I recently shared my distressed leather sofa and got all kinds of questions about how to clean a leather couch. Is it difficult? What products to you need? How often should you clean it? So I’m back to give you all the details on cleaning leather.

 

Leather is one of the most durable materials used on furniture. It’s also comfortable, long-lasting, and comes in a variety of colors, textures, and grains. This timeless material can last for decades, and through generations if cared for properly. Knowing how to clean a leather couch is necessary to increase the couch’s longevity and in order to get a long-term return on your investment…because leather’s not cheap!

Keeping your leather couch clean can be relatively simple. However, different types of leather have cleaning requirements unique to them. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you’re following the right cleaning process for the particular type of leather your couch is made from.

*Disclaimer* I am not a leather professional. Use your own discretion when cleaning and conditioning your leather.

 

There are 3 steps to follow when cleaning your leather couch: vacuuming & dusting, cleaning, & conditioning. Read on to learn just how to care for your leather couch.

• Vacuum and Dust the couch

Start by using a hand-held vacuum with a soft brush feature. This is to remove debris and crumbs from the folds and creases of your couch. Be careful not to use the vacuum to scratch or scuff the leather (unless, of course, you have a distressed leather couch). After vacuuming, use a damp microfiber cloth or duster to remove any remaining dust from the surface of the couch.

• Clean the couch

Keep in mind that when it comes to cleaning requirements, the dye/coating of your leather couch is considered more than its grain. Here’s a thorough guide on how to clean a leather couch, based on its coating/dye:

 

1. Aniline leather couches:

Aniline leather, also known as ‘naked’ leather, is considered the most natural-looking type of leather. It’s usually full-grain, coated with a dye, and with no pigments. It is a soft, supple material with little or no protective coating, making it very susceptible to stains and spills. Aniline leather is very delicate, and most household cleaning products are too harsh for the material. As such, you should find a leather cleaning agent that’s good for aniline like Geist. Aniline Leather Care Kit. However, before using any cleaning agent, first test it on an inconspicuous part of your couch to ensure it’s compatible with your leather.

Cleaning procedure:

• Pour a small amount of leather cleaner onto a slightly damp microfiber cloth and apply to the couch, or spray the cleaner directly onto the leather surface. 
• Aniline is unprotected leather, and as such, stains and grime don’t just sit on the surface but are absorbed into the leather. To remove these marks, brush the leather surface gently with a soft scrubbing brush or sponge; divide your couch into panels and work quickly because the leather can also soak up the foam from the cleaning agent.
• After brushing, wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Repeat if necessary.

2. Semi-Aniline leather:

This type of leather is still natural-looking, but not as much so as aniline leather. This is because of a light layer of surface coating that contains pigments. This coating reduces its organic look but allows for more durability and stain-resistance. Semi-aniline leather is less sensitive than aniline, but it is still recommended to use leather cleaning agents when cleaning your semi-aniline couch. Using DIY cleaning solutions like a combination of equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water is acceptable as well.

Cleaning procedure:

• Dip a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution, then wring out. Ensure that the fabric is damp and not soaked. Alternatively, you can spray the cleaning agent or solution onto a damp rag.
• Working vertically, gently scrub the couch.
• Wipe with another cloth that has been dampened with distilled water.
• Leave the couch to dry naturally.

3. Pigmented leather:

This type of leather is used in most furniture upholstery and in almost all car upholstery. It is characterized by a polymer coating which might contain colored dye. This helps the leather achieve various shades of color and also increases its durability. Cleaning a couch made from pigmented leather is fairly easy. This is because this particular leather is the least sensitive and can be maintained with mild soaps found at home. There are still leather cleaning agents for pigmented leather such as Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner And Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit if you wish to use them instead.

Cleaning procedure:

• Add a few drops of non-detergent soap in a bowl of water and moisten a sponge or microfiber cloth with cleaning solution.
• Make sure the cleaning solution doesn’t discolor the couch by testing it first on a small, inconspicuous part of the couch that cannot be seen normally.
• Wipe the couch vertically, from top to bottom.
• Dampen another cloth with distilled water and wipe down again.
• Dry with a clean, absorbent cloth.

4. Nubuck Leather:

Nubuck leather is a form of aniline leather that is sanded to feel and look like suede. It has a velvety finish, also known as nap, just like suede. However, nubuck is a lot more durable and a lot less expensive than suede. Because of its aniline nature, nubuck leather is easily soiled and very sensitive. Regular cleaning is required, but not with common household cleaning agents. Nubuck couches should be cleaned monthly-bi-monthly using a product like Aged Leather Pros with a special nubuck cleaning cloth, which protects the nubuck’s velvety nap. For thorough cleaning, nubuck couches can be cleaned following the same cleaning procedure above for aniline leather.

•           Condition the couch

It is essential to condition your leather couch once or twice a year. This is because conditioners contain oils that keep your leather couch moisturized and prevent cracking. Several commercial conditioners have been specifically made for leather couches. Alternatively, homemade conditioners can also be used, and are much more affordable. 

A great homemade conditioner recipe is a solution of 10-15 drops of lemon oil in two cups of white vinegar. *However, only lemon oil can be used, so don’t attempt to try other oils of you don’t have lemon oil on-hand.*

Method:

• Dampen a clean cloth with a commercial conditioner (or for nubuck, try Care & Cool Suede & Nubuck Conditioner) or homemade solution. Ensure not to drench the fabric. 
• With the dampened cloth, massage the surface of your couch in a circular motion.
• One hour after conditioning the couch, buff with a flannel cloth for added shine.

 

That’s it. Learning how to clean a leather couch probably isn’t half as challenging as you expected.

Was this article helpful? If you have any other questions on how to clean a leather couch, leave me a comment!