How to Clean a Leather Sofa: A Complete Guide

A leather sofa brings a touch of elegance and comfort to your home, but it requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance. Leather, while durable, is a delicate material that can dull or crack over time. Therefore, it's important to use the right products and methods to clean it without damaging it. This guide explains how to easily clean a leather sofa , using affordable products and proven tips.

What products should I use to clean a leather sofa?

Choosing the right products is essential for maintaining the quality of your leather. Certain natural or specific cleaners can restore the shine and suppleness of your sofa while respecting its surface.

Marseille soap

Marseille soap is a gentle and natural product, perfect for cleaning leather sofas. It helps remove light stains while nourishing the material. To use:

Dilute a small amount of Marseille soap in warm water . Soak a soft sponge or clean cloth in the solution. Wring out the sponge well, then gently rub the sofa in a circular motion. Wipe with a dry cloth to remove any residue.

Black soap

Black soap is also effective for maintaining leather. It cleans thoroughly while preserving the material's suppleness. Here's how to do it:

Mix one tablespoon of black soap with one liter of warm water. Apply the solution with a microfiber cloth , taking care not to wet the leather too much. Rinse with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.

Black soap is particularly suitable for dark-colored sofas, such as black or brown.

Using white vinegar

White vinegar , used with caution, can be an excellent ally for removing stubborn stains. To avoid damaging the leather:

Mix one part white vinegar with two parts warm water. Apply the solution to the affected area with a soft cloth. Rinse immediately with a clean, water-dampened cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.

This method is suitable for greasy stains or stubborn marks, but should not be used regularly to avoid drying out the leather.

Cleansing milk

Cleansing milk is ideal for cleaning and nourishing leather. Its soft texture moisturizes the material and restores shine. Here's how to use it:

Apply a small amount of cleansing milk to a clean cloth. Gently spread the product over the entire sofa. Rub lightly in a circular motion to work the milk into the leather. Buff with a dry cloth for a shiny finish.

This product is particularly recommended for fragile or very dry leathers.

Dishwashing liquid

Although less conventional, dishwashing liquid can be used for quick and effective cleaning:

Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out well. Gently clean the sofa, paying particular attention to any visible stains. Rinse with a damp cloth, then dry immediately.

This solution is especially suitable for occasional cleaning.

Are there any old wives' tales for cleaning a leather sofa?

Grandma's tricks are often economical and effective for maintaining your leather sofa. These natural and proven methods allow you to clean without resorting to chemicals.

• Baking soda : Sprinkle baking soda on greasy stains and let it sit for a few hours. Gently brush and wipe off the residue with a dry cloth.
• Beaten egg white : Used as a polish, it restores shine to leather. Apply with a soft cloth and buff for a flawless result.
• Glycerin : This product, applied in a thin layer, deeply nourishes dry or cracked leather while restoring its suppleness.

These tips, combined with specific products, ensure long-lasting and effective maintenance of your leather sofa, whatever its type or color.

How to clean a very dirty leather sofa and remove stubborn stains?

For a heavily soiled leather sofa , a thorough cleaning is necessary. Start by dusting thoroughly with a soft cloth to remove surface particles. Then prepare a solution of warm water mixed with a mild soap, such as Marseille soap . Using a slightly damp sponge, clean the entire surface, paying particular attention to stubborn stains. If stains persist, apply a small amount of white vinegar diluted with water and rub gently. Remember to rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water, then dry immediately with a dry cloth to prevent moisture from damaging the leather.

For particularly stubborn stains, you may want to consider using a specialized leather cleaner or cleaning cream . These products help remove dirt while preserving the texture and color of the leather.

Cleaning your leather sofa: methods depending on the stain

Let's list the different types of stains you can find on aleather sofa :

• Sugary food stains : Remove them by wiping them with a cloth soaked in a water/alcohol mixture (9/10 water and the rest alcohol).

• Alcoholic beverage, coffee, and tea stains : Start by blotting as much as possible with paper towels. Then use a cloth and a mixture of half water and half alcohol.

• For milk stains : Use 28% ammonia water on a cloth and gently rub the stained area.

• Candle and shoe polish stains : First, gently scrape off the wax or shoe polish with a wooden spatula or spoon. Then, dab the stained area with mineral spirits.

• Ink and ballpoint pen stain : Apply a cotton swab soaked in a mixture of one part water and three parts alcohol to the pen or ink mark.

• Recent grease stains : Remove these stains by first sprinkling them with talcum powder or Fuller's earth. Leave them on for several hours, then brush. Repeat if necessary.

• Water-based paint stains : All you need is soapy water.

• Solvent-based paint stains : For these, use turpentine.

• Sebum stains: usually left on the top of the backrests and sometimes on the armrests. The same procedure is used for grease stains, using talcum powder or Fuller's earth.

• Most non-greasy stains on smooth leather will disappear with gentle rubbing with a damp cloth.

From leather smell to cigarette smell: how to remove bad odors from a leather sofa?

A leather sofa can sometimes retain unpleasant odors, such as cigarette smoke or dampness. To eliminate these odors, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and let it sit for several hours. The baking soda absorbs unpleasant odors without damaging the leather. After this time, gently vacuum up the residue.

For more persistent odors, mix a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or lemon) in warm water and apply the solution with a microfiber cloth. Finally, ventilate the room regularly to prevent new odors from building up.

Actions to take for daily maintenance

Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your leather sofa and maintain its shine. Dust it weekly with a dry cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a suitable attachment. Avoid exposing the sofa to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can dry out the leather. Apply a nourishing leather lotion every 3 to 6 months to maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking.

A simple cloth or a damp sponge, soaked in a little detergent will be your best allies. Dust the chair from edge to edge or from seam to seam. Quite simply. And avoid rubbing too much, this damages the leather . Just as you should always avoid over-wetting leather. Leather requires a lot of delicacy!

To clean smooth leather, you can use beaten egg white or the recipe for hot (but not boiling) sour beer. To do this, pour some beer into an open container and leave it near a heat source for several days. Then, gently rub your sofa with a cloth soaked in the beer.

Please note : In any case, if you notice that the color of the leather is on the cloth, stop cleaning immediately!

To go further, discover our advice on maintaining a white sofa .

Steps to protect and nourish the leather surface after cleaning

After cleaning a leather sofa, it's crucial to protect and nourish the material. Use a nourishing balm or cream specifically designed for leather. Apply the product with a soft cloth, using circular motions to ensure it penetrates well. This step helps preserve the leather's suppleness and forms a protective barrier against stains and wear. Then, buff the surface for a shiny, even finish.

Specific cleaning required for suede sofas

Suede, while elegant, is more delicate than traditional leather. Avoid contact with water. Use a special suede brush to remove dust and light dirt. For stains, gently scrub with a suede eraser or a special cleaning product. Then protect the surface with a suitable waterproofing spray.

Cleaning a leather sofa: mistakes to avoid

Before taking action, you should always take a few precautions...

No matter the quality of your leather , taking care of it is essential.

• Do not hesitate to consult the manufacturer's recommendations for leather care;
• Avoid wetting the sofa with too much water : the leather could discolor;
• Test first on an inconspicuous corner: immediately applying your product to the stained area is a mistake you might regret;
• Remember to insulate the legs of your sofa : some products could damage the visible wood.

Good to know: If your leather sofa is convertible, remember to remove the mattress to isolate it from the smell of your solution and from potential stains caused by the treatment. Do you know any other tips for removing stains from a leather sofa?

To go further, discover our advice for cleaning a fabric sofa .