How Can I Clean a Leather Office Chair Without Damaging It?

When to Clean

• Clean your office chair once every two months using a commercial or homemade cleaner. If you have young children using the furniture, you may need to clean the chair monthly. A soft brush will be used to sweep dirt from the seams and a specially formulated wet cleaner will be used to clean the chair.

What to Use

• LeatherOnlyProducts.com recommends you use a cleaner/conditioner that is properly pH-balanced to leather. Look for a product that contains around 4.5 on the pH scale. Spray the cleaner on a soft white cotton cloth and wipe the office chair. If the cloth is soiled after cleaning, you will need to clean the chair again. Once the chair is clean, it will be easier to keep it that way. Never use soap and water, as that is a combination that will cause your leather chair to crack, dry and eventually be ruined.

Mold and Stain Removal

• You will need to remove mold or mildew before you start cleaning. Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water, and apply with a damp cloth. Wipe the leather chair with a white cloth to remove the mixture, changing the cloth as it becomes soiled. Once the mold or mildew is removed, you should clean the leather chair with a commercial or homemade cleaner to restore the luster and shine. For ink marks and other stains on your chair, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stain. In some cases, there is nothing you can do to remove the stain.

Homemade and Commercial Cleaners

• MrsCleanUSA.com offers a suggestion for a simple homemade leather cleaner. Mix together one part white vinegar with two parts of a food-grade linseed oil. Apply the mixture with a soft white cloth. Let it sit overnight; then buff the leather, leaving the chair with a natural shine. For a commercial cleaner, purchase products specifically designed for use on leather for maximum cleaning and shine of your leather office furniture. Proper care will keep your chair in like-new condition for many years to come.