Use our guide to learn how to clean and care for leather furniture so you can make your next purchase in complete confidence. We’ll also show you how to clean other leather items, including leather jackets and shoes, so you can effectively tackle any dirt or stains and keep the material looking great for years to come.
Benefits of Leather Furniture
There are many benefits of leather that make it a popular choice for furniture, clothing, and footwear. The natural material has a luxurious feel that wears well over time. Here are some of the characteristics that make leather a good choice for your home and your closet:
General Leather Cleaning Tips
Most leather furniture and apparel today are protected, which makes them pretty simple to clean yourself. If you’re not sure whether the leather is finished, lightly scratch the material with your fingernail in an inconspicuous area. If it leaves a mark, consider hiring a leather-cleaning expert to take care of it. If there’s no mark, feel free to clean the surface using these tips.
How to Clean Leather Items
The leather cleaning tips outlined above apply to most leather furnishings and apparel, but certain types of items sometimes require special cleaning techniques. The steps for cleaning a leather sofa, for example, will differ from the best technique for cleaning leather boots. Use these item-specific instructions to learn how to clean leather furniture and accessories.
How to Clean a Leather Sofa or Chair
Under normal usage/conditions, regular dusting and vacuuming in crevices or along the bottom are all that is necessary to clean leather furniture. Dust your leather couch or chair with a microfiber cloth that’s just barely dampened with water. Vacuum the cushions with a stiff-bristle upholstery brush, and break out the crevice tool for corners and other hard-to-reach areas. The use of a good leather conditioner is recommended every 6-12 months to prevent cracking and keep it looking good for longer. (Always check with the leather furniture manufacturer before applying any product.). To keep up the look of your leather sofa, protect your furniture from sun and direct light. Like any upholstery material, leather can fade to some degree if exposed to the sun.
How to Clean a Leather Jacket
Before cleaning a leather jacket, check the label and follow the recommended wash instructions. If there are none, follow these steps. Add two teaspoons of dish soap to a bucket of warm water. Mix the solution and dip a clean cloth into the water. Wring out the excess and carefully wipe the jacket, spot-cleaning any spills or stains. Quickly after you apply the soapy mixture, wipe the leather jacket dry with a second clean cloth.
How to Clean Leather Shoes
Black leather boots are a fashion staple. Here’s how to keep them looking like the day you bought them. Like all leather products, spot-clean leather boots immediately if you spill any liquid on your shoes. For regular cleaning, use the same soap and water solution as described in the leather jacket description above. Another great way to clean leather boots: baby wipes. They’re gentle on leather shoes and you can keep a portable pack in your purse or suitcase for travel.
