Cleaning a Leather Couch?

Archive: Cleaning a Leather Couch

I have a high quality saddle tan couch. I have done nothing to it for eight years. Most of the couch has faded quite a bit. The only soiled area on the couch is the front face of the seat cushions where our dog used to rub his face.

I've read some of the other posts about not using saddle soap. Why is that? I've always thought that it was good to clean and replenish the leather. What does it cost if I have a professional clean and restore it?

By kelley from Vernon Hills, IL

Answers:

Cleaning a Leather Couch

I was just in an Ashley Furniture store the other day and saw the excellent leather care products they offer. They would also be able to give you additional information. They are top notch with their customer service. (07/25/2009)

By yolanda

Archive: Cleaning a Leather Couch

I have a red leather couch and find there is a lot of deep down grim when I wipe it with baby wipes. I would like to find something to clean it without taking off the red dye in the couch.

Karen from England (Peterborough)

Answers:

Cleaning a Leather Couch

• Leather should be kept out of direct sunlight.
• Leather should be cleaned regularly. First, use a soft cloth or micro-fiber cloth to dust the surface (figure A). Saddle soap works beautifully on leather.
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• Another option for cleaning leather is to take a damp cloth, wipe it across moisturizing soap and lather the leather. Don't rinse, buff for a nice shine.
• Remember: When removing spots from leather, always test any cleaning method on an out-of-the-way spot first.
• One tip for removing spots from leather is to dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and rub the spot. This can work for removing ink spots as well. If this doesn't work, you can use non-oily cuticle remover. (That is "cuticle" remover, NOT nail-polish remover.) Leave it on overnight and wipe it off with a damp cloth.
• To remove normal spots from leather, use the following recipe: 1 part lemon juice
  1 part cream of tartar. Simply work the paste into the spot with a soft cloth, and if soils remain after working it in, let it sit for a few hours. Come back and apply a little more paste, work it in and wipe clean.
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• Waterspots can be removed from leather by moistening the area again with a little water, let it dry or gently blow dry. Never place leather in the sun to dry.
• To remove road salt from leather (could be on shoes, coat, etc.) try this simple recipe: 1 part water
  to 1 part white vinegar. Take a cloth and dip into the solution, blot over the shoes or coat lightly to remove the salt. You may have to do this several times to clean the entire surface. When you finish they should look almost like new Be sure to wipe leather shoes with a damp cloth frequently, and keep them well polished with a paste.
• To keep leather supple, use the following recipe: 1 part white vinegar, 2 parts linseed oil, in jar with a lid. Pour the solution into a jar with a lid, shake well and apply to the leather with a soft cloth. Let it sit for 12 hours and buff. If the cloth starts to soil, be sure to change it often. Store the left over solution for future usage.
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I got this from this URL: http://www.ehow.com/how_3138_clean-leather.html
(08/26/2006)

By Cyinda

Cleaning a Leather Couch

Oops! I put the wrong URL on my previous post, the leather direction cleaning I posted is partly taken form DIY TV network's "The Queen of Clean" this is the real one:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lv_household_tips/article/0,2041,DIY_14119_2275103,00.html

The URL I posted earlier suggests using Mink Oil. Mink Oil is fine for softening and "breaking in" leather, but don't use it anywhere where you have seams, because it causes the thread to rot and break down much, much quicker. So think about that before you decide to use mink oil, it may also darken your leather. (08/26/2006)

By Cyinda