Leather Sofa Cleaning at Home
Leather furniture is an elegant detail in the interior and a sign of wealth. To keep it pleasant for many years, take proper care and clean it regularly. Here’s how to properly clean a leather sofa at home.
Rules for Caring for Leather Furniture
The surface of leather has a porous structure, so the dust that settles gradually penetrates the material, making it harder to remove over time. To prevent this, vacuum the sofa once a week. Regularly wipe the sofa with a damp cloth; thick percale or flannel is suitable for this purpose. Don’t forget the folds and seams, as they always accumulate a lot of dirt. Periodically check for stains or scratches on the sofa. The sooner you find a "defect," the more likely you are to get rid of it. All foods and drinks leave marks on leather, so try to keep them as far away from the sofa as possible. This is especially true for baby food. If you spill something on the sofa, blot the liquid with a soft, dry cloth; the main thing is that it doesn’t have time to be absorbed by the material. If you find a cut, cover it with liquid leather. Apply a leather care product, such as a leather conditioner, once a year to add shine and prevent the surface from drying out.
Tips on How to Properly Clean Your Leather Sofa
Perform the first cleaning of your leather sofa immediately after purchase. Use a special cleaning agent and a soft brush for this. After a couple of minutes, remove the residue with a napkin.
When the surface is dry, apply a special cream. It is convenient to do this with a soft cloth. The cream will create a protective layer and make cleaning the sofa easier in the future.
For all subsequent cleanings, follow this sequence:
- Vacuum the surface.
- Remove residual dust with a damp cloth.
- Check for debris. Treat stubborn stains with a special cleaning agent.
- Remove the agent and wipe the entire surface with a dry cloth.
- Apply a moisturizer or conditioner to the leather.
A steam cleaner can be an alternative to a vacuum cleaner. Pass it several times over the entire surface, paying extra attention to the dirtiest areas. Then, wipe off the excess moisture with a soft cloth.
If you notice a stain, apply the cleaner to the stain and blot it with a tissue. Do not rub the dirt into the leather, as this will only increase the size of the stain. Also, do not rub the surface for too long and deeply; you may damage the material by "rubbing" the pores.
Damp leather can easily develop mold or mildew, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Therefore, always wipe the sofa with a dry cloth after cleaning.
Leather Sofa Cleaners
Look at the documentation you received when you bought the sofa; it will state what type of leather the sofa is upholstered in. Use this information as a guide when choosing a cleaning agent. Many manufacturers specify what can and cannot be used to clean a particular model.
If you have lost your documents, choose a neutral cleaner and test it in an inconspicuous area. Wait for the material to dry; sometimes the defect can only appear on a dry surface.
Buy a cleaner as soon as the sofa is in your house; don't wait until you find the first stain.
Home Remedies for Cleaning Leather Furniture
Small dirt can be removed with a soft cloth and soapy water. To prepare it, mix two tablespoons of liquid soap and one tablespoon of ammonia in a glass of water. You can use apple cider vinegar instead of soap.
Soak a cloth in this solution and wipe the surface, then go over it again with a dry cloth.
Cosmetic milk will help remove a stain from leather. Apply the product to a rag and rub it over the contaminated area, then remove the residue.
Removing Stains from Leather Furniture
Accumulated dust can be easily removed with common soapy water, but some stains need a "special touch." Let’s find out how to deal with such contamination.
Grease Stains
If the stain has just appeared, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then remove the salt and wipe the leather with a soft cloth.
Baking soda will work for old stains. Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water, stir, and then wipe the stain with this solution until foam forms. Remove the remaining foam with a tissue and repeat the process again.
Blood
Cold soapy water can help clean fresh blood from the sofa. Never use warm water; this way, you "fix" the stain in the leather, making it ten times harder to remove.
A dissolved aspirin tablet in a glass of water will help against dried blood stains. If you can't remove the stain the first time, go over it again with the solution.
Paints or Marker
An alcohol solution will help against marker or pen stains. Dampen a cotton ball and gently remove the stain. Do not use acetone for cleaning, as it can ruin the leather.
Alcohol tends to evaporate oils, so be sure to apply a conditioner or moisturizing cream after cleaning.
Tea, Juice, or Coffee Stains
If you spill tea or coffee on the leather sofa, vodka, isopropyl alcohol, or perfume will help. Wipe the leather with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture, then sprinkle with salt. After a couple of minutes, brush off the salt and rub the stain with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball.
Red wine stains are the hardest to remove. The sooner you clean the sofa, the more likely you are to save it.
Wax or Gum
Regular ice will help clear the sofa of gum or wax traces. Wrap it in cellophane or a thin cloth and apply it to the stain. Wait 10-15 seconds, then remove the stain with the blunt side of a knife.
How to Remove Mold and Mildew from a Leather Sofa
Fungi or mold on leather furniture appear due to high humidity in the house or excess moisture on the surface after wet cleaning or spilled drinks.
A vinegar solution will help fight mold. Mix at a ratio of 1 tablespoon per 100 ml of water. Wipe the infected surface with a cotton ball soaked in the solution, then remove the residue with a dry cloth; this must be done before it absorbs into the leather. An alternative to vinegar can be a special mold remedy, which is easy to find in a furniture store.
Periodically check your sofa for mold; the longer it "lives" in the leather, the harder it will be to remove.
How to Clean a White Leather Sofa
A white sofa looks more impressive than its black "brother," but it is much more difficult to care for.
If you prefer home remedies, use a mixture of beaten egg white and half a glass of milk for cleaning. Dampen a cloth and wipe the sofa's surface.
Warm milk, ammonia, or vinegar in a low concentration will handle fresh grease stains. For light stains, toothpaste will help; apply a bit of toothpaste on a soft-bristled brush and gently clean the stain.
After cleaning, don't forget to apply a moisturizer; it will prevent the leather from drying out and protect it from dust and high temperatures.
What Not to Use for Leather Furniture Care
When choosing a cleaning agent, immediately exclude regular stain removers, detergents with abrasive particles, degreasing gels for dishes, and chlorinated products from the list. The same applies to hard rags and brushes.
Never use sharp objects. Leather cuts and scratches easily; to remove marks, you will need to buy a special product.
Caring for Leather Furniture After Cleaning
Leather upholstery loses its elasticity over time and starts to crack; this happens because natural oils evaporate from the surface. Use a moisturizer such as cream or conditioner to slow this process.
Maintain moderate humidity indoors, ideally no more than 70%. Dry air is also not good for leather; it can dry out the material and cause cracks.
Keep your leather sofa away from radiators and direct sunlight. Do not place the sofa closer than a meter from a radiator or heater.
If you plan to be away for a month or more, cover the sofa with a special layer made of natural material. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface.
The secret to the durability of a leather sofa is prevention. At least once a month, wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth and solution, and check for new stains once a week. This way, your leather sofa will serve you for many years and retain its presentable appearance for a long time.