Here’s How to Clean Leather, Whether It’s a Couch, a Purse, or Something Else

Leather is known for being a long-lasting and versatile material. Country Living’s editors declare it will never go out of style because it has a timeless look that is fashionable in so many ways, from handbags to furniture. Even better, the enduring quality of well-crafted leather goods can last well over 25 years and sometimes even generations. (National Geographic even reported the world’s oldest known leather shoe, a 5,500-year-old preserved moccasin-style slipper, was discovered in an Armenian cave in a well-preserved state. This huge archeological find is a testament to the durability of leather!) But what happens when your leather item inevitable gets a stain or is showing the dingy signs of everyday use? How do you clean it?

Here, we’ll tell you exactly how to clean and condition leather goods of all types, and what to do if you just can’t get out a stubborn stain.

Because leather is a soft natural material, it more easily shows wear and tear. And, while we all love the storied look of a well-worn leather club chair, spotted leather shoes or an ink-stained chair cushion leave something to be desired. With regular maintenance, leather can add a lasting, effortless touch of luxe vintage charm to rooms through everything from stately Chesterfield sofas to rows of leather-bound books.

Also because it is a soft natural material, hard-core cleaning methods are not what the (furniture) doctor ordered if you need to clean a leather piece. Unlike the recommended cleaning methods for how to clean your oven, or how to clean white shoes, leather doesn’t come with one-size-fits-all cleaning instructions. The experts at Merry Maids recommend consulting the item’s manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning any leather good. If you’re dealing with relatively modern leather, chances are the leather itself is already sealed with some sort of protective coating, which helps your case when the inevitable spill happens. If you’re dealing with older leather, be sure to use extra caution if you’re testing out a new solution.

Whether you’re cleaning a large item, removing a stain, or simply conditioning leather, keep this list of supplies in stock at home.

• Absorbent cloths (choose a soft material such as microfiber)
• Cotton swabs
• Soft bristle brush (horsehair is best and there are affordable synthetic options available too)
• Distilled water
• Natural soap (such as OAKWOOD Liquid Saddle Soap or Otter Wax All Natural Leather-Cleaner)
• Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Liquid solutions such as white vinegar, non-acetone nail polish remover, and rubbing alcohol
• Leather conditioner from a trusted brand like Leather Honey, Fortivo, or Weiman
• Natural leather conditioners like coconut, olive, and mink oil

Keep your leatherwares and furniture looking great by adding these eight steps to your deep cleaning routine:

Step 1: Gently use a soft brush to remove dirt or dust from the leather. Make sure you’re brushing in the direction of the grain to prevent damage to the material.
Step 2: Add distilled water to a small bowl and add a few drops of natural soap.
Step 3: Dip a cloth into a bowl of cleaning solution, just enough to dampen the cloth.
Step 4: Next, use the cloth to lightly wipe the leather surface in small circular motions to cleanse the entire area. Try to avoid soaking the item.
Step 5: Take a new cloth with dampened with distilled water and wipe over the same surface to clear any residual cleaning solution from the surface.
Step 6: Take a dry cloth and blot the leather surface dry.
Step 7: Finish up by brushing the leather surface again with a soft brush in the direction of the grain.
Step 8: Once the leather surface completely dries, finish up by using your preferred leather conditioner.

RELATED: How to Clean Suede Without Ruining It

How to Remove Stains From Leather: 4 Simple Methods

In addition to leather cleaners and conditioners from trusted brands, you can use some everyday household products to clean leather too. Vinegar, non-acetone nail polish remover, and even rubbing alcohol can potentially rid your leather of small blemishes from pens, markers, and mildew when used properly—read on for instructions.

Here are four easy leather cleaning methods, including a basic method for overall regular cleaning of your leather pieces and three solutions for getting tough stains out.

Important tip: Before you try anything on the stain itself, test out the solution on a small, hidden part of the item you’re cleaning to be sure the leather can handle your choice!

Method 1: How to Clean Leather Furniture with Water

Use this simple leather cleaning method if a piece of furniture is in need of a periodic cleaning. It’s recommended to clean leather furniture at least once a year.

Step 1: Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to give your sofa or chair a quick cleaning.
Step 2: Once the crumbs are gone, a damp cloth with warm water is all you should need to give it a quick wipe-down. Make sure the cloth isn’t fully saturated or dripping liquid. Be gentle and rinse the cloth regularly to avoid spreading dirt or stains around.
Step 3: Follow up this simple cleaning with a leather conditioner. This step is crucial to ensuring that your leather will last longer and won’t show its age.

Method 2: How to Clean Leather with Vinegar

This may sound surprising, but vinegar can work wonders on leather. If the stain is older and tougher, and the leather is more durable, this method works well.

Step 1: Take a cleaning cloth and dampen it thoroughly with white vinegar.
Step 2: Gently rub the stained area until the area is clean.

Important tip: If the leather you’re working with is slightly more delicate, or the stains are from salt, whip up a cleaning solution with 1 part vinegar and 1 part water and dab the area with extra care until the stain is removed.

Method 3: How to Clean Leather with Nail Polish Remover

This option works especially well for ink stains. Take extra care to use non-acetone nail polish remover, as acetone can damage leather dye, and minimize effects on the surrounding leather by keeping the cotton swab directly on the stain itself.

Step 1: Dip a cotton swab in non-acetone nail polish remover.
Step 2: Gently rub the stain until the ink starts to disappear.

Method 4: How to Clean Leather with Rubbing Alcohol

This household staple also works well for ink marks and other pesky stains like mold or mildew.

Step 1: Wet a cotton swab or cloth with rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Gently apply it to the stained area and rub until the stain starts to disappear.

• Never use the washing machine. But thanks to leather’s natural durability, you shouldn’t worry about cleaning leather pieces like you would other fabrics or items.
• Never use ammonia, bleach-based, or acetone-based products, as they’re too harsh and can damage the leather’s natural finish.
• Don’t use cleaning cloths that are fully saturated or dripping with liquid. While it’s okay to use water to clean leather, it should be used very sparingly because too much liquid can cause stains of its own. Be sure to use only damp (rather than fully saturated or dripping) cleaning cloths.

What to do if all else fails?

Call in the professionals! Chances are, your local leather store owner, furniture expert, antique store owner, tailor, or cleaning agency can offer advice or services to help you clean stains that are too tough to tackle alone.

Janece Maze

Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.