How to Recondition a Leather Couch

A leather couch is an elegant addition to any home and will last a long time if proper care is taken. To keep your leather couch looking its best, you need to recondition the leather from time to time--at least once a year--or more often if your house is extremely dry. Reconditioning helps to add much-needed moisture back into the leather, making it more resistant to scratches and minor damage. Reconditioning on a regular basis also helps to repel stains.

Drop cloths
Vacuum
Leather cleaner
Rags
Bucket
Leather conditioner

Instructions

- 1
  Lay your drop cloths in the middle of the floor, spreading them out to give your floor as much protection as possible. Move your couch to the center of the drop cloths.
- 2
  Remove any loose cushions and set them aside or place them on a separate drop cloth.
- 3
  Vacuum up any loose debris on the couch.
- 4
  Test a small amount of the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the couch, such as underneath a cushion or deep on the inside or back of the couch.
- 5
  Ball up a rag and pour a small amount of the leather cleaner on it. Work from the top of the couch downward to prevents drips. Rub the cleaner into the leather all over the couch. Repeat the process on loose cushions.
- 6
  Use a clean, damp rag to wipe off the foam. Allow the leather to dry for at least 30 minutes.
- 7
  Read the directions on the bottle of the leather conditioner, as different brands may have slightly different applications.
- 8
  Shake the bottle of the leather conditioner well to mix the contents. Apply the leather conditioner with a clean, damp rag, taking care to rub it into every exposed leather surface of the couch including the seams and any creases. Repeat with the loose cushions.
- 9
  Buff all the leather surfaces with a dry towel to remove excess conditioner.

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