What Do I Use to Clean and Maintain My Leather Couch?

Cleaning and Conditioning

• Regular cleaning of your leather couch can keep it looking its best. In addition, routine conditioning helps prevent the leather from cracking over time. Various commercial cleaners and conditioners are available for purchase. Alternatively, make a homemade leather cleaner and conditioner by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts Neat foot oil. You can replace the Neat foot oil with food grade linseed oil if not available. Dampen a lint-free cloth in the mixture. Begin at the top of the leather couch and rub the mixture in the leather while working your way down. Leave the mixture to dry on the leather overnight and then buff the couch with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Scratches

• Pet claws, belt buckles and even writing instruments can leave small yet noticeable scratches on your leather couch. To remove these unsightly scratches, lightly dampen them with distilled water and buff with a soft cloth made from leather called chamois. When applying the distilled water, make sure not to overly saturate the leather. Too much moisture can leave stains on your leather couch. If the scratches are still visible, dampen a lint-free cloth with olive oil and buff the scratches for several minutes. Once the scratches are no longer present, remove the excess oil from the leather with a clean cloth.

Stains

• Daily use of your leather couch eventually results in stains. When a stain occurs on the leather, it is best to remove it as soon as possible. The quicker you deal with the stain, the easier it is to remove. To remove marker and ink stains, dampen a cotton swab in nail polish remover that does not contain acetone. Rub the stains lightly with the damp cotton swab. Immediately wipe the nail polish remover off the leather with a lint-free cloth dampened with cool water. If mold and mildew left unsightly stains on your leather couch, remove the stains by mixing equal parts rubbing alcohol and water. Use a lint-free cloth dampened in the mixture to wipe the fungus and its accompanying stains off the leather. Nonoil hairspray can remove tough, stuck-on stains from your leather upholstery. Spray a light coating on the stains and let sit for five minutes but do not let dry. Use a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with cool water to wipe the hairspray and stain off the leather.

Considerations

• The best way to keep your leather furniture looking its best is to perform regularly cleaning. Use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the leather sofa's crevices. Use a clean and dry lint-free cloth to remove dust and surface dirt off the leather. When spills occur, clean them immediately with several paper towels. Refrain from using harsh chemicals, furniture polish or abrasive cleaners on the leather. These items can damage, discolor and dull the leather material. When in doubt, test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the leather. If damage or discoloration occurs, discontinue use.