How to Clean Leather Furniture So It Looks Like New

Want to keep your leather in pristine shape? Then it’s time you learned how to clean leather!

What products do you need to clean leather?

Cleaning leather requires specific products to ensure effective yet gentle care. We recommend a Leather Upholstery Care Kit with the following essential products for cleaning leather:

• Leather Cleaner
• Leather Conditioner
• Applicator Brush
• Microfibre Cloth

What to Look for in a Leather Upholstery Care Kit

A quality leather upholstery care kit is a two-step system for the maintenance of your leather upholstery. The products should be suitable for use on leather, PU and vinyl furniture. Ideally your leather upholstery care kit should be able to be used on multiple surfaces and furniture pieces such as lounge suites, ottomans, dining chairs and also on bedroom suites or upholstered furniture to ensure they stay looking their best.

Leather care products should not affect the look, feel or condition of your leather, and should not leave any surface residue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Leather Upholstery Care Kit

• Preparing the Surface: Start by giving your leather a good dusting. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dirt or debris. This helps in preventing scratches during the cleaning process. For those stubborn stains, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth should do the trick.
• Applying Leather Cleaner: Now that your surface is prepped, it’s time to get cleaning. Apply a small amount of your quality leather cleaner onto your microfibre cloth. Gently rub the cleaner onto the leather in a circular motion, covering the entire surface. Use the leather cleaner liquid to effectively remove dirt and grime from the surface of your furniture nourish to maintain look and feel.
• Conditioning the Leather: Once your leather is clean, it’s time to nourish and protect it. Use a high-quality leather conditioner (option here!) that suits your specific type of leather. Apply a thin, even layer of the conditioner using a clean cloth. This step helps restore moisture, keeping your leather soft and supple while preventing cracks and dullness. Leather protection gel which forms an invisible barrier between the surface of your leather, PU, vinyl and the day to day dirt and grime build up, making furniture cleaning with leather cleaning fluid easier and more effective.

Tips for Maintaining Leather Upholstery Between Cleanings

Maintaining your leather upholstery between cleanings is essential for keeping it in top-notch condition. Here are some handy tips for you:

• Regular Dusting: Dust your leather upholstery regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. This helps prevent the build-up of dirt and debris, reducing the risk of scratches.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Leather can fade and become brittle when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Position your furniture away from windows or use curtains and blinds to protect it from harsh sunlight.
• Mind the Spills: Accidents happen, so it’s crucial to address spills promptly. Blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth, and avoid rubbing, as it can spread the liquid. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth for water-based spills, and follow up with a dry cloth.
• Keep Sharp Objects Away: Leather is durable but can be susceptible to scratches. Keep sharp objects such as keys, pet claws, or metal accessories away from your leather furniture to avoid accidental damage.
• Rotate and Fluff Cushions: If your leather furniture has removable cushions, rotate them periodically to ensure even wear. Give them a gentle fluff to maintain their shape and prevent uneven sagging.
• Temperature and Humidity Control: Leather is sensitive to extreme temperature and humidity changes. Try to maintain a stable indoor environment to prevent the leather from drying out or absorbing excess moisture.
• Use Leather Protector: Consider using a leather protection gel for an extra layer of defence against spills and stains. Be sure to choose a product compatible with your specific type of leather.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Leather Upholstery Care Kit 

• Skipping Surface Preparation:

When it comes to using a leather upholstery care kit, it’s crucial to avoid some common mistakes to ensure your leather stays in top-notch condition. Here’s a list to keep you on the right track:

Mistake: Neglecting to prep the surface before applying the cleaner.

Fix: Always start by dusting off or vacuuming the surface to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents scratches during the cleaning process.

• Overusing Cleaner:

Mistake: Applying too much cleaner in one go.

Fix: Use a small amount of cleaner on a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth. Excessive product can leave a residue and potentially harm the leather.

• Neglecting Conditioning:

Mistake: Skipping the conditioning and protection step after cleaning.

Fix: Conditioning helps restore moisture and flexibility to the leather. Use a suitable leather protection gel to condition and protect to keep it supple and prevent cracks.

• Rubbing Stains Vigorously:

Mistake: Vigorous rubbing of stains.

Fix: Gently blot stains with a clean, damp cloth. Rubbing too hard can spread the stain or damage the leather.

• Ignoring Product Compatibility:

Mistake: Using products not suitable for your type of leather; for example, suede leather requires specific leather product care.

Fix: Always check product labels to ensure they are compatible with your specific leather type. This avoids discolouration or damage.

• Neglecting Regular Maintenance:

Mistake: Only cleaning when visibly dirty.

Fix: Regularly clean and condition your leather upholstery to prevent dirt build-up and maintain its overall health and appearance.

• Overlooking Professional Help:

Mistake: Assuming all issues can be solved with a DIY approach.

Fix: If in doubt or dealing with significant damage, seek professional assistance. They can provide expert advice and solutions tailored to your specific situation.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your leather upholstery care routine is effective and keeps your furniture looking its best.

FAQs

What’s the best thing to clean leather with?

The best thing to clean leather is a dedicated leather cleaner specifically designed for your type of leather. These cleaners are formulated to effectively remove dirt and stains without causing damage. Always follow the product instructions for the best results. We recommend you buy a leather upholstery care kit. 

Can I use household cleaners instead of a leather upholstery care kit?

It’s not recommended! Household cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the leather’s finish and strip away its natural oils. Stick to a quality leather upholstery care kit to ensure proper cleaning, conditioning, and protecting without risking harm to your leather.

How often should I use a leather upholstery care kit?

The frequency of use depends on factors such as the type of leather, usage, and environmental conditions. Generally, aim to deep clean and condition your leather every 6-12 months for preventive maintenance. However, if your furniture is exposed to heavy use or harsh conditions, more frequent care may be necessary. Dust and condition your leather furniture every 1- months or as needed.

Can leather upholstery care kits be used on all types of leather?

Not necessarily. Different types of leather have unique characteristics, and it’s crucial to use a care kit compatible with your specific leather type. Always check the product labels for guidelines on leather compatibility to avoid potential damage. Uncoated leathers such as Pull Up, Nubuck and Suede will often require specialty leather upholstery care kits.

Are leather upholstery care kits safe for coloured or treated leather?

Yes, most quality leather upholstery care kits are formulated to be safe for coloured or treated leather. However, it’s essential to check the product specifications and conduct a spot test in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.

Can a leather upholstery care kit remove deep stains?

Leather upholstery care kits are effective in removing many surface stains. However, deep or stubborn stains may require professional attention. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a leather care professional for targeted stain removal techniques.  

Conclusion

In summary:

Dust leather couches and all other leather furniture with a dry cloth and give them a monthly application of a leather conditioner product from a leather upholstery care kit to keep the material soft and moisturised. It’ll also help keep cracks, stains and other discoloration from setting in.

Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult with a leather care professional to ensure that the products you use are suitable for your specific type of leather. Following a regular cleaning and conditioning routine will help keep your leather items looking their best for years to come!

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to leather care. Aim to clean and condition your leather upholstery regularly, and it’ll reward you with a timeless, luxurious look.