A stained sofa ends up looking queasy even if the model is classy. So, learn how to clean a leather sofa with simple household materials to bring back its glow and avoid cracking or fading due to frequent use. Fortunately, we have provided information in our comprehensive guide on everything you should know.
How Often Should You Clean Leather Furniture?
Clean your leather couch at least once a week with the help of a microfiber fabric to clean the accumulated crumbs or dust on the couch. If you have not got a microfiber cloth, you can use the soft bristle in your vacuum cleaner’s extension. Indeed, you should include cleaning your leather sofa in your usual vacuuming schedule.
However, if you see that it is stained really difficult then you understand that is the time to clean it. Cleaning your leather sofa should be done as often as possible, especially at least once a month. Below we provide you with some techniques of cleaning almost every stain on your leather couch so as to make the cleaning easier..
Although a wipe-down is more effective when you use a leather cream conditioner, a thorough wipe-down will guarantee a deep clean and conditioning, thus preventing cracks and discoloration. It is now time to look at some of these methods that if you do not want to cover your leather sofa for maintenance then would leave it sparkling.
a) Cleaning a Leather Couch
If you are going to clean after every week, all that you will need is a wash cloth, dish wash, and leather conditioner. Here is the step below to keep you going here.
Materials You Will Need
- Microfiber towels or clean washcloths
- Dish Soap
- Leather conditioner
1. Wipe Down the Couch
If you don’t have the materials listed above, you can buy leather wipes at the store. However, if you have them, you must wet your microfiber towel by rinsing it in soapy water. Then some drops of dish soap and then wipe across the dirty area. First and foremost work on the armrests and back and then the cushions and back.
2. Dry the Couch
After wiping all the surfaces, you use a dry washcloth to remove excess water left on the couch so that you can be ready to condition your couch.
3. Condition the Leather Furniture
Before you proceed to condition your leather furniture you should follow the manufacturer’s guide as a way of doing it. First, it will guide you on the best conditioners to use for your couch. Then, immerse your self, by buying the appropriate leather conditioner and use it on the surface of the couch in the same way you apply lotion in to your skin.
Pro Tip: By using the wrong conditioner for your seats you may end up bubbling your leather sofa. And after applying a leather conditioner, do not forget to note the products that you applied and maintain the receipts in case you will want to redeem a warranty in future.
b) How to Remove Regular Stains on a Leather Couch
Most leather sofas are made using absorbent materials, thus you ought to be careful while cleaning it. Generally, all leather stains are washed with a cloth and dish washing soap.
Materials You Will Need
- Microfiber towels or clean washcloths
- Dish Soap
- Leather conditioner
1. Start with the Soap
As we mentioned you can wash off the stain using dish soap or normal soap. An example of how to make warm soapy solution is to add water that has a little soapy touch to a wet cloth.
2. Scrub in Circles
Rub the stained area in small circles. Don’t rub back and forth as it is likely to wear out in the process. However, massage in circles as ensure that your seat does not wet. You can also pat dry the area by putting into use a different clean towel after you are done.
c) How to Clean Grease Stains from a Leather Couch
The only way to ascertain that you are dealing with a greasy piece of furniture is by the slimy surface you feel once you clean it with soap and water. The steps below will assist in regaining a gorgeous look on your couch just as it appeared when bought.
Materials You Will Need
- Microfiber towels or clean washcloths
- Dish Soap
- Baking soda
1. Sprinkle Baking Soda
To remove the greasy feel from your couch, sprinkle some baking soda on the greased surface, then let it sit for some hours until the baking soda absorbs all the oil.
2. Wipe the Stains Off
Once the baking soda sits in, you can wipe away the stains using a soft dry cloth. If you have any baking soda residues you can wipe the surface again using a damp cloth to repeat the cleaning process.
d) How to Remove Ink Stains From a Leather Couch
It would be best if you did not worry about getting the ink stains out, as you can clean a leather couch with ink stains with materials from your home.
Materials You Will Need
- Microfiber towels or clean washcloths
- Rubbing alcohol
1. Use Rubbing Alcohol
Apply the rubbing alcohol to a microfiber towel and dab it on the ink stains until they start to fade. Ensure you dab instead of rubbing to prevent the spread of ink to other parts of the couch.
2. Pat Dry
Once all stains fade out, you can dry the area by patting it gently with a clean washcloth. If you notice any stains after cleaning, you can repeat the steps.
e) How to Remove Wax or Gum From a Leather Couch
Let’s say you’ve got gum or wax stuck on your leather couch, do not panic, as there is a way to get rid of it.
Materials You Will Need
- Microfiber towels or clean washcloths
- A spoon
- Ice Cubes
1. Cool Down the Area
You can place some ice cubes on the affected area as you wait for the gum to harden to be possible to remove it.
2. Gently Scrape Away the Gum or Wax
Once the gum is hardened, use your fingernails or spoon to pick the debris off. Do not use a knife or anything that might have a sharp finish on it as this will harm the leather.
3. Consult the Leather Manufacturer
While cleaning, ensure that you observe the results, if this method is effective or not. When in doubt on how to remove the wax or gum, there is no harm in contacting the manufacturers. Some of the damages can only be repaired by professional leather furniture cleaners since if you try to repair it yourself, you end up spoiling the furniture. Read the tip outlined below to learn how you can have your furniture last.
- Wipe any spills on the leather furniture as soon as they happen.
- Then vacuum clean your sofa at least once in a week.
- Do not expose your leather furniture to direct sunlight because this will make it crack or fade, or get leather sofa covers.
- Do not sit on your leather couch with sweaty clothes because you might be apt to smudge your body oils to the couch which may result in staining or fading of the furniture.
- To avoid constantly cleaning out fur from your couch, you should purchase the best best leather couch for your dogs or furry animals you may have.