A leather sofa is often an investment for many years. It would be a shame if the centerpiece of your living room were to be ruined by stains. But don’t worry… Thanks to our advice, you’ll be able to get rid of even the most stubborn stains, as we’ll show you how to clean your leather sofa and make it look (almost) as good as new on day 1. A guide specially designed for sofa cleaning.
Before cleaning your leather sofa
Leather is a delicate material, and it’s important to take certain precautions before cleaning. If the cleaner you use isn’t suitable, you won’t be able to go back. That’s why we recommend :
Do a test
On a small, hidden area of your sofa, such as the back, or under an armrest, use your cleaner in circular movements. This way, you can observe how the leather reacts. And if you like the effect, you can then clean the stain in real mode.
Follow these obvious tips
The following tips are obvious, but always worth remembering:
- Clean leather by rubbing vigorously, but not vigorously.
- Use the soft side of the sponge. There are even non-abrasive sponges specially designed for leather care.
- Don’t use a brush, use a cloth
- Moisten, don’t soak the sofa
If you follow this advice to the letter, there won’t be any disasters! But the process of cleaning your leather sofa differs according to the degree of wear (just tarnished or downright cracked) or whether it’s simply a matter of monthly maintenance…
How do I remove stains from a leather sofa?
Not all stains are created equal. Some are easy to clean, while others are stubbornly ingrained in the leather. There’s a stain remover for every type of stain!
To remove a greasy stain that has been embedded in the leather for a long time
In this case, use ammonia. Although this product is used to clean fabric, carpets and other textures, it is still very powerful and should be used in small doses. Simply soak a cloth and dab on the greasy spots. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with a damp sponge. If this doesn’t work, repeat the operation, leaving it on for longer. But it’s better to repeat several times until you get a decent result, rather than pouring on too much ammonia for too long.
For recent grease stains
If the grease stain was caused by a recent meal, you can easily remove it with talcum powder, the white powder used on baby’s bottom to prevent irritation (some studies show that talcum powder is a dangerous product…). Simply soak the greasy surface for 12 hours. The fat is then absorbed by the talc. Rinse with a damp cloth.
For stubborn stains
Coffee or tea spilled on your leather sofa? Then use white clay stone, a grandmother’s household product that’s incredibly effective. First rub the white clay stone onto a cloth, then run the cloth gently over the stain in small circles. Leave for a few hours, then rinse with a damp cloth or sponge.
How to anticipate leather sofa ageing?
Have you noticed? Everything beautiful and noble requires maintenance. Wood is a perfect example. Do you want to preserve the furniture that sits proudly in your living room for as long as possible? There’s no secret: leather needs regular care.
Milk to care for a leather sofa
There’s a miracle product for this: cleansing milk. Baby skin milk is also an excellent maintenance agent. How to use it?
- Wipe the entire surface of the leather sofa with a cloth to remove any dust, breadcrumbs, etc…
- Soak a cotton pad generously.
- Pass the cotton over the leather in a circular motion, changing the cotton regularly.
Marseille soap: one of grandma’s tricks
As the saying goes, “the best recipes come from old pots”, and Marseille soap is no exception to the rule. Its effectiveness is unquestionable. What’s more, it’s inexpensive and natural.
- Slightly wet a washcloth (the water should not run out of the glove).
- Rub the soap onto the glove without hesitation.
- Rub the glove over your leather sofa.
This technique is quicker and easier than the previous one. But milk has the advantage of being more nourishing. The result is surprising, isn’t it, for a product you use every day?
How to clean a white leather sofa?
A white leather sofa set among wooden furniture is simply stunning. But as with clothing and fabrics, it’s a color that allows stains and dirt to show through, and can fade more quickly than darker colors (brown or black). What are the most effective products for maintaining and cleaning a white leather sofa?
Cleansing milk + white vinegar
As mentioned above, the thick, white liquid is poured onto a cotton pad, followed by just a few drops of white vinegar. To ensure that the vinegar is evenly distributed in the cleansing milk, it’s best to prepare the solution in a bowl, then pour it onto the cotton pad. Then, still using circular movements, simply pass the cotton over the leather and soak the substance into the skin. Your white leather sofa will be as good as new!
There’s no need to buy expensive chemical products to clean your leather furniture. This way, you avoid polluting your home and save money!
How to care for your sofa’s leather?
In addition to regular cleaning (dust, stains), your leather sofa needs special treatments to preserve its appearance. This includes moisturizing and revitalizing the leather, because yes, leather is a skin that needs beauty care! As such, it deserves to be treated well.
Find a good location for your leather sofa
Like other materials, leather can dry out and discolor when exposed to sunlight. It is therefore advisable to place your sofa where it will not receive direct sunlight. You can also simply use blinds and curtains to protect it.
Be aware that draughts can quickly dry out leather. Take note of how the air circulates in your home and arrange your sofa so that it’s not in draughty areas. In particular, avoid blocking heating or air-conditioning vents with your leather sofa.
Use a moisturizing product to revitalize leather
Leather care requires the use of a conditioner to moisturize the leather and minimize the drying process. Apply the product with a cloth so that the moisturizer penetrates the leather. Wipe off any excess as you go. After moisturizing, use another clean towel to shine the leather. This can be done once or twice a year.
For added protection, keep your leather as dry as possible when using creams and liquids on it, and take care not to rub too hard. Intensive rubbing will quickly damage your leather. Always apply conditioner with a clean white cloth. The dyes in a colored cloth can rub off on your interior furniture.
What product should I use to moisturize leather?
There are various conditioners on the market designed to maintain a cracked leather sofa or to keep your sofa looking like new. However, you can also opt for homemade products.
- Natural baby soap
Free from colorants, natural baby soaps can moisturize leather furniture in a single step. To make a conditioner with this product, add a tablespoon of natural baby soap and a few drops of vinegar to a liter of warm water. Soak a cloth in the mixture, wring it out well and wipe your furniture with it. Leave the furniture to air-dry when you’re finished.
- Beeswax
To make a beeswax-based leather conditioner, mix beeswax with cocoa butter and sweet almond oil in a double boiler over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the beeswax melts completely and blends with the other ingredients. Then remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool before applying it to your leather furniture with your fingers. Wipe off any excess, then shine the leather.
- Natural oils
Natural oils are excellent leather conditioners. However, some experts claim that olive oil damages leather over time. To be on the safe side, opt for lemon essential oil. Simply place 10 to 15 drops of lemon oil on a clean white cloth and rub it gently into the leather.
Horse saddle cleaning lotions offer another option for leather sofa care, restoring shine, suppleness and splendor to your leather sofa. You’ll find this type of care in specialized riding stores. Always test in an inconspicuous corner before using the product on your entire leather sofa, to avoid risks such as discoloration of the leather.
You now know how to clean a leather sofa, thanks to these many economical and easy-to-use solutions and techniques.
