Leather couches are stylish and comfortable and they make a fantastic addition to any living room. But what happens when your leather sofa gets dirty?
You need to use different methods to clean a leather couch than you would for a fabric couch. You should also carry out regular cleaning tasks or hire commercial cleaners to keep your leather couch in good condition.
We have put together a guide to help you keep your couch looking clean and smart. Keep reading to find out more.
What Do You Need To Clean A Leather Sofa?
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have everything that you need. You will need a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to avoid causing any damage or scratches to the leather.
You will also need mild dish soap, baking soda, and microfibre cloths. Make sure you get microfibre clothes as they are very soft and won’t cause any damage to the leather.
The final thing you need is a leather cleaner and a leather conditioner, or a two-in-one product. There are lots of different ones available so choose whichever one you prefer. You might want to wear rubber gloves while you are cleaning- if so make sure you have a pair handy.
Once you have gathered all of these items up together you can begin the process of cleaning your leather couch.
Step 1 – Vacuum The Couch
The first step when cleaning your leather couch is to use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust, dirt, and hair. Make sure you use a vacuum cleaner attachment that is soft, so it won’t cause any damage or scratching to the leather.
If the sofa cushions are removable, make sure you lift them up and hover underneath them. If you have a recliner sofa, pay particular attention to the creases and crevices of the recliner section, as dirt collects and gathers here.
Step 2 – Clean Dirty Patches
There might be some areas of the sofa where food or drink has been spilled or tough areas of dirt. Fill a bowl with warm water and mild dish soap. Dip a microfibre cloth in the bowl then wring it out to remove excess water.
The cloth should be damp, but not dripping wet. Wipe the cloth over the dirty patch, using circular motions to loosen the dirt until it buffs out. Circular motions are better than back-and-forth motions as they won’t damage the leather.
Step 3 – Remove Grease Stains
Some of the patches on your leather sofa might be caused by grease, especially if they are a result of a food stain. These stains need to be tackled slightly differently. Put a bit of baking soda on a damp cloth, then gently wipe the stain.
If it won’t come off initially, repeat this step again and use circular motions to loosen the stain as above. If the grease stain is particularly stubborn, sprinkle some baking soda on it and leave it to work for an hour or more before you wipe it away.
Step 4 – Dry The Couch
If you leave the couch wet after you clean it then this could weaken the leather. As soon as you have finished cleaning the couch you need to dry it with a soft cloth or towel. A microfibre towel would be ideal if you have one.
Step 5 – Leather Cleaner And Conditioner
Once you have removed the worst of the dirt, it is time to make your leather look as good as new by using leather cleaner and conditioner.
Some products are two in one, so they clean and condition at the same time. Check the bottle to see what kind of product you have as to whether you need a separate conditioner.
Don’t spray the couch directly- spray the product onto a cloth and wipe the couch. Wipe all over, even the areas that look clean, getting into every crease. It is easiest to work from top to bottom. Next, use a dry cloth to remove any excess leather cleaner.
Then you will need to condition the leather. The oils in the conditioner keep the leather in good condition, but they could stain other materials so make sure you don’t get any on your clothes. Place some leather conditioner on a cloth and gently buff it into the leather. Your sofa will look and smell amazing.
Step Six – Let The Couch Air Dry
Once you have applied the leather conditioner you need to let the coach air dry for at least an hour before you sit on it or put any blankets or cushions back on it.
Once all of the conditioners have fully soaked into the leather, you can enjoy your shiny leather couch and it will look like you only just bought it from the shop.
How Do You Remove Ink Stains From A Leather Couch?
If you get ink on your leather sofa, there is a way for you to remove the stain. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball, then gently dab at the ink – do not rub! You will need to be patient, but the ink stain should start to lift.
You might need to repeat this several times with a fresh cotton ball. Once the stain has been removed, pat the area dry with a soft cloth.
How Do You Clean A White Leather Sofa?
Cleaning a white leather couch requires the same process as cleaning any other leather couch. The thing you need to look out for is letting the couch get too damp. If too much moisture collects on white leather then it can cause water stains.
How Often Should You Clean Your Leather Couch?
Cleaning your leather couch regularly will help to prevent stains, as they are often caused by dirt building up over a long period of time and becoming ingrained in the leather.
If you live alone then you don’t need to clean your couch as often as if you live with multiple friends or family members. You should clean your leather couch at least once every three months, perhaps more often if it gets a lot of heavy use.
