Cleaning Leather Furniture, Might Be Easier Than You Think

Leather furniture  can be a big investment. You want to make sure it looks good for years to come. So, when it’s time to think about cleaning that leather, many opt to call in a professional rather than risk damaging the material. Cleaning experts will tell you, however, that only seriously stained or abused leather requires professional care. According to them, cleaning leather furniture is a lot easier than you might think.

First, remember that leather is made from animal skin. It’s been treated to make it soft and pliant so it can be molded and fitted over frames and/or padding to create the piece. It has also been treated to repel stains and water. So, most of what builds up and looks “dirty” on leather are oils and, of course, dirt and dust from daily use. Mix a mild detergent (some suggest hand soap with skin conditioner) in a pail of water. Then, using a soft cloth, wipe the surface. Before doing the front of the sofa, try a spot on the back to ensure it’s colorfast. Then wipe away the build up gently. Another damp cloth takes off the thin layer of soap. Now you’re ready to condition the leather.

Conditioning can be a vital part of cleaning leather furniture. Like skin, washing can dry the leather out. There are oils that can put the smooth suppleness back into the leather, and prevent drying and cracking. Most of my “experts” recommend using mink oil. Of course, there are leather cleaners and treatments that are pre-mixed and ready-to-use that you can buy, but you still want to go through checking for color fastness before applying them, just as you would your home made cleansers and conditioners.

Cleaning leather can be a bit daunting. Start with a small item like a purse to practice. Then, work your way up. Soon, you’ll be cleaning it like the pros.