How To Clean Your Leather Couch And Keep It Sparkling

Last Updated on August 15, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

To clean and maintain a leather couch, follow these steps:

1. Dust regularly with a soft cloth to prevent buildup.
2. Wipe spills immediately with a damp cloth.
3. Use a leather cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Apply a leather conditioner every 6-12 months.
5. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.

How To Clean Your Leather Couch And Keep It Sparkling

A sparkling leather couch can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space. However, to ensure your leather couch maintains its shine and charm, regular care and maintenance are indispensable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your leather couch and keep it sparkling.

1. Vacuum The Couch
Start by lightly vacuuming the surfaces and crevices of your couch to remove any dust or debris. This step is a crucial part of maintaining its overall cleanliness.

2. Prepare a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Never use harsh chemicals on your leather couch. Instead, create a mild solution using two parts of lukewarm water to one part mild soap, preferably a non-detergent liquid soap.

3. Test the Cleaning Solution
Before applying your cleaning solution to the entire couch, test it on a small part to ensure it doesn’t damage the leather. If there are no noticeable changes, you are good to go.

4. Wipe Down the Couch
Dampen a microfiber cloth in your cleaning solution and gently wipe down the entire couch. Be sure not to soak the couch or leave any excess water on it.

5. Dry The Couch
Immediately after wiping, use another clean, dry cloth to dry off the couch and remove any lingering moisture.

6. Condition the Leather
Apply a leather conditioner in circular motions using a soft cloth to retain your couch’s softness and prevent it from cracking.

7. Regular Maintenance
Ensuring the continued sparkle of your leather couch requires regular maintenance. Repeat these steps every three months or so and promptly clean up any spills to avoid stains.

Following these professional-grade steps will help ensure that your leather couch remains shiny and attractive for years to come. Remember not to expose your leather couch to direct sunlight or place hot items on it directly to prevent damage or discoloration. With regular care and attention, your leather couch can indeed become a source of envy for any guest.

How To Remove Spills And Messes

Spills and messes can damage the appearance of your leather couch if left unattended for long. Follow these simple steps

1. Prepare a cleaning solution composed of equal volumes of vinegar and water in a bowl

2. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and all loose particles from the leather sofa’s surface

3. Shake the solution of water and vinegar to mix evenly and dip a piece of clean cloth in it

4. Wring out the fabric to remove excess solution for it to be damp and not soaked

5. Begin wiping the dirty parts of your leather sofa

6. Use a dry, clean cloth to wipe any parts that could be damp

Removing Ink Stains From A Leather Seat

Sometimes ink spills on your leather sofa, and if left to stand for long, it can damage this asset. Remove the ink quickly by following these simple steps;

1. Apply a little rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball

2. Dab the stain gently with the cotton ball until it starts to lift. Do not rub to avoid damaging the seat. Repeat the procedure by applying more rubbing alcohol on a fresh cotton ball

3. Using a soft, clean cloth pat the area you dabbed

Removing Grease Stains From A Leather Couch

Grease may also stain your couch since it is contained in the food we eat. Use these simple steps to remove the blemish.

1. Sprinkle a little baking soda on the spot

2. Let the powder sit on the stain for a few hours or until it absorbs the grease

3. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away the residue

4. Dip a clean cloth in water, wring out the excess liquid, and start wiping the dirty parts of the leather couch

How To Prevent Stains On Your Leather Sofa

Preventing your couch from getting stains is more comfortable than removing them. Here’s how to avoid the stain;

1. Remove the stain immediately it gets on the seat to prevent it from sticking

2. Clean your leather couch regularly since most stains occur as a result of dirt sitting in over a long period. Take a few seconds to wipe your sofa with a clean and soft cloth once or twice a week

3. Condition your sofa with mild oil such as coconut or lemon after cleaning. Water-based cleaners can cause your leather seat to dry or even crack if left unconditioned

4. Avoid using a lot of water when cleaning your sofa as this may dry the natural oils in leather. Avoid harsh chemicals too, when making your cleaning solutions

5. Always use the cleaning codes on your care manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have no access to a manual, you can contact the manufacturer to get recommendations on how to clean your piece of furniture safely

What To Do With Scratches On Your Leather Sofa

Sometimes your luxurious leather seat may get scratched, especially if you have pets around. You can extend its life by taking the following steps;

1. Clean the scratch thoroughly using a mild solution such as water and vinegar

2. Rub the scratch in a circular motion with mild oil such as baby oil

3. Allow the oil to dry then wipe it off with a soft, clean cloth

Household Products Which Can Be Used To Clean Leather Couch

Not all cleaning agents can be used to clean your leather sofas due to their delicate nature. Harsh chemicals found in most cleansing agents can discolor or damage your seats, and you should, therefore, be careful when cleaning. You can use several household substances such as;

1. Vinegar And Olive Oil

Suppose your leather sofa has some stain, dab vinegar directly over the mark and let it dry. Apply a little olive oil on a soft cloth and buff the leather with it to keep the fabric supple and smooth.

Mix equal portions of olive oil and vinegar in a bowl. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and rub it all over the leather. Wipe the sofa down again using a fresh cloth or paper towel to remove excess oil.

2. Soap And Water

You can use mild hand or dish soap to clean your leather furniture generally. Mix a squirt or two of the solvent in a bowl of warm water and use it to clean dirt and dust. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose debris.  Dip a soft cloth inside the soapy water and wring out excess liquid to leave it damp.

Wipe down the leather with the damp cloth then dry with another damp, soap-free white cloth. Buff the leather dry, immediately with another clean, soft towel. If there is a part of the leather that is heavily soiled, apply a drop of the gentle soap onto a clean cloth and rub it over the stain.

Wipe the part again with a wet cloth and then buff dry.

3. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is effective in removing different types of stains from leather. Place a few drops of alcohol onto a soft cloth and blot it above mildew stains to remove them. Dab away the ink with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol.

Avoid rubbing ink stains as they can spread on the leather but instead blot and dab with fresh alcohol on a cotton ball until it vanishes.

Before using rubbing alcohol, it is advisable first to test it on a hidden area to check if it is compatible with your leather.

4. Ice Cubes

If your leather is soiled with chewy substances such as candle wax or chewing gum, you can use ice cubes. Place several ice cubes in a zippered bag such as that of a sandwich and let it rest over the substance for a few minutes. Remove the hardened material using a plastic spoon or your hand.

Repeat the procedure as many times as possible until the problem is solved completely.

Final Word

A leather couch is a luxurious piece of furniture that adds elegance to your home and which needs proper care. Ensure that you use suitable cleansing agents to avoid damaging the sofa and always follow the right procedure as stated above.

References:

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-clean-leather-couch
https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-clean-leather-couch.htm