the whole piece, always test a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t alter the color or texture. Once safe, apply evenly for the best results.
- Mix a small amount of olive or coconut oil with a few drops of natural liquid soap to create a gentle conditioning blend. This helps maintain the softness and durability of your leather over time.
- Using circular motions, apply the mixture evenly with a microfiber cloth, ensuring the solution penetrates the surface. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to let the oils absorb and restore moisture.
- Wipe away any excess with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent buildup. This final step locks in hydration while keeping your conditioner from making the surface too greasy.
How to Clean White Leather
Try one of these two methods:
Oil + Vinegar: To clean white leather naturally, mix 1/2 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution on the stain, let it sit for five minutes, then wipe it away gently. This method lifts dirt without harming the surface, but always avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage the leather.
Toothpaste: Gently wet the stained area with a damp cloth, making sure not to soak the surface—just dampen it enough. Dab a bit of non-gel toothpaste directly onto the stain, then take a soft toothbrush and carefully scrub the spot in circular motions until the discoloration fades away. Once done, wipe the area with a clean cloth, ensuring all residue is removed. Finally, use a dry towel to absorb any excess moisture. This method also helps to remove scuffs, keeping your white leather looking spotless.
What should you not clean leather with?
When it comes to leather furniture, keeping it protected from staining is crucial, and that means knowing what to avoid. Unlike the material used in handbags or shoes, furniture is more delicate and can easily get damaged by water, liquids, or anything wet and water-based. If a spill pours over it, wipe it away immediately. Using the driest products is key—never pour anything directly on the surface. Many believe mink oil is good for leather, but for a couch or office chair, it’s too oily, greasy, and just bad, similar to silicone. Instead, use leather creams or shoe polish, which contain drying agents to prevent residue from seeping deep and causing stains. These are designed for bridle leather or tough leather, making them unsuitable for delicate furniture.
If you accidentally get a grease stain or use something too oily, don’t panic—just apply a bit of baking soda to the affected spot. Cornstarch can also work, as both are great at absorbing oil. Gently rub in a circular motion and let sit for a few hours to allow it to soak up the excess grease. Once it’s done its job, simply wipe away the residue with a soft cloth for a clean, refreshed surface.
More Tips on How to clean a leather couch
One of the easiest ways to maintain your leather and keep its color rich is by placing your sofa out of direct sunlight, which can cause it to fade in uneven patches over time. As a preventative measure against stains, it’s best to treat your leather as soon as it arrives with a protector or conditioner to ensure lasting durability. While natural leathers require special care and water-based cleaning is not suitable, faux leather options can often be cleaned using a damp cloth, making them a low-maintenance alternative.
Restoring Distressed Leather the Right Way
When you treat specific distressed areas, it’s essential to find the right treatment for your type of leather. Some brands sell Old World–inspired solutions like serum and cream, which can be applied with a cloth to soften and smooth out scratches. We highly recommends Leather Masters because it’s good for most leathers, except nubuck, and protects them against everyday soiling.
Regardless of the product you use, a light hand is always a good idea. Before using any new cleaner, dab a small amount on an inconspicuous area to test it first. When dealing with colored leather, be extra careful, as treatments can most likely darken the surface. In leather care, less is always more, so be mindful when applying any product.
Preventing Leather from Drying and Cracking
Keeping leather in the right ambient conditions is key to preventing cracking. Extreme temperatures and a lack of moisture can dry out your sofa, especially if it’s placed under air-conditioning, next to a radiator, or in front of a roaring fire. Sunlight has a similar effect, so it’s best to avoid putting furniture right by a window or glass door. If relocation isn’t possible, hang light-blocking curtains to protect your leather from damage.
Protecting Leather from Pets
Cats and dogs love to scratch, and your leather sofa can become an expensive scratching post if they aren’t trained properly. It’s essential to teach them to stay off the sofa to prevent one of the biggest causes of damage. Many customers often end up calling a studio for help when their leather gets cut or torn. While cleaning is a DIY task, repairing is not—attempting to fix it yourself can cause further damage. If you notice large cuts, it’s best to contact a professional who can mix the right color and texture, applying heat to make precise repairs.
Trust a Respected Leather Care Expert—Not a Dry Cleaner
For leather care, always go to a respected shoe repair shop or a leather expert for help. Many local cleaners may advertise services for suede and leather, but people rarely have great luck with them. How to clean a leather couch the right way? To avoid irreversible damage, don’t risk bringing your piece to just any cleaner. It may seem controversial, but trusting a specialist ensures proper care and long-lasting results.
