How To Clean Leather Furniture?

Leather furniture exudes opulence and sophistication when maintained cautiously. Its natural shine and premium texture add a touch of class and style to your home. It is a huge household investment requiring intense care through regular cleaning and conditioning treatments.

Over time, leather sofas and chairs accumulate a thick layer of dust and debris, making the surface look dull and discoloured. It can also cause permanent damage due to food spills, splatters and pet accidents (pee and vomit stains). However, using the most suitable cleaning products and tools, you can easily restore its lustrous shine in no time.

Today, we are sharing tips and tricks to clean leather furniture using tried and tested methods. Ensure you read the cleaning instructions carefully and avoid using abrasive tools to prevent permanent damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance can eventually save you time and energy during a budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne and help secure full bond money.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Key Considerations Before You Begin

Before getting into the cleaning process, ensure you consider the following aspects to prevent damage. This will help you achieve better results without giving you a hint of stress. Here you go:

• Understand the Leather Type: Check if your leather furniture is aniline, semi-aniline or pigmented, as each type requires special cleaning methods.
• Read Labels: Check the manufacturer’s guidelines related to cleaning. This will help you choose the most suitable cleaning method.
• No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using ammonia, bleach and other harmful cleaning chemicals to clean your leather couch. These can cause permanent damage to the surface.
• Don’t Use Sanitising Sprays and Wipes: These can also damage the leather finish of your furniture.
• Mindfully Use Water: Excess water can leave stains and water marks behind. Instead, use damp cloths.
• Say No to Steamer: Do not use a steam cleaner for your leather furniture. The heat can fetch the natural fat and oil of leather material, leading to premature aging.

2. Start with Vacuuming and Dusting

First things first! Eliminate dust particles, loose debris, pet hair and food crumbs from your leather couch. You can dust using a microfiber cloth or a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.

Remove cushions and undersides, attach the brush attachment and vacuum your couch, covering nooks and crannies. For recliner furniture, ensure you re-check the bottom and collect dirt before tackling stubborn stains and grime.

3. Gently Remove Water Stains Using Leather Conditioner

Liquid messes need to be tackled proactively to prevent water damage. You may witness unpleasant ring marks or spots if not treated immediately. Plus, the leather couch soaks up liquid quickly, leading to discolouration.

So, it is best to act as fast as possible using a dry cloth. Gently blot to soak up the excess liquid. Then, apply a generous amount of store-bought leather conditioner and distilled water on the affected area. Gently blot and rub the area to bring back a pristine shine.

You can also hire seasoned experts for a professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne and meet landlord’s cleaning obligations for hassle-free bond retrieval. They clean everything according to the pre-approved checklist to give you peace of mind.

4. Tackle Tea & Coffee Stains With Vinegar

Coffee and tea spills can ruin your expensive furniture in seconds. Well, you can restore its pristine shine using all-natural products. For fresh spills or stains, dampen a cloth in dish soap and warm water and gently wipe off the affected area.

For stubborn or dried stains, spray white vinegar and warm water solution on the couch and gently wipe the area. You can dip the cloth in a solution and wring it out to prevent moisture buildup.

Ensure you rinse the furniture thoroughly to remove the vinegar residue. You can also condition the furniture for better results.

5. Cornstarch/Baking Soda for Greasy Stains

Due to daily wear and tear or greasy foods and pets, oil and grease can linger on your leather couch. This can attract dust further, making your furniture look dirty and dingy. If the stain is new, gently clean the surface using a dry microfiber cloth to absorb grease. Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch to absorb the oil. Leave it for 20-30 minutes or until you blot with a clean microfiber cloth.

You can also use baking soda to dislodge greasy buildup and oil stains. It is a natural deodoriser and disinfectant that will effectively kill lurking germs and lingering smells.

Tip: Gently brush it off using a soft-bristled brush.

6. Completely Dry After Dislodging Stains

Ensure you remove soap residue from your leather couch to maintain its premium shine. A damp cloth can do wonders. Wipe the surface with a dry cloth and let it dry completely to prevent streaks and nasty marks. You can use the same dish washing soap and warm water to maintain outdoor furniture without causing any damage.

Tip: Excess water-based solution can lead to moisture buildup, dimming your furniture.

7. How To Condition Your Leather Furniture?

Once you have removed stains and grime, wrap up the process by conditioning your leather furniture using natural ingredients. Use an old soft cloth to apply a small amount of olive oil, coconut or beeswax. Ensure you clean the surface in a circular motion, allowing the furniture to absorb oil minerals effectively. Next, you'll need to buff dry the area and achieve shiny, classy, beautiful leather furniture.

Tip: Whether refreshing your home or preparing for a thorough end of lease cleaning Melbourne, making silly cleaning mistakes can ruin the entire game. When cleaning a leather couch or chair, ensure you remove dust and grime once a week. Deep clean and condition every 4-6 months and foster tenant-landlord relationship.

Tips to Clean Leather Furniture at Home

Wrapping Up

Leather Furniture at home can be effective and economical as long as you follow the right strategies. Ensure you follow the care instructions and clean the couch using eco-friendly products for shiny results. Happy Cleaning!