How to Clean a Leather Sofa

January 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM EST

Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://www.choicefurnituresuperstore.co.uk/blog/post/how-to-clean-a-leather-sofa/308

How to Clean a Leather Sofa

Leather sofas are very popular in modern homes, primarily because of their luxurious appearance and durability and the fact that they don’t require much maintenance. They are stylish and practical for cosy apartments and family rooms. However, they must be cleaned and maintained properly to keep them long-lasting and looking good. Here is our guide on how to clean and care for your leather sofa.

Understanding Leather and its history

Leather started out as a durable alternative to wool, fabric and linen in horse-drawn carriages as it was more resistant to rain and wear and tear from being used frequently as seating. Over the years as upholstery and stitching techniques developed, the rich and elite started to see the beauty of the material. Leather since then has been associated with class, wealth and durability.

Durability of Leather

Real leather resists stains, scratches, and fading more than natural leather, and is popularly chosen by families, pet owners, and those who need practical low-maintenance sofas. However, although leather is really strong, it’s not indestructible. Over time, the surfaces become covered with dust, oils, and grime. It’s a must to clean it from time to time to retain its look and feel.

Why Cleaning Leather is Important

Cleaning your leather sofa preserves its beauty, and ensures hygiene while stretching its usage period.

Aesthetic Appeal

Leather looks rich and luxurious with its shiny finish. However, it will only remain shiny if cleaned regularly. A well-maintained sofa will look tidy and also become the centre of attraction in the room.

Hygiene

The accumulation of dust, dirt, and allergens on the surface of your leather sofa will, after some time, lead to health issues, especially among people suffering from allergies. Liquids and stains will trap bacteria, which might lead to health problems. Cleaning your sofa regularly removes these contaminants and makes your home a healthier place for your family.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Leather Sofa

Cleaning a leather sofa is a pretty simple job. With the right supplies and care, you can keep your sofa looking great for years.

1. Collect Your Supplies

When you’re ready to get started cleaning, make sure to have the following items before you begin:

Mild Soap or cleaning liquid (Bleach-Free): Choose a liquid soap that won’t affect the leather. Since bleach-free soap doesn’t strip the material of colour, it’s a much better choice.
Warm Water: Ideal for dissolving oils and dirt without any kind of damage.
Soft Cloths or Microfiber Cloths: Less prone to scratching the leather surface.
Soft-Bristled Brush: Used when dirt and grime seem too stubborn.

2. Test

Before beginning any cleaning, check the care label on your sofa. Different brands may have specific instructions or recommendations for cleaning, so be sure to follow those to avoid damaging the material.

Additionally, always perform a test on a small, inconspicuous area of the sofa before applying any cleaning solution. This ensures that the cleaner doesn’t cause discolouration or damage to a visible area.

3. Dusting and Surface Cleaning

The first thing to do is to dust the sofa, as dust gathers on it over time and has to be removed before the cleaning liquid is applied.

Removing the Dust: This is carried out using a dry microfiber cloth or a duster to gently dust the material. Alternatively, you also use a vacuum cleaner for this if it has decent suction power. This is to make sure that during the actual cleaning process, dirt isn’t rubbed into the material itself. If you own pets that shed regularly, you can also use a lint roller on the surface to pick up the hair.
Surface Wipe: Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Dampen a clean cloth with this solution and gently wipe down the entire surface of the sofa. Make sure the cloth is damp, not soaking wet, as excess moisture can damage leather. Wipe in gentle circular motions, and work in sections to avoid missing any areas.

4. Spot Cleaning Stains

For any noticeable stains or spills, action should be prompt. Here’s how to handle them:

Blot the Stain: For a fresh stain, blot with a damp cloth, don’t rub in the stain. This allows the stain to be lifted without spreading it further into the leather.
Mild Detergent for Tough Stains: For tougher stains, apply some mild detergent directly to the wet cloth. Blot at the area and rinse with fresh water. Do not rub with harsh chemicals or do any hard scrubbing, as this will damage the leather.
Dry Area: Dry the area with a towel and remove as much extra water as possible. Allow the sofa to air dry.

5. Deep Cleansing Methods

This procedure can be used along the entire sofa, mainly wherever there is textured leather or where dirt is built up. Use a brush-end that is soft for both these areas.

Use a Soft-Bristled Brush: Soak the brush in the soapy water solution and gently scrub the textured areas or stubborn spots. Brush in small, circular motions to lift the dirt and grime. Make sure not to oversaturate the material to avoid water damage.
Wipe Off and Dry: After rubbing all over the area, give your brush a rinse with water to clean off and then simply blot the cleaned area over it with a wet cloth to remove any soap left. Let it air dry completely.

6. Drying and Conditioning

Air Drying: Upon cleaning, air dry the leather sofa. Keep off heat tools such as hair dryers or electric heaters since they tend to warp and crack the material.
Leather Conditioner (Optional): To maintain the softness and suppleness of the leather, consider applying a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the material from becoming brittle over time. Be sure to use a conditioner that is designed specifically for real leather to avoid any damage.

Maintenance Tips for Leather Sofas

Maintain the condition of your leather sofa by following these simple tips:

Weekly Dusting: This should be done at least once a week to keep dust from settling in and to avoid deep cleaning more frequently.
Quick Spill Cleaning: Clean spills as soon as you see them. The faster it’s cleaned, the less it has a chance to stain or damage the leather. Use a microfiber cloth to clean spills.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using bleaches, ammonia, abrasive cleaning agents, or other stuff on your leather sofas. These will break down the material and cause irreversible effects to it.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Leather will fade or dry out from direct sunlight. Keep your sofa away from direct sun or use curtains to block its sunlight.

If you are looking for a leather sofa that will be suitable for your home and its needs, Choice Furniture Superstore is the destination to visit. We have lots of options for you to select from, whether you are looking for a small 2-seater leather sofa for a small living space or a large 3-seater leather sofa for a larger living room.

Our ranges also include high-quality leather recliner sofas and leather recliner armchairs, which are the best additions to your living room due to their classy feel of leather combined with reclining comfort.

It doesn’t have to be a challenging task to clean and maintain your sofa, however, it is simply indispensable that you do it regularly to preserve its appearance and extend its longevity.

Ready to freshen up your living room with a new leather sofa? Check out our collection at Choice Furniture Superstore, from corner leather sofas to leather sofa beds with storage, all designed to take your home décor to the next level.

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How to Clean a Leather Sofa

Photo from Unsplash

How to Clean a Leather Sofa

Understanding Leather and its history

Durability of Leather

Why Cleaning Leather is Important

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Leather Sofa

Maintenance Tips for Leather Sofas

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