Tips for Cleaning Leather Furniture
Here are some leather cleaning tips to keep this popular furniture choice looking luscious.
General Leather Upholstery Cleaning
Moisturizing soap (such as Dove) works well with leather furniture. Lather soap on a soft cloth and wash to remove dirt and grime. Don’t not get the leather wet and avoid rinsing. Leave the moisturizing soap on the leather to condition it. Just buff/polish as usual after.
Ink Stains on Leather Upholstery
To remove ink stains, reach for a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Dip the swab in rubbing alcohol and rub over the ink stain. Then dry the area with a blow dryer. If you still see the stain after drying, apply a thick coat of non-gel, non-oily cuticle remover. Leave on overnight and then wipe off with a damp cloth.
Dark Stains on Light Leather Furniture
To remove dark stains from your lightly colored leather upholstery, follow these steps:
1. Mix one part crème of tartar with one part lemon juice to form a paste.
2. Rub this paste on the stain, leaving in place for 10 minutes; repeat this step.
3. Remove with a damp sponge or a damp sponge and moisturizing soap.
Please, always test new methods or products in an inconspicuous spot first since no two pieces of furniture are the same, and may require different care. The quicker you respond to a stain on upholstery, the more likely you will be able to remove the spot yourself. If the stain has been there for some time, your best bet might be to contact a leather cleaning professional.
