How to Clean and Condition Leather the Right Way

Cleaning and conditioning leather properly and regularly is key to maintaining its softness, color, and shine. Leather furniture such as a couch or an armchair sustains more dirt buildup than you may think, but can easily be cleaned with a homemade solution of water and natural soap. When it comes to pesky stains, the best way to remove them is using water, rubbing alcohol, dish soap, or cornstarch depending on the type of stain.

Conditioning leather is just as important as cleaning it, as it keeps it soft, prevents it from cracking, and prolongs the furniture’s lifespan. As a rule of thumb, clean leather furniture once a month and condition it every six to 12 months. Whether you just purchased new leather furniture or are trying to revive an old, damaged piece, use this comprehensive guide to cleaning leather without damaging it.

How to Clean Leather

A homemade cleaning solution of natural soap and water is an excellent way to deep clean leather furniture. Before you start cleaning, test the solution on a hidden spot to prevent any potential damage. If you’d prefer to use a commercial leather cleaner instead, there are plenty of liquid and wipe-style options available on the market.

1. Brush Away Dirt

   Start by brushing away dirt and dust off the leather furniture using a soft microfiber cloth or the upholstery attachment on a vacuum cleaner. Avoid using cloths and cleaning tools that could scratch or damage the leather surface.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solution

   Next, fill a small bucket with warm water and pour in a couple of drops of natural or mild liquid soap and stir.

3. Dampen the Cleaning Cloth

   Grab a soft microfiber cloth and dip it in the warm soapy water to dampen it, making sure it’s wet but not dripping. If you are using a natural bar soap, dampen the cloth with warm water, then rub it over the bar.

4. Wipe Down the Furniture

   Wipe down the leather furniture starting at the top and working your way down. If you notice that some areas have a thicker layer of dirt than others, use a circular motion to gently rub the dirt off, rinsing off the microfiber cloth regularly as you clean the piece.

5. Dry the Leather

   Once you have cleaned the entire piece of furniture, grab a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff and dry the surface. Make sure every area has been thoroughly dried because leather that has been soaked in water for too long can become discolored or damaged.

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How to Condition Leather

Regular conditioning is essential to maintaining the color and softness of leather furniture. As a general rule of thumb, condition leather pieces every six to 12 months. The more frequently you clean leather with wet cleaners, the more it will need to be conditioned to replenish the oils that have been stripped during cleaning. Always test a conditioner in a hidden spot first before using it on your furniture.

• Commercial leather conditioner: Follow the directions on the commercial leather conditioner to restore its color, shine, and softness. If needed, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the leather.
• Olive oil: Dip a microfiber cloth in olive oil, making sure it’s damp but not dripping—a little bit of olive oil goes a long way. Using a circular motion, evenly spread it over the leather, gently rubbing it in.
• Coconut oil: Use a clean microfiber cloth to spread a small amount of coconut oil on the leather surface. Buff it in using a gentle circular motion, ensuring you’ve worked all the oil in and there are no pools of it that could cause hard-to-remove grease stains.

How to Remove Stains From Leather

• Grease: Remove any solids from the stain, then blot the stain to remove as much grease as possible. Sprinkle an even layer of cornstarch over the stain and let it sit for up several hours before vacuuming it off. Repeat as needed if the stain remains.
• Ink: Blot ink stains with paper towels, being extra careful not to spread the ink over the leather surface. Depending on the size of the stain, dip a microfiber cloth or Q-tip in soapy water and work it into the stained area. If that doesn’t work, use the same method with rubbing alcohol.
• Blood: Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove as much blood as possible. Dampen a microfiber cloth with soda water or soapy water and gently rub it into the stain, using a clean part of the cloth as the stain transfers.
• Coffee: Blot the stain with a paper towel, then use a damp microfiber cloth to blot the area and remove the coffee.
• Makeup: Blot or wipe off excess makeup, then dip a microfiber cloth in warm soapy water and blot the stain. Allow it to dry, then sprinkle with cornstarch and let sit for several hours before vacuuming it up.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Leather

Whatever type of cleaner you use, make sure the leather is never soaking wet and there aren’t any pools of liquid on its surface, as this can cause stains and permanent damage. Stay away from cleaners that are abrasive, alcohol-based, or that contain bleach or ammonia, as they can permanently discolor and damage your leather furniture.