How to Clean a Leather Sofa

Leather sofas are a popular choice for homes because of their sophisticated look and feel. A leather sofa is an investment in your home, and most importantly, your lifestyle. A leather sofa will last you for years to come with proper care and maintenance. In this article, we will provide tips on how to protect a leather sofa from food spills and other types of damage and tell you everything you need to know about cleaning leather sofas.

If you’re still debating whether a leather sofa is for you, make sure to head over to our articles on How to Choose The Right Sofa Upholstery Fabric and A Guide to Find the Best Leather Sofas. Cleaning can become tedious with a white leather sofa, so make sure to check out our article exploring Why Choose a White Leather Sofa?.

Protecting your leather sofa from damage

Protecting a leather sofa from sun damage

Sun damage is a common issue for leather furniture. Over time, the sun can cause the leather to fade and become brittle. In order to protect your sofa from sun damage, it is recommended that you use a leather protector. A protector will create a barrier between the leather and the sun, preventing fading and cracking.

Protecting a leather sofa from pets

Pets can damage leather sofas. There are many ways to protect your sofa from pets, including using a cover to prevent scratches or putting down an area rug for pet hair. If you have a pet that sheds hair, it’s important to use your vacuum cleaner to vacuum the sofa regularly with the upholstery attachment – a soft brush attachment is ideal. You can also use a lint roller to remove any pet hair.

Protecting your leather sofa from dirt and dust

Leather conditioner is a product that helps to keep leather looking new and fresh. It does this by providing a barrier against dirt, dust, and other corrosive materials. When applied correctly, it can also help to prevent against cracking and fading. Simply apply it to a cloth and rub it into the leather with a clean rag. Allow it to dry completely before using the furniture.

A closer look at leather maintenance

Proper maintenance will stop your leather sofa from looking too “lived in”. Having a regular cleaning routine to keep your leather sofa looking fresh.

What not to do

When cleaning your leather sofa, be sure not to saturate the leather with water, and never use harsh chemicals or solvents on your leather sofa. Don’t use alcohol or ammonia on the leather because they will cause it to dry out and crack. And don’t spray anything directly onto the surface of the couch, instead, use a clean rag to apply the cleaning product.

Product recommendations

You don’t need to spend a fortune on special leather cleaning solution. There are many inexpensive and effective leather cleaning options available at your local supermarket or big-box store. Wheelers Natural Leather Cleaning Spray, DUZZIT Leather Cleaning Wipes and Leather Honey are some of the top sellers on amazon.

Wheelers Leather Cleaning Spray is a natural cleaner that helps to protect and clean leather furniture. It is made with ingredients like orange oil and lavender oil, which help to remove dirt, dust, and other stains from the surface of the leather. The spray also conditions the leather, making it soft and supple.

Duzzit Leather Cleaning Wipes are a convenient way to clean your leather sofa. The wipes come pre-moistened with a cleaning solution that will remove dirt, food spills, and pet hair from your sofa. Plus, the wipes are safe to use on all types of leather furniture.

Leather Honey is a new and effective way to clean leather. It’s a natural product made from beeswax, oils, and other ingredients that work together to renew the leather surface of your furniture. The company says it will not only remove dirt and stains but also keep your sofa looking like new for years to come. Leather Honey leaves no residue and is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for both people and pets. You can purchase Leather Honey on the company’s website or through Amazon.

At home alternatives

Olive oil is great for regular maintenance of your leather sofa. For this homemade solution you just mix one part olive oil with two parts dish soap. Add some water to thin it out. Apply this mixture to the leather with a clean, soft cloth. Wipe in small circular motions, going with the grain of the leather. Avoid scrubbing too hard as this can damage the leather

Once you’ve gone over the entire sofa, take a damp cloth and wipe away any excess soap. Let the sofa dry completely before sitting on it or placing any objects on it.

Olive oil is a natural moisturizer, so it will help keep the leather from drying out and cracking. If you have any pet hair on your sofa, this mixture will also help get it off. Be sure to test this mixture in an inconspicuous spot before using it on the entire sofa. Some leathers are darker than others and may require special care.

Baby wipes are one of the most common household products and cleaning a leather sofa with baby wipes is a great way to get rid of food spills, protect the leather from damage, and remove pet hair. First, make sure to blot the spill with a paper towel or cloth. Then, use a baby wipe to clean the area. Finally, use a clean cloth to dry the area.

How to repair damage to your sofa

Cleaning small marks

To clean a leather sofa, use a soft, damp cloth (a microfibre cloth is ideal) and a small amount of mild soap. Gently rub the microfiber cloth in a circular motion to clean the surface of the leather.

Cleaning food stains

Foods are oily and greasy, making it easy for our sofas to pick up grease stains. Here’s how to get rid of grease and oil stains that won’t budge:

• Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda over the grease stains. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few minutes, then vacuum it up
• Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a bowl. Dip a clean sponge into the mixture and blot the stain. Rinse the area with distilled water and blot dry
• If it is a stubborn stain, mix one part dish soap with two parts distilled water. Sponge the mixture onto the stain and blot dry.

Repairing scratches on leather sofas

Scratches on your leather couch can be difficult to repair because they’re such delicate surfaces. Clean the scratch with a mild cleaning solution. Apply a light oil, such as baby oil, to a cotton ball and rub it over the scratch. When removing it with your finger, make sure to wipe in the direction of the grain.

If the scratch is still visible, you can try using a leather repair kit. These kits usually come with a base colour and a top colour that you mix to create the perfect match for your sofa. Follow the instructions included with the kit to apply the colours and blend them.

Cleaning ink stains

If you spill ink on your sofa follow these three steps to repair the damage and remove ink stains.

1. Get a cotton ball and apply rubbing alcohol to the ink stain
2. Gently dab (do not rub) the ink stains with a cotton ball until it lifts. Repeat by using another clean cotton ball and more rubbing alcohol.
3. Allow the area to dry completely before making use of the leather sofa again.

Conclusion

Leather sofas are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their appearance and durability. You can easily clean a sofa with household essentials like a vacuum cleaner and baby wipes. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your leather sofa remains in great condition for many years to come.

Make sure you check out the homefitter ‘Sofa Searcher’ database to help you instantly find your perfect leather sofa!