Wondering how to clean your leather couch and maintain its beauty? Keeping it fresh and hygienic is important, but you also want to make sure the cleaning process doesn’t harm the upholstery.
Like other upholstery in your home, it’s crucial to keep your leather couch free from dust, debris, and potential allergens for a healthy living environment and to provide the material with proper care.
Our guide has all the cleaning tips you need to keep your leather couch looking pristine and attractive.
How Often to Clean a Leather Couch
Deep-clean your leather couch one to two times a year, depending on its color and the presence of stains. Light-colored leather should be cleaned every six months, while dark-colored leather can be cleaned once a year. The same schedule applies to leather recliners.
Address stains promptly, and regularly vacuum and dust your leather couch every one to two weeks.
Considerations Before You Start
Before cleaning, check if your leather couch is still under warranty to avoid voiding it. Always follow the manufacturer’s guide when cleaning your furniture, and keep these reminders in mind:
- Avoid ammonia or bleach products: They can damage the leather.
- Steer clear of sanitizing wipes or sprays: They may harm the couch’s leather finish.
- Use water cautiously: Excessive moisture can cause stains. It’s better to use damp cloths rather than wet ones.
How to Clean Your Leather Couch: A Simple Guide
Cleaning a leather couch is a breeze when you follow the right steps. Leather is a fantastic upholstery choice known for aging gracefully, given the proper care. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you add leather couch cleaning to your routine:
1. Vacuum Your Leather Couch
- Begin by removing throws and pillows.
- Check between cushions and along the sides for loose items.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to prevent scratching.
- Slowly and carefully vacuum the surface to pick up crumbs and dirt.
- Switch to the crevice tool for edges and seams.
2. Wipe Down Your Leather Couch
- Check the furniture tag for cleaning guidelines.
- “W” means water-based cleaner only, “S” or “P” means solvent-only (dry-clean).
- “SW” or “WS” allows water-based or solvent cleaner; a steam cleaner is also fine.
- “X” means no water or detergent; professional cleaning is required.
- For finished leather, use a slightly damp cloth for a quick clean. Avoid making it too wet to prevent watermarks.
3. Clean with a Specialist Product
- Consider using a specialized leather cleaner like Leather Honey (available on Amazon).
- Spot test the area first.
- Apply the cleaner sparingly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Wipe down the upholstery gently; avoid rubbing too hard. Repeat if necessary.
4. Condition Your Leather Couch
- Protect a new couch or rejuvenate old leather with a leather conditioner like Leather Honey (Amazon).
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
- If the couch is old, use this opportunity to restore it to its former beauty.
5. Know When to Seek Professional Help
- If your leather couch is stained and regular cleaning doesn’t help, avoid scrubbing.
- Instead, call in a professional upholstery cleaner to prevent causing more harm.
Can I Clean My Leather Couch with Vinegar?
Yes, you can use white vinegar to clean your leather sofa, but it’s essential to test the solution in an inconspicuous spot first. Here’s a simple method:
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar.
- Wipe the couch using a microfiber cloth.
- Work from top to bottom, rinsing the cloth in the cleaning solution as needed.
- Ensure the cloth is damp, not wet, to prevent leather damage.
- Dry the sofa couch with a soft, clean small towel.
For ink stains on leather, vinegar can be effective, but proceed with caution.
Can I Clean My Leather Couch with Dish Soap?
Yes, you can use dish soap to clean your leather couch, but follow these steps:
- Choose a mild dish soap.
- Mix it with warm water in a bowl.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with the soapy solution and wipe down the couch.
- Use a second cloth dampened with plain water for a thorough wipe.
- Dry the leather with a third, clean cloth.
