How To Clean A Leather Sofa: Tips + Advice
Finding the right furniture for your home can be a difficult decision to make. However, after much consideration, we’ve accepted that leather furniture is a better choice. Leather sofas are durable, timeless, trendy, and contemporary. But that’s not all -cleaning leather sofas is relatively easy. This is perhaps the primary reason why it is a good choice.
With proper care, leather couch and sofas can last up to decades. This regular care would include cleaning with a dry cloth to get rid of dust. Spills and stains on leather sofa beds can be easily wiped off because leather upholstery doesn’t absorb moisture as fast as fabrics or wool.
Want to learn how to clean a leather sofa? This post highlights valuable guidelines and tips on how to clean your leather sofa.
How Often Should You Clean Leather Furniture?
To keep a piece of leather furniture looking its best always, you’d need to clean it weekly or fortnightly. Meanwhile, stains and spills should be wiped off immediately with a piece of clean cloth.
What You’ll Need
For your regular cleaning and dusting of the leather sofa, you’ll need the following equipment and materials;
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment.
- Microfibre or soft cloth
- Small bucket
- Soap (white vinegar, saddle, or gentle)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Talcum powder or baking soda
- Leather cream/conditioner
What You’ll Do: Steps and Instructions
Follow these four easy steps to clean a leather couch or sofa;
Step One: Get rid of dust and remove debris
Firstly, remove dust from the entire sofa using the vacuum with an upholstery brush. This will make it easier for you when you use the cleaning solution. Using the vacuum will prevent scratches, but use the soft microfibre cloth or baby wipes for dusting if it isn’t available.
Step Two: Remove grime
Next, prepare the cleaning solution in a small bucket or ball. When choosing the suitable soap for the solution, a helpful tip to remember is that the milder, the better.
In a small bucket, pour warm water and work the soap into a lather. Then, take the microfibre cloth and dampen it with the mixture. Once you’ve done this, you can then use the damp cloth to wipe off the grime from the leather sofa bed. Ensure the fabric is really wet but not dripping. Start from smaller sections.
Step Three: Dry with a dry, clean cloth
Once you’re done cleaning with the solution, do not rinse! This can cause discoloration of the leather. Instead, take another piece of microfiber cloth and wipe clean the sofa. Buff the surface until it shines again.
Step Four: Apply the Leather Cream
To maintain the moistness and flexibility of the leather, apply a leather conditioner or cream to its surface. This should be used once every six months for better results.
How to tackle tough stains on leather sofa beds
No matter how careful you are, stains on leather can happen. If you own a black leather sofa, prompt action in cleaning the stains will produce good results. However, tackling stains on a white leather sofa is harder. Here’s a simple step guide on removing grease and ink stains.
Removing Ink Stain
Firstly, grab a paper towel and blot the fresh ink away. Do this carefully to prevent smearing it further. Get the damp piece of microfibre cloth and the cleaning agent. Work it slowly over the stain by gently dabbing. Do not rub! Only resort to using rubbing solution when this doesn’t work because it can discolor the leather. Then, pat clean with a dry fabric.
Removing Grease stains
Remove debris with a paper towel. Sprinkle baking soda or talcum powder over the grease stain. Let it sit for about four hours or overnight (until the oil is absorbed). Wipe away afterward with a clean cloth.
That’s typically all it takes to clean a leather sofa. Whether you own a black leather sofa or not, these stains are not easily avoided. Just ensure you follow the proper measures to keep them clean always!
