How to Bleach a Leather Couch

When you bought it, your leather couch was a precise shade of cream, caramel or some other hue. Over time, though, soil has darkened the leather in places, making it look dingy. While most people think of bleaching only in regard to items like their clothes and other textiles that you can toss in a washing machine, you can actually bleach leather when cleaning it, as well. Bleaching leather allows you to brighten areas that stains have marred.

1 tsp. oxalic acid
Small basin
2 cups cold water
Old, clean toothbrush
2 soft cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 1 tsp. oxalic acid into a small basin. Add 2 cups warm water.
- 2
  Dip an old, clean toothbrush in the mixture and mix the two ingredients well. Continue mixing until the oxalic acid crystals have completely dissolved.
- 3
  Shake the toothbrush off against the side of the basin. Scrub the leather in the area that needs bleaching with the toothbrush. Your goal is to lightly rub this area with the toothbrush, getting it damp but not sopping wet.
- 4
  Wipe off the leather with a soft cloth and assess. Dip your toothbrush into the mixture and tap it on the side of the small basin, shaking off excess, and give the spot another scrub. Continue to lightly scrub the area of the leather until it is sufficiently lighter.
- 5
  Dampen a soft cloth with warm water so that it is barely wet. Wipe down the area when finished, pat it down with a dry cloth and allow it to air-dry fully.

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