Leather is a luxurious material that can be used to upholster a range of furniture and decor. Made from animal hide, this material is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quite stunning visually. While most leather is made from cowhide, almost any animal can be made into leather. For instance, crocodiles, pigs, and even stingrays can be made into leather.
The type of animal, the grade, and the treatment used to produce the leather all factor into the look and feel of the fabric. Regardless of the type of leather, this is a material that should be handled with care. Caring for leather is similar to caring for our own skin. This breathable material will naturally change over time and it requires regular maintenance to age gracefully. When it comes to keeping leather furniture clean, there are certain solutions you can and cannot use on this material. Here’s some insight on keeping your leather clean properly.
What Can I Use to Clean Leather?
As we mentioned, the type of leather you own will determine a lot about how to keep your furniture looking pristine for years to come. But generally speaking, there are some rules of thumb to abide by when cleaning any type of leather. Only use the following items to clean your leather unless specified otherwise based on the type of leather:
A dry cloth. You should regularly dust your leather. This will allow it to breathe properly and look its absolute best.
Mild soap and water. If you can, use saddle soap to give your leather a deeper clean. But if you can’t get your hands on it, dilute mild unscented hand soap or dish soap in water as a replacement. You can then dampen a washcloth with the soapy solution to gently remove stains.
Leather creams and moisturizers. Leather will dry and crack over time if not properly cared for. These specialized products serve as a protective barrier as well as help to clean up dirt or stains on the material. Be sure to use a gentle brush, sponge, or microfiber cloth to apply the cream or moisturizer in a circular motion.
What Can’t I Use to Clean Leather?
Since leather is such a delicate material, a lot of household cleaners we normally use to keep tidy can actually cause harm to this material. Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather:
Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice. Some sources online cite these common household products as a DIY solution for cleaning leather. This is actually false as they can be extremely harsh on the material and make stains worse.
Fingernail polish remover. Hailed as another “DIY leather cleaner”, this solution is also far too harsh for leather. The acetone and alcohol found in nail polish remover can remove all the color from leather and create a bleached-out-looking spot where it’s applied.
Window cleaner. There are also rumors floating around on certain websites and forums that say window cleaner can be used to clean leather. We do not recommend that either. While it is a mild cleaner, it still contains alcohol that can remove color and the protective top coat of leather.
Improper leather polish. Be aware of which products are meant for which leather. There are certain polishes suitable for all leathers and others that are specifically produced for certain types of leather. You might damage your leather or shorten its life if you don’t select the right kind of leather polish.
Hair spray. Another old wives’ tale of the internet is that hairspray will remove stains and marks on leather. This is most definitely a bad idea and will do the complete opposite.
Disposable cleaners. Disinfectant wipes and pre-wet sponges are not a great option for cleaning leather either. They typically contain alcohol and this can damage the color and top coat of leather.
Best Practices When Cleaning Leather
Leather requires frequent upkeep and cleaning to look its best for the long haul. There are a set of standard cleaning procedures to follow when cleaning your leather. Follow these dutifully to keep your leather in good shape.
Treat stains as soon as they happen. Blot away liquid stains as soon as possible with a soft cloth. Gently dap the area to remove as much moisture as possible. Now dip a soft cloth in warm water to dampen and dab the area. You can use leather cleaner or a mind diluted soap at this time to help clear away the stain. Just be sure not to rub the area – just dab so you don’t spread it around and create a larger stain.
Moisturize your leather regularly. Find out what kind of leather you have and buy a treatment that will be best for it. Apply it with a cloth to soften the leather and smooth out small scratches.
Remember, leather will change over time. This material is meant to grow more worn as time moves on. It will develop a rich patina over the years that can add to the beauty of a piece when fostered with care. Don’t fear the changes your leather makes as it becomes more lived-in.
Turn to the pros if your leather furniture is damaged. Some damage and stains are best left for professional hands to tend to. A leather expert can restore colors and textures by applying heat with special tools meant to repair the material.
Time heals some wounds. Leather furniture features the remarkable ability to absorb stains completely without any assistance from a cleaner. This process can take anywhere from a week to a few months but in some cases, it’s worth it to simply wait it out.
