The Right Way to Clean a Leather Couch

Genuine leather furniture is an investment—and should be treated as such. This includes giving your leather sofa regular cleaning and conditioning treatments, which will protect the material from damage and ensure it stays lustrous over time. But more important than how often you clean your leather couch is knowing how to clean it properly. Using the appropriate cleaning products and methods for cleaning and conditioning a leather couch is essential in order to avoid damaging the material.

How Often to Clean a Leather Couch

How often you clean your leather couch depends on a few factors, including usage, environmental conditions, and the specific care recommendations from the manufacturer. With that in mind, about once a week use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment to remove dust gently. "Address spills and stains as soon as possible so they can't cause any lasting damage," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Finally, you can deep clean and condition your leather couch every six to 12 months."

Materials to Avoid

Certain cleaning supplies should never be used on leather as they can permanently damage the material.

• Harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and other abrasive cleaners should never be used on leather. "These can remove the natural oils in the leather, leading to dryness and potential cracking," says Sokolowski.
• Two-in-one products: Don't use formulas that promise to knock out two steps in one. "While two-in-one cleaner and protector products can seem appealing because of their ease of use, they're not going to produce the same results that a two-part product will give you," says Jesse Johnstone, the president of Fibrenew.
• Excessive water: It's fine to use some water when cleaning leather, but too much should be avoided. "Leather is porous, and too much water can soak into the material, leading to swelling, discoloration, and damage," says Sokolowski.
• Cleaners not intended for leather: Wood cleaner, glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaners, and wet wipes should not be used when cleaning leather, says Sokolowski.
• Steamer: Never steam clean a leather couch. "The heat of the steam can potentially flash out leather's natural fats and oils, which can lead to premature aging of the material," says Johnstone.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning a leather couch.

• Microfiber cloths
• Distilled water
• White vinegar
• Natural liquid soap 
• Olive oil or coconut oil

How to Clean a Leather Couch

For routine cleanings, all you need is a gentle dusting tool, distilled water, and natural dish soap.

1. Use a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum with the soft brush attachment to remove any loose dust or debris from the surface of the leather.
2. Mix a few drops of mild, natural soap with distilled water in a bowl.
3. Dip a microfiber cloth in the soapy water. Wring it out so it is damp, not soaked.
4. Wipe the entire surface of the leather couch with the damp cloth.
5. Dampen a clean cloth with distilled water. Wipe the leather to remove any soap residue.
6. After cleaning, wipe the leather dry with a microfiber cloth.
   

How to Remove Stains From a Leather Couch

How you treat stains depends on the type of stain you're working with, but there are some general steps you can follow, says Sokolowski.

1. Blot the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub, as it may spread the stain.
2. Mix a solution of equal parts distilled water and white vinegar in a bowl.
3. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution. Gently blot the stained area.
4. Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to Condition a Leather Couch

Leather conditioner is what creates the seal on the surface, which will help protect the couch from oil, water, dirt, and food spills, says Johnstone. Test your leather conditioner on an inconspicuous spot before you apply it to the whole piece.

1. Mix a small amount of olive or coconut oil with a few drops of natural liquid soap.
2. Using circular motions, apply the mixture to the leather with a microfiber cloth. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Wipe off any excess conditioner with a dry microfiber cloth.
   

Maintenance Tips

Ensure your leather couch stays beautiful between deep cleans by heeding these maintenance tips.

• Dust your leather couch regularly to prevent a buildup of dirt and debris.
• Address spills immediately rather than leaving them to form permanent stains.
• Condition your leather couch once or twice per year, avoiding harsh chemicals. 
• Keep your leather couch away from direct sunlight and heat sources. "Exposure to sunlight can cause the leather to fade and become brittle," says Sokolowski.
• Regularly inspect your couch for any signs of wear, tear, or damage.