Leather furniture requires special care methods. You can use several commercial or homemade products to clean leather sofas. With regular care and the use of the right products, you can keep your leather sofa clean and in good condition for years.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Removing Dirt
Step 1. Remove large dirt with a vacuum cleaner
Suck up the dirt on the sofa using the suction tip. Focus around the folds and wrinkles of the sofa.
Step 2. Use a vacuuming brush (the brush that is plugged into the end of the vacuum cleaner)
Attach the brush to the end of the vacuum cleaner and run it over the leather of the sofa. The brush has soft bristles so it will not scratch the surface of the sofa.
Step 3. Clean the dust stuck to the sofa
Use a feather duster or microfiber to clean the entire surface of the sofa. Be careful, try to clean all the dirt from the sofa before you do any advanced cleaning because dirt can scratch the leather of the sofa.
Method 2 of 4: Performing Regular Cleaning
Step 1. Make your own solution
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a small bowl or bucket. We recommend that you use distilled water at room temperature. Tap water can contain chemicals that are harmful to sofa leather.
You can also clean the sofa using a commercial leather cleaner. Read the product packaging so you know how to use it properly
Step 2. Dip a washcloth in the solution
Squeeze the cloth firmly. Be careful, the washcloth should be damp, not soaking wet. Excess liquid can damage the leather sofa.
Step 3. Rub the sofa gently
Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom. Gently rub the leather of the sofa. Do it in a small area. After scrubbing a few times, rinse the washcloth with the solution and wring out the excess water.
Step 4. Dry the sofa by wiping it
Dry each small section of leather with a clean washcloth before moving on to the next section of leather.
Method 3 of 4: Removing Stains
Step 1. Remove oil stains
Oil stains from hair, food, or beauty products can stick to the leather of the sofa. It's a good idea to remove the stain as soon as you see it. Wipe the surface of the skin using a leather cleaning solution, then wipe the skin dry. If the stain persists, try sprinkling baking soda or cornstarch on the stain. Let the flour sit there for a few hours, then wipe it off.
Step 2. Clean the ink stains
Carefully wipe the ink stain with a cotton swab that has been dipped in alcohol. Do this carefully, and don't let the skin get soaked. Once the stain is gone, wipe the surface of the leather with a damp cloth and dry the area thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Step 3. Remove liquid stains
Occasionally, drinks such as tea, coffee, or red wine spill on the leather sofa. We recommend that this liquid stain be cleaned immediately and do not let it dry on the surface of the skin. Once the liquid stain is removed, gently clean the skin using a leather cleaning solution. Don't forget to dry the leather thoroughly with a dry cloth when you're done cleaning.
Method 4 of 4: Applying Conditioner to the Sofa
Step 1. Make your own solution
Mix 10 to 15 drops of lemon or tea tree oil with 2 cups of white vinegar in a bowl. Stir the mixture slowly so that the oil and vinegar combine.
- In addition to homemade mixtures, you can also use commercial leather conditioners. Read the product packaging so you can use it properly.
- Do not use olive oil as it can damage the skin over time.
Step 2. Apply the solution to the entire surface of the sofa
Dip the end of a clean cloth in the conditioner solution. Gently rub the solution on the skin in a circular motion. Let the solution sit to dry on the sofa for one night.
Be careful not to get the washcloth soaked or the sofa too wet. The liquid can damage the leather sofa
Step 3. Scrub the sofa using a clean cloth to buff it
The next day, rub the skin gently so that the sofa shines again. In small circular motions, start rubbing at the top, then work your way down.
Repeat conditioning every 6 to 12 months to keep skin soft and shiny
Tips
- Test any solution on a small area of leather on the back of the sofa before you apply it all over the sofa. Discard the solution if the leather of the sofa becomes damaged.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the leather surface of the sofa.
- Apply conditioner to the sofa every 6 to 12 months.
Warning
- Read the packaging of a commercial skin cleanser before you apply it to your skin.
- Most soaps can damage the surface of the skin.
- Read the instructions that came with the sofa on how to clean it before you apply any cleaning solution or conditioner to the leather.
