How to clean a leather couch and keep it soft

To clean a leather couch, vacuum the seams and crevices first, then wipe the leather with a soft cloth barely damp with water and a drop of mild soap. Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water, and dry it right away. Condition finished leather a couple of times a year so it stays soft and doesn't crack. Check the maker's care tag first, because not all leather is the same.

Too much water and harsh sprays do more damage to leather than dirt does.

What kind of leather do you have?

• Finished (protected or pigmented) leather: the usual sofa leather. A drop of water beads on it. Cleans well with the method below.
• Aniline or semi-aniline: soft, natural-looking, soaks up a drop of water. Very gentle care only; spot stains are a job for a leather specialist.
• Suede and nubuck: brushed and fuzzy. Brush and vacuum only; no water.
• Faux leather and blends: wipe with a damp cloth. Skip conditioner unless the maker says otherwise.

How do you clean a leather couch, step by step?

1. Vacuum. Crevice tool in the seams, under the cushions and along the piping, soft brush on the surface.
2. Dust. A dry microfiber cloth over the whole couch.
3. Wash. A few drops of mild soap in warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth and wring it until it's barely damp. Wipe a section at a time.
4. Rinse. A second cloth dampened in plain water.
5. Dry. A third, dry cloth, right away. No standing moisture.
6. Condition once it's dry, if it's due. Rub a small amount in with a soft cloth, let it soak in, then buff.

How do you handle stains on leather?

• Fresh spills: blot right away with a dry cloth. Don't rub.
• Grease or oil: blot, then sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda, leave it a few hours, and brush it off gently.
• Ink: on finished leather, a cotton swab barely dampened with rubbing alcohol, dabbed. Wipe and dry.
• Anything on aniline or suede: a leather specialist.

How do you keep leather from cracking?

• Keep it away from heat. A couch right against a radiator dries out fast. Leave a gap, especially when the heat comes on in a Philly October.
• Keep it out of direct sun. Front-window light fades and dries leather.
• Condition it every six to twelve months.
• Dust it weekly so grit doesn't rub into the finish.

Our upholstery guide covers fabric pieces, and our living room deep-clean guide covers the room around them.

Want a cleaning booked?

Book House Cleaning online, and put your priorities in your booking notes.

FAQ

What should you not use on a leather couch? Skip vinegar, ammonia, bleach, all-purpose sprays, baby wipes and anything with alcohol unless the leather maker allows it. They can dry out the leather or strip its finish. Too much water is a problem too.

How often should you condition leather furniture? Every six to twelve months for most finished leather, more often if it sits in sun or near a radiator. Use a conditioner made for your type of leather, and test it on a hidden spot first.

How do you get an ink stain off a leather couch? Act fast. On finished leather, dab, don't rub, with a cotton swab barely dampened with rubbing alcohol, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry. On aniline or suede, call a leather specialist instead.

Book a cleaning

Our service area: every Philadelphia neighborhood, plus the Pennsylvania suburbs within about 30 miles of Center City, in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Chester counties. Book online at phillyscleanteam.com/book-now, or call or text (215) 798-7576, 9 AM to 9 PM, every day.