How to Clean a Leather Couch and Chair in a Proper Way

by KelseyR. on December 23, 2024

how-to-clean-leather-couch

(Image from Freepik)

Leather furniture like couches and chairs are always statement pieces to transform our home. They can not only provide cozy and relaxing spots for your family but also elevate the whole aesthetic style with an elegant leather texture and a warm tone. However, how to clean and maintain these refined furniture sets is a big challenge since the leather materials always need careful treatment. Luckily, as long as you've learned about the effective tricks, you can handle most cases with patience and ease. Through this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline various restoration methods with typical scenarios to help you keep leather furniture in good shape and extend its lifespan.

Tips for Leather Couch and Chair Stain Removal

Sitting on leather chairs while sipping our favorite drinks is a comfortable way to relax, but sometimes accidental spillages can be an annoying interruption. The good news is that most spillages and stains can be tackled appropriately.

Basic Tips on How to Remove Stains from Leather

1.Know your leather type: There’s no “one-size-fits-all” cleaning solution. You should identify the type of your leather before you start cleaning the spots off. Leather made of rare materials or covered with a sophisticated texture needs specified care methods.

2.Spot test: Normally, most detergents are applicable for all kinds of leathers, but we still recommend you do a spot test first in order to avoid potential damage to your leather. You can apply a little drop on a tiny and invisible spot of your leather couch and wait 15 minutes to see its effect. If the color and texture of the piece remain the same, you’re good to go! Otherwise, you may need to find a tailored remover.

3.Preliminary clean: Use a soft and smooth brush or cloth to gently sweep the exterior dirt off before applying water. Be sure to avoid using tools that may scratch the surface.

4.Deep cleaning: Slightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth with warm water and spray the solution evenly on it. Then gently wipe down the applied spot in one direction until the mark has been removed. If there is a thicker layer that can not be wiped off, use a circular motion to rub it off. After this, rinse the cloth and wipe multiple times to ensure the area doesn’t have excess solution.

5.Dry the Leather: Once you have cleaned the spot, blot the excess moisture with another absorbent cloth and let the area dry naturally in the air.

6.Check the area afterwards: Wait 30 minutes to check if the spot is totally clean and ensure the leather remains the same shape. If there is still some sticky dirt on the surface, repeat the steps above.

how-to-clean-leather-couch

How to remove ink from leather

The actual method of cleaning an ink stain will depend on the condition.

If the ink is wet:
1.Use paper towels to blot the damp stain and wipe it from the outside inward to avoid spreading.
2.Dip a cloth into a milk soap solution and dab the stained piece softly until the colors are gone.

If the ink is dried:
1.Prepare the rubbing alcohol and follow the instructions on “how to remove stains from leather”.
2.Be sure not to use the remover that includes vinegar and any colored substance.
3.If the stain persists, ask a leather specialist for advice.

How to remove coffee stains on leather

When it comes to coffee stains, the method is quite similar to cleaning an ink stain. However, there are several things you need to notice since sometimes the coffee may contain cream or greasy substances.
1.Immediately blot the spill rather than wiping it.
2.Use warm water to clean the stain because your coffee spillage can be hot sometimes.
3.Search and apply additional cleaning steps if your coffee contains other ingredients like milk, syrup and cream. 

how-to-clean-leather-couch

Conditioner and Protection Set for Leather Couch and Chair

Besides the cleaning steps, conditioning and protective measures are also an important part of maintaining the overall appearance of the leather couches and chairs.

Why is leather treatment crucial for maintaining your furniture

Every time you complete a full clean of your leather chairs and couches, the cleaned area will inevitably lose a mount of natural oils, which need to be replenished by an appropriate conditioner. A top-notch conditioner can hydrate the leather and rejuvenate its suppleness, preventing drying and cracking. The conditioner also slows oxidation between the leather surface and the air, keeping its original color and shine for a long time. As for the conditioning steps, it’s much simpler than the cleaning methods.

1.Make sure to test the conditioner in a hidden spot and read the instruction manual carefully before applying it to the leather.

2.Spread the conditioner over the leather evenly, and buff it with a dry microfiber cloth in a soft motion. Repeat this step a few more times to let the conditioner get deeply into the leather.

3.Use another clean cloth to remove leftover conditioner and review the effect.

4.Keep your furniture unoccupied until the solution dries thoroughly.

How to protect leather couches and chairs for daily use

In addition to the conditioning method, you may be curious about is there any easier way that can protect leather during everyday use. Here’s a helpful checklist you can use that answers how to protect leather chairs and couches:

1.Prevent environmental elements: Shield your leather furniture from direct sunlight and place them in a low-moisture environment. This way can help your leather stay away from mould and keep the color for longer.

2.Regular dusting: Taking care of your furniture on a regular basis can avoid the build-up of dirt and help you to notice unimpressive stains.

3.Use a leather protector: Putting up leather covers can create a barrier for your leather furniture that prevents spillages and scratches.

how-to-clean-leather-couch

To Sum Up

Leather furniture is a valuable and sophisticated piece that can elevate your home decor and create an elegant vibe. A decent cleaning and maintenance routine is required to keep the leather furniture in good shape and serve a longer lifespan. Through this article, we believe you have comprehended the tips of how to preserve your leather furniture in a proper way. Thanks for reading and have a good day!

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