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Leather: It's arguably the best, most durable upholstery material around. That's why it's generally so expensive. Simple care and maintenance tasks will help protect your investment -- and keep it looking its best for decades.
Most upholstery leather is
finished leather, which means it's been given a protective coating. Many of the ingredients found in commercial leather cleaners are common items you may have lying around the house, so it's really not necessary to buy store-bought cleaners. Here are some simple, natural ways to keep your leather furniture looking as good as new for years to come.
Tip: Before you begin: Always check the manufacturer's label for recommended care, and test cleaning methods on an inconspicuous area first.
Stain Removal: (*Note that these tips apply to ordinary finished leather; they do not apply to suede. Read a little further down for tips on cleaning suede.)
Ink: Ink is one of the most difficult stains to remove. A ballpoint-pen mark is much easier to eradicate than a huge saturated blob (which may never come out). For superficial scribbles, try one of two home remedies: Either dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub until the marks disappear (this may take several tries), and then dry with a hair dryer on its lowest setting. Otherwise try rubbing out the stain with a
non-acetone nail polish-remover pad. For more serious staining -- or if you're worried about ruining the leather -- consult a pro.
Mildew & mold: Mix one part rubbing alcohol with one part water and spray onto a dampened cloth. Wipe surface with a lint-free cloth, and use clean portions of fabric as you go along.
Newsprint: Spritz the marks with aerosol hairspray. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Protein-based stains (blood, food, mud): Typically dark, these stains are especially noticeable on light-colored pieces. Make a paste of one part lemon juice and one part
cream of tartar; apply and let sit for about 10 minutes. Then, put another layer of paste on top, and remove it with a wet, wrung-out rag dampened with Castile soap. Buff dry with a soft cloth.
Water: If your leather is marred by water stains and rings, try applying mayonnaise. Let sit for a few hours, and then wipe it off with a dry rag.
Removing Stains from Suede
Suede should treated differently than typical leather, as it can ruined much more easily. Avoid using chemical stain removers on suede. Since most suede has been chemically pretreated, spot-cleaning is really your only option. Remove dried-on stains with a clean pencil eraser; rub it over the spot until the offending substance is gone. Restore the nap by rubbing it gently with an emery board. Blot up wet messes with a paper towel. For oil-based stains, use a
commercial suede cleaner that's designed specifically to degrease.
Cleaning & Conditioning Leather:
Finished leather: A gentle plant-based detergent like
Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap can effectively clean and condition leather upholstery in one shot. Swirl two drops soap in one quart warm water. Work it into the leather in sections using a well-wrung sponge; don't soak the leather. To restore shine, buff leather surfaces with a
soft cloth.
Suede: As discussed, suede is delicate, so cleaning and maintenance should be gentle. Prevention is key: protect suede from stains and water damage by applying
upholstery protector every six months or so. Dust suede regularly with a dry, microfiber to ward off discoloration, and use a
suede brush to keep the nap looking fresh.
Patent leather: Although you won't find many pieces of furniture made of this, you may come across the odd patent seat cushion that needs a little freshening up. Douse a lint-free cloth with distilled white vinegar and wipe down. Likewise, a thin application of petroleum jelly (just buff it out before sitting) brings back shine -- and repels water, too.
Tips & Tricks:
- Leather furniture is usually a big investment, so if you aren't sure how best to tackle
cleaning and stain removal, always
call a pro first.
- Avoid placing leather furniture in direct sunlight, as it causes fading, drying, and cracking. Also, keep it at least two feet away from any heat and air conditioning sources, as fluctuations in temperature cause the same problems.
- Dust and vacuum leather regularly to extend its life.
For more interesting tips and tricks for leather stains, check out this video:
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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
how would you clean perspiration stains from leather, I have one spot I sit in and where my head hits the sofa it is really dark, probably oil and perspiration
ReplyHave the same problem.
Yes, have the exact same problem, dark spot from skin oil/perspiration, on my favorite lounge chair.
How to remove?
Having dealt with leather goods for decades, Aqua Net hairspray is the best ink remover to eradicate from almost everything from leather, to microfiber, to clothing, etc. It is non harmful. You simply spray on the spot and rub it off with a mild brush or cloth and repeat until gone.
ReplyI am having problems withthe arms om my leather chairs cracking. Is there anything to use to soften the leather .
ReplyFrank
What about removing cat urine from a leather sofa. It's not so much on the leather but in the stuffing??
ReplyDo you know that these suggestions are antiquated and potentially damaging?? Using alcohol on the current line of leather furniture is FOOLISH. It will fade the finish. Most consumer furniture is made in China and it " ain't " like older leather furniture. On furniture made a decade ago alcohol would've been fine. On today's stuff, you're asking for destroyed leather. I am talking about "regular " consumer furniture. Not about expensive imported European or expensive American made furniture. By the way, if you paid $2000 for your leather sofa, that's not expensive. You most likely have Chinese crap. Use alcohol on it and watch it get destroyed
ReplyMy cat was sitting on the top of a very expensive leather wing chair and vomited. Now there is a stain. I tried good leather cleaner but the acid in her (the cats') vomitus created a stain that I cannot remove. Any help would be appreciated. The leather is dark green.
ReplyNo one knows how to remove oil/grease.
ReplyOK..how do you remove a stain caused by an overlly excitable puppy who piddled on my best leather chair...now has a dark stain the middle.. help!
Reply