How to Clean Leatherette

A quality leatherette has the good look of leather without the high-maintenance requirements for cleaning and preservation. Regular vacuuming and cleaning keep this leather-like vinyl material in top shape. You don't need a specialized vinyl or faux leather cleaner; regular mild soap and water will do.

Things You'll Need

Vacuum cleaner with crevice tool
Dust cloth
Bowl of warm water

Mild dish or hand soap
Soft, white hand towels or rags
Cotton swabs

Instructions

- 1
  Vacuum leatherette upholstered furniture to remove dust and debris. Remove any cushions or pillows if possible and vacuum the exposed areas. Use the crevice tool to reach into cracks and deep indentations. For a flat surface such as an upholstered desk pad, use a dust cloth instead.
- 2
  Add a squirt of liquid dish soap or hand soap to a bowl of warm water. Dip a soft white hand towel or rag into the water and swirl it around a bit. Wring out most of the liquid from the towel.
- 3
  Wipe down the entire leatherette surface with the mild soapy solution. Wet another white towel with plain water, wringing out most of the water, then wipe down the leatherette again. Dry the leatherette with another white towel.
- 4
  Wet a cotton swab to clean dirty grooves and indentations in leatherette furniture, such as near piping or around buttons on tufted cushions. Dry the areas with a towel wrapped around your finger.

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