Leather furniture needs special care. There are various commercial products and homemade solutions for cleaning a leather sofa. With regular maintenance and the right cleaners, you can keep it clean and in great condition for many years.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Remove Dirt and Dust
Step 1. Remove larger debris with a vacuum cleaner
Using the manual suction nozzle, you will be able to take them all out. Oriental on the folds and ripples of the sofa.
Step 2. Use the nozzle with brush
Attach it to the vacuum cleaner and pass it over the surface. The bristles are soft and do not risk scratching the surface.
Step 3. Dust
Get a feather or microfiber duster and gently dust the entire sofa. Remove all crumbs and debris before cleaning more thoroughly as they may scratch the skin.
Part 2 of 4: Performing a Routine Cleaning
Step 1. Prepare a homemade solution
Get a small bucket or basin and combine equal parts water and white vinegar. It's best to use distilled water at room temperature. The one from the tap can contain chemicals that risk damaging the skin.
You can also use a commercial cleaner for leather items to clean the sofa. Read the instructions to use it correctly
Step 2. Dip a rag into the solution
Squeeze it well. Make sure it's just wet and not soaked, otherwise it can damage the surface.
Step 3. Rub lightly
Start at the top of the sofa and work your way down by gently scrubbing. Proceed in small portions. Dip the rag into the solution again and wring it out after a few strokes.
Step 4. Dry
With a clean cloth, blot each portion of wet leather before moving on to the next.
Part 3 of 4: Treating Stains
Step 1. Remove the grease stains
Hair, beauty products, and food can soil a leather sofa, leaving grease stains. Try deleting them as soon as you notice them. Clean the surface with a suitable cleaning solution and dry thoroughly. If they remain, try coating them with a little baking soda or cornstarch. Leave it to act for a few hours and finally remove the residues of the dust with a brush.
Step 2. Remove the ink stains
With the help of a cotton swab dipped in denatured alcohol, gently dab the ink stain. Be careful not to impregnate the skin. Once the stain is gone, wipe the surface with a damp rag and dry the area thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Step 3. Remove liquid stains
Sometimes, some drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, can be spilled on the sofa. It is best to remove them immediately to prevent them from being absorbed. Once removed, gently cleanse the skin with an appropriate cleanser. When you are done, remember to dry it thoroughly with a cloth.
Step 4. Treat dark spots if your skin is fair
Mix equal parts lemon and cream of tartar to make a stain remover mixture. Apply it on the dirt and leave it to act for 10 minutes. Use a damp cloth to remove it, then dry with a clean rag.
If necessary, you can repeat the treatment
Part 4 of 4: Nourish and Protect the Sofa Skin
Step 1. Prepare a homemade solution
Get a bowl and pour 10-15 drops of lemon or tea tree oil into 480ml of white vinegar. Stir gently so that the oil and vinegar are combined.
- You can also use a leather conditioner instead of this mixture. Read the instructions that accompany the product to use it correctly.
- Do not use olive oil as it may damage the skin over time.
Step 2. Apply the solution all over the sofa
Get a clean washcloth and dip a corner in the emollient mixture. Gently rub it across the surface in circular motions. Let it dry overnight.
Do not soak the rag in the solution and do not soak the sofa. It could be ruined
Step 3. Wipe with a clean cloth
The next day, gently scrub the surface to restore the skin's luster. Start at the top of the sofa and work your way down, rubbing with small circular motions.
Repeat the treatment every 6-12 months to keep the skin soft and shiny
Advice
- Before applying the solution over the entire surface, test it on a small patch of leather in the back of the sofa. If it goes wrong, forget it.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the leather.
- Use the conditioner or emollient solution every 6-12 months.
- Keep the sofa away from direct sunlight and heat sources as they can speed up the dehydration and aging process of the skin.
Warnings
- Before applying the solution to any leather item, consult the care and maintenance label.
- Most soaps damage leather surfaces.
- Read the instructions for cleaning the sofa before applying any cleaning solution or emollient product.
- Do not use stain removers that are not intended for leather items. The damage is insured in most cases.
