How To Clean Leather Couches, Chairs, And Other Furniture

A handsome leather couch is luxurious—and if you want to make sure it stays that way, you have to know how to clean leather. Wear and tear, of course, is inevitable—we’d never tell you to stop with the Netflix binges—but as long as you clean and care for leather properly, the material will only improve with age. You know, like a fine wine.

“The best way to think of leather is that it is like your skin. Good-quality aniline leather is a natural, breathable material; it changes over time,” says furniture designer Timothy Oulton. And just like skin, leather requires regular care to look its best. Leather couches and all other leather furniture need to be dusted with a dry cloth and receive a monthly application of a leather cream to keep the material soft and moisturized—and, actually, leather cream is also what you use to clean up any dirt or stains that crop up.

How To Clean Leather Couches, Chairs, And Other Furniture

Leather furniture is a popular choice for many homeowners, but it can also be quite difficult to maintain and clean. If you have leather couches, chairs, or other furniture in your home, it is important to know how to properly clean and care for them in order to keep them looking their best for years to come. In this article, we will provide some helpful tips and advice on how to clean leather furniture.

1. Vacuum

The first step in cleaning leather furniture is to remove any loose dust or dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove any dust or debris from the surface of the furniture. Be sure to focus on the crevices and seams, where dirt and debris may accumulate.

2. Test for colorfastness

Before you begin cleaning your leather furniture, it is important to test for colorfastness. Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to an inconspicuous area of the furniture and wait for it to dry. If the color has not changed or been affected in any way, it is safe to use the cleaning solution on the rest of the furniture.

3. Clean with a leather cleaner

There are many different types of leather cleaners on the market, so it is important to choose one that is appropriate for your type of leather. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle for best results. Generally, you will want to apply a small amount of the cleaner to a soft cloth and rub it gently into the leather. Be sure to work in small sections, and do not oversaturate the leather with cleaner.

4. Wipe down the furniture

After you have applied the cleaner to the furniture, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the surface. This will help remove any remaining dirt or debris, as well as any excess cleaner.

5. Condition the leather

Once the leather is clean, it is important to condition it to keep it soft and supple. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it gently into the leather. Again, be sure to work in small sections and avoid oversaturating the leather.

6. Buff the furniture

After conditioning the leather, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the furniture. This will help remove any excess conditioner and give the leather a nice shine.

7. Prevent future damage

To prevent future damage to your leather furniture, it is important to take some preventative measures. Avoid exposing the furniture to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Also, be sure to keep the furniture away from sharp objects or surfaces that could scratch or damage the leather.

In conclusion, cleaning leather furniture can be a somewhat daunting task, but it is important to keep your investment looking its best. By vacuuming, using a leather cleaner, wiping down the furniture, conditioning the leather, and buffing the furniture, you can keep your leather furniture looking brand new for years to come. Just remember to take preventative measures to avoid future damage.