How to Clean Leather

The best method for cleaning leather is determined by the type of the stain and the type of the leather. Read How to Treat Stains in Leather for advice on removing specific stains.

The following are instructions for general leather cleaning: Before cleaning leather, determine whether the leather is finished - like luggage, furniture and garments - or unfinished - like baseball gloves, work boots and saddles. Then follow the instructions below to keep your leather looking fabulous.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather Conditioners
• Saddle Soaps
• Damp cloths
• Dry Towels
• Sponges
• Leather Protection Sprays
• Leather Cleaning Kits

Finished Leather

1. Place a small amount of a gentle, moisturizing soap such as Dove on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather.

2. Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water on the leather.

3. Wipe away lather with a fresh damp cloth. Don't rinse the leather in water.

4. Polish leather with a dry towel.

5. Treat leather with a leather conditioner after it has dried completely.

Unfinished Leather

6. Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub saddle soap into the leather; work soap into a light lather.

7. Wipe away lather and allow to air dry.

8. Oil leather with a leather preservative such as mink oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider seeking professional assistance as improper cleaning might damage the leather.

[mitchette]

on 9/19/2009 I have 2 leather chairs rarely sat on, but I have a build of dirt & grime in the creases, I'v tried cleaning with stuff like orange clean, I think I goofed, now I cant get the grime build up out. I need help. mitchette

[renaissancebn1]

on 8/11/2009 Hi. We have two leather sofas that have a built up residue of hair wax/gel on the backs where our heads rest!! Yuk! I have tried specialist leather cleaners and the 'Dove' suggestion above but neither will shift it. Any tips? The In Laws are coming to stay and I'd like it gone.....
Cheers,

[augustgreen]

on 8/3/2009 I have a western saddle that is a finished leather but is light colored. I need to know if there is a cleaning process that will clean without darkening the leather. augustgreen

[newyorkminute92]

on 1/16/2009 That's great advice and thanks for the clarification. Would love to have you come answer and comment on some questions we have.

Answeraddict.com Team

[RebeccaC]

on 12/12/2008 i got fingernail polish remover on our brown leather couch and it took out the color. How can I cover it up so it's not as noticeable?