Helpful Tips For Cleaning Leather Furniture
And an amazing recipe for a natural cleaner to boot!
Cleaning leather furniture is no casual walk in the park. Unlike wood and steel pieces, getting it to look brand new again requires more than regular dusting—not only that, one mistake can send the entire piece down the chute. To help you keep your favorite pieces in pristine condition, here are a few useful tips you can try:
1. Get rid of dust with a vacuum.
Believe it or not, the vacuum can be your best friend even with a leather sofa. Start by removing all the cushions from your couch and vacuum underneath them. Don't forget to do a second run for the hard-to-reach crevices to remove any snack crumbs and debris.
2. Always do a patch test.
When removing spots from leather, it's always best to test any cleaning method on a concealed spot of the piece so it is hidden from plain sight in case it doesn't work out. If it doesn't cause any damage, go ahead and do it on the rest of the couch or chair.
3. Use moisturizing soap for a quick clean.
If you don't have time to deep clean your furniture, an option for a quick clean is to take a damp cloth, wipe it across moisturizing soap and lather the leather with it. Don’t rinse as water can damage leather—buff the surface with a microfiber cloth instead.
4. Remove stains with a wonder paste.
Leather furniture is notorious for being prone to stains and dirt buildup. To remove these stubborn spots without ruining the entire piece, make a paste out of two secret ingredients—lemon juice and Cream of Tartar—and rub it onto the leather before polishing as usual.
READ: Remove Stains from Leather with One, Easy Hack
5. Keep your leather in good condition with an all-natural cleaner.
Using products with toxic cleaning agents can do more harm than good to your leather pieces. If you need a solution that cleans and polishes at the same time, here’s one you can try from Mother Nature Network.
What you need:
- 1 part vinegar
- 2 parts food-grade linseed oil
How-to:
- Mix these two ingredients in a small spray bottle. Shake well.
- Spray on leather and rub until it is absorbed by the material. Leave overnight.
- Rub with a lint-free cloth to polish.
