How to Clean Various Stains from Leather Couches

Methods for cleaning leather couches and removing various stains from this type of furniture

If properly maintained, leather items can remain valuable for a long time. If ink spills on this type of fabric, it can be cleaned easily. Leather couches add a touch of elegance to homes and decor, but cleaning and maintaining these luxurious pieces can be challenging, as you cannot simply wipe them with a damp cloth.

Moreover, harsh cleaners can easily damage these expensive couches, so it’s best to follow correct methods for cleaning various stains from leather furniture as we will explain further in this section of tipsHousekeeping SelMagzTo keep them clean, be careful to avoid bleach and ammonia cleaners. While leather is durable, it can be porous in nature.

Important General Tips for Cleaning Leather Furniture

1. Use a soft brush to clean the couch and ensure you remove dust from all crevices; otherwise, dust and moisture can lead to dirt during the use of the cleaning solution.
2. Dust particles are abrasive, so when they come into contact with moisture, they can damage materials.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of water andvinegarwhite vinegar.
4. Alternatively, you may mix a few drops of commercial leather cleaner in water.
5. In this solution, dip a soft cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth) so that the cloth is damp, not just moist.
6. Wash the entire couch with the cleaning solution, ideally starting from the top and moving down.
7. Dry the couch with a clean towel. Do not use a dryer, as it may damage the leather.
8. For softening, mix one part white vinegar with two partslinseed oiltogether.
9. Using a soft, clean cloth, apply this mixture to the couch in wide, circular motions.
10. Let it sit overnight, and the next day, clean the couch with a cleaner to restore its shine.
11. Besides the vinegar solution, you can clean your leather couch withmoisturizing soap(like Dove) and water.
12. Before using it on the entire couch, test the cleaning solution on a hidden spot. Some even recommend cleaning leather furniture with saddle soap, believing that regular use of saddle soap helps remove scuff marks over time.

Simple Formulas for Removing Stains from Leather Couches

1. To remove mold, rub the affected area with a mixture of equal parts water and alcohol.
2. Permanent marker stains can be removed by spraying hairspray on the spots.
3. If your child has made a mark with a pen on the couch, clean it with eucalyptus oil.
4. Rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean ink stains; simply dip a cotton ball in alcohol and rub it on the stain.
5. Nail polish removers, acetone, baby wipes, and even toothpaste (white toothpaste, notgel) can also help you get rid of stains on leather couches. Make sure to test the option you choose first in a hidden area to ensure it doesn’t fade the couch color.
6. If you want to choose a safer option, use leather cleaners or foam cleaners; however, leather wipes may leave a stain on your leather furniture.
7. For dark colored stains on a light leather couch, rub them with a paste made of one part lemon juice andcream of tartarLet it sit for about 10 minutes. Apply a little more paste to the area and wipe it off with a sponge.
8. To get rid of grease stains, sprinkle some baking soda on the area and wash it off after a few hours.Baking sodaabsorbs the oil and cleans the couch.

Final Tips and Hints for Cleaning Leather Couches

1. For regular cleaning every week, you can easily dust your couch with a dry cloth or a feather duster.
2. If it is used frequently and heavily, consider using a vacuum cleaner.
3. Additionally, regularly turn the cushions to prevent creasing.
4. Keep your leather couches away fromsunlightas it can dry and age the leather, causing discoloration and cracking.
5. In fact, keep it at least two feet away from heat sources and air conditioning.
6. Immediately dry any spills (even water on the couch) and prevent liquids from seeping into the couch and staining it; however, do not wipe it with a cloth, as it may spread the liquid and discolor the surrounding area.
7. Remove prominent stains and common stains with professional cleaners instead of ruining your couch with experimental methods.