Leather sofas are a beautiful addition to any home. They are stylish, durable and actually quite easy to clean. To keep a leather sofa in good condition, it needs a little attention.
If you have a white or cream leather sofa, stains should be attended to immediately. And, all leather sofas should be dusted or vacuumed at least every week. Follow this step by step guide to deep clean your leather sofa every three months.
Tools needed:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Two dry microfiber cloths
- White vinegar/gentle soap solution or saddle soap
- Leather cream
1.Vacuum Your Leather Sofa
Firstly, you should vacuum or wipe away any dirt and grime. Particles of dirt need to be removed, so they don’t scratch or smudge into the sofa later on. If you have a soft brush attachment on your vacuum, use this to sweep up dirt while avoiding scratches. If you don’t have a suitable vacuum, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe dirt away.
2.Mix Up a Leather Cleaning Solution
To clean a leather sofa, a gentle solution should be used. You might even be able to make a cleaning solution from items already in the pantry! The two best options include;
- A PH balanced, mild soap. Dove works well here, either in bar or liquid form. Mix a few drops into warm water. Another option is white wine vinegar and water a 50/50 solution
- Saddle soap. This cleaning solution is specifically made for leather. But, some reports say it can darken or harden sofa surfaces
3.Test the Cleaning Solution on a Small Section of the Sofa
Once you’ve mixed your cleaning solution, test it on a small section of the sofa that isn’t visible. Let it thoroughly dry out to make sure no discolouration has occurred.
4.Clean the Sofa with a Microfibre Cloth
If all is ok after your test, proceed to cleaning the rest of your leather sofa. Wet your cloth and wring it out. The cloth should be damp not dripping wet. Wipe your cloth firmly over the leather surface, getting right into the corners.
Once you’ve attended to all areas of the sofa, use your dry microfiber cloth and buff the leather dry. It’s important to completely dry every inch of the couch, otherwise mold or mildew can form.
5.Restore Moisture and Suppleness with a Leather Conditioner
Check the care label on your leather sofa. Most only recommend to use leather conditioner every 6 – 12 months. If all ok, apply your leather conditioner and enjoy a soft, clean and supple leather couch again.
Tips to Protect Your Leather Sofa
Regularly cleaning your sofa helps to keep it looking fabulous. Check out more ways to protect the leather and keep it looking better for longer.
- Keep your sofa away from direct light and heat sources
- Clean up spills from your sofa immediately
- Don’t throw sharp or wet objects onto the leather sofa
- Plump up the sofa cushions each day to prevent indents
- Keep the leather soft with regular conditioning
If you have trouble cleaning your sofa, upholstery and the carpets in your home or business, That Carpet Guy can help.