If you’re concerned about maintaining the natural timelessness of your leather sofa, set your worries aside. This classic material is surprisingly forgiving and low maintenance. With the proper care, your leather sofa will look like new for years to come. Follow our easy steps below to learn how to clean a leather couch.

---

For a Light Clean

Use a soft towel to wipe the surface of your leather couch to remove any loose crumbs or dirt. Feel free to use the same towel to lightly buff any areas that appear dull or lackluster.

How to Clean Spots and Stains

Know Your Leather

The first step to cleaning a leather sofa is knowing what type of leather you have as the type of leather dictates how you should treat stains and spots. This information is typically found on your sofa’s tag or it'll be available on the manufacturer’s website. Semi-aniline and pigmented (finished) leather can handle tougher cleanings than aniline leather, since it doesn't have a protective top layer. If you're having difficulty identifying which type of leather your couch is, protected leather tends to be stiffer and more durable while unprotected leather appears softer and more easily marked. No matter the type of leather, we recommend staying away from leather cleaners that have ammonia or alkalies as ingredients.

What You'll Need

• Distilled water
• Mild, non-detergent soap
• Soft, white, microfibre cloths
• Leather cleaner

For Pure Aniline Leather

Take a clean microfibre cloth (preferably in white) and absorb the spill. If it does not disappear, check the owner’s guide to see what they recommend.

For Protected Leather (Semi-Aniline and Pigmented)

Take a clean microfibre cloth (again, preferably in white) and dampen it in distilled water, then dab the spot. Let it air dry. If the stain doesn’t go away, mix mild, non-detergent soap and lukewarm water together. Dip the cloth in it and dab the spot. Blot it dry with another cloth.

For oil-based stains, dab the stain with a dry, microfiber cloth. Do not use water. If needed, sprinkle baking soda on top of the spot, let it sit for a few hours, then wipe it off.

Wine and Ink Stains

For ink stains, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and lightly dab the stain. Once the stain is gone, take a damp cloth and dab it on the same spot. Then dry it with a dry cloth.

For tougher stains like wine, take a dry cloth and soak up the liquid. Then take a leather cleaning solution and gently dab the spot with a clean cloth.

Tip: If you’re testing out a new cleaning product, use it on an inconspicuous area of your furniture first to see if any damage occurs as a result.

For Cuts and Scrapes

If your leather has large, deep cuts and scrapes, we recommend working with a professional to properly repair the leather.

For small scuff marks and scratches, simply rub your finger over the blemishes. The natural oils in the leather will take care of the rest. If this doesn’t work, use a clean cloth and leather oil or conditioner to buff the scuffs.

Long-Term Sofa Care and Maintenance

Genuine leather is a natural material that will dry out, become brittle and crack over time in low humidity. After each general cleaning, prevent damage, restore shine and keep your leather furniture soft and supple by applying a manufacturer-recommended conditioner one to two times a year. When you condition the couch, make sure to use a damp cloth to avoid drenching the furniture. We recommend using circular motions starting at the top of the couch and working your way down. Let it sit overnight, then in the morning, take a dry cloth and buff the leather once more. Further protect your leather furniture by keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to prevent fading, cracking and flaking.

Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then why not also read:

• Every Sofa Fabric, Explained
• How to Clean Your Mattress Like a Pro
• Your Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Pillows