We often try hard to keep towels and sheets looking fresh, but leather gets nicer as it gets older. However, even if you like your leather couch or chair to look aged and charming, it still needs cleaning to remain in good condition. You want it to appear cared for, not forgotten. You can easily clean your leather couch with common kitchen items and leather conditioner.

removing stains from leather

To keep your leather couch in good shape, you should do two types of cleaning: regular upkeep and thorough cleaning for tough stains. It’s important to choose the correct cleaning materials for different kinds of stains. We’ve simplified these tips to help you deal with spills, such as from red wine, effectively.

Keep reading to discover tips on cleaning a leather couch and how to make your furniture look great for many years.

How often should you clean a leather couch?

It’s recommended to clean your leather couch regularly to keep it looking its best. Each week, you should dust it off with a microfiber cloth to get rid of dust and crumbs. You can also use a vacuum cleaner’s soft brush attachment, integrating this into your usual vacuuming routine.

For stains, you’ll need to put in more effort. Once a month, it’s good to do a deeper cleaning: Clean the couch with a damp cloth, and then apply a leather cream conditioner. This deeper cleaning and conditioning help prevent cracks and discoloration.

What You Need:

  • A clean washcloth or microfiber towel
  • Dish soap
  • Warm water
  • Leather conditioner
  • Baking soda (if needed)
  • Rubbing alcohol (if needed)
  • Ice (if needed)

How to Clean a Leather Couch

For weekly cleanings, you just need a few basic items to keep your leather couch in good shape. You’ll need a clean washcloth or microfiber towel, some dish soap, and your preferred leather conditioner to start.

Clean the Couch

You can find leather wipes in stores, but you can easily make your own by using warm water with a bit of dish soap and a clean towel. Just put a few drops of dish soap on a damp towel and start cleaning every part of the couch – the cushions, sides, armrests, and back.

Make Sure It’s Completely Dry

After cleaning all parts of the couch, use a fresh washcloth or microfiber towel to dry it well, making sure there’s no leftover water before you condition it.

Apply Conditioner to the Leather

Check the maker’s advice for your couch to find out which conditioners are best for its leather type. After picking the right leather conditioner, spread it over the entire couch. Since genuine leather comes from cattle skin, this step is like using lotion to keep our skin hydrated.

If your leather couch has a warranty, using the wrong leather conditioner could cancel it. Always use what the manufacturer suggests and keep the receipts of the products you use.

How to Get Rid of Common Stains

Since leather soaks up spills and can’t be washed in a machine, make sure any stain removal efforts actually help, not harm. Luckily, you can usually remove stains with things you already have at home.

Begin with Soap

For common stains, such as coffee or ice cream spills, a little dish soap usually works well. Just mix warm water with some dish soap, dampen a cloth with it, and clean the stained spot.

Rub in Circular Motions

For most stains, the advice is to rub the spot in small circles as you clean it. Avoid rubbing in straight lines, as this can cause more damage. Use circular motions and be careful not to soak the area with too much water. After that, dry it with a fresh towel.

How to Get Rid of Greasy Stains

You can spot a grease stain in a few ways. If you drop something oily, like pepperoni pizza, face down, it’s obvious. But if a strange stain doesn’t go away after cleaning with a soapy cloth, or if it feels slick, it’s likely grease.

Put Baking Soda on the Stain

To clean it, Put a little baking soda on the stain and leave it for a few hours to soak up the oil.

Clean Off the Stain

After letting the baking soda sit on the stain for a while, use a dry, soft cloth to brush it off. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe again and get rid of any leftover baking soda.

How to Get Rid of Ink Stains

Ink stains might look scary, but you can often clean them up with basic stuff you have around the house.

Use Rubbing Alcohol

Put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and gently tap it on the stain until it starts to fade. Remember to tap, not rub, to avoid spreading the ink.

Dry Gently

After the stain is gone, use a clean washcloth to pat the area dry gently. If you still see ink stains after it dries, repeat the steps as needed.

How to Get Rid of Wax or Gum

If wax, gum, or anything sticky ends up on your leather furniture, don’t worry. The best approach is to make the sticky stuff hard so you can take it off easily, instead of trying to wipe or rub it off.

Make the Area Cold

Put some ice cubes in a plastic bag and press it on the sticky spot. Let the wax or gum become as hard as possible before you try to take it off.

Carefully Remove It

After it has hardened, gently remove the wax or gum with your fingernails or a spoon. It’s important not to use a knife or anything sharp that might scratch or damage the leather.

Check with the Manufacturer if Needed

Lastly, monitor how things are going—if it’s not improving, take a moment to rethink your approach. If you’re unsure, refer to a guide or reach out to the manufacturer for advice. For some issues, like scratches or big stains on the leather, you might need to get help from a professional.