Leather sofas, armchairs, and ottomans are investment pieces that can last for generations if properly cared for. Prevent wear from rubbing and avoid permanent staining with our favorite at-home leather cleaner recipe.
Follow This Leather Cleaner Process
Luckily, the best basic leather cleaner is easy to make. All you need is:
- Mild dish detergent
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloths
Simply mix a few drops of your preferred dish detergent with warm water to create the cleaning solution. Dampen one of your microfiber cloths with the solution and dab the stained area. Use a second cloth with fresh water to remove any residue and allow the piece to fully dry.
Before you start, check the care label for any specific care needs and confirm your furniture is made of real leather.
How to Clean Leather Furniture So It Lasts Longer
The best way to keep your leather furniture clean is to strike a balance between light, regular maintenance, spot treatment, and the occasional heavy deep clean.
Once every two weeks, use a dry microfiber cloth to dust your leather furniture. You can use the vacuum hose attachment to remove larger debris, like dirt or crumbs. Then, every six months, it’s recommended to give your genuine leather couch, chair, or other furniture a deep clean to remove oils and dirt buildup.
When it’s time to give your furniture a little extra TLC, here’s what you need to know to keep it in great condition for years:
- Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust and debris from cushions.
- Wipe the leather down with a microfiber cloth and the homemade water-dish soap cleaner (recipe above). Make sure you only dampen the cloth, as soaking leather furniture can damage the upholstery.
- Dry the couch with a microfiber cloth or towel.
Do You Need to Condition Leather Furniture?
Yes. To make leather furniture last throughout the years, you should condition it once or twice a year with leather protector. This store-bought product helps keep the leather soft and can help prevent discoloration. You can find leather protector at most furniture stores, as well as at hardware and auto stores.
Conditioning adds healthy oils back to natural leather to keep it supple and prevent the cracks that leather collects as it dries out with age.
...But Clean the Furniture Before Conditioning It
After cleaning your furniture with a natural cleaner (recipe above), make sure the furniture is fully dry before conditioning. Then, work the leather protector into the upholstery using a microfiber cloth and gentle rubbing motions. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away excess leather protector and enjoy your newly refreshed sofa or chair!
How to Remove Stains from Leather Furniture
If you’re quick about wiping up spills with a clean, slightly damp paper towel, you may find that you rarely need to treat a stain on water-resistant leather. If a stain becomes trouble, though, you have options.
When treating more set-in stains, you can take a few approaches …
- For general stain removal: Our basic leather cleaner recipe (listed above) works well to remove common stains. Remember to blot the stain until clean, as scrubbing can damage the leather.
- For darker stains like ink and coffee: Use a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. Rub the stain gently and use small motions to avoid spreading the stain. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Be sure to spot test on an inconspicuous area before attacking any visible stains.
- For grease stains: Sprinkle cornstarch on the area to pull the oil from the material. Let sit for several hours and then wipe clean.
How to Clean Faux Leather Furniture
Like real leather, faux leather furniture should be dusted regularly and spot-cleaned when necessary. Additionally, faux leather benefits from the application of a leather protector.
Unlike real leather, you can’t truly “condition” faux leather. Instead, a protector for faux leather creates a thin barrier of product that protects the material below and makes it easier to clean. Apply store-bought faux leather protector after every deep clean.
Trust Your Home's Tidiness to the Pros
Regular dusting and cleaning at home helps keep your leather couch from premature aging and makes your house look (and smell) cleaner. Schedule regular cleaning services with The Cleaning Authority, and we’ll clean and tidy your home from top to bottom. That way, you’ll have time to relax on the beautiful leather furniture you worked so hard to condition.
Call (888) 658-0659 or request an estimate online to schedule your cleaning service today!