How to Clean a Leather Couch

A little love will keep your leather furniture looking great for years.

With children in the house, having a couch that I could wipe milk dribbles and cookie crumb off of was a no-brainer. But leather furniture still needs to be cleaned and cared for.

Things You'll Need

• vacuum cleaner
• wash cloth
• warm water with mild soap
• clean, dry cotton cloth
• leather conditioner

Instructions

1. The first step in cleaning a leather couch or other leather furniture is to vacuum between the cushions. Use the narrow attachment that comes with most vacuums and suck up as much of the dirt as possible.

2. Next, wipe the leather off with a damp cloth. Make sure to hit in between the cushions and other hard to reach places. Wipe down all the surfaces of the furniture. Scrub gently to remove tough spots from the leather.

3. 

   If necessary, wipe any remaining moisture off the furniture. Then apply a cleaner/conditioner that is designed for leather. These products are readily available where ever you get automotive supplies.

4. 

   Apply a small amount of conditioner to a clean cotton cloth and gently rub into the leather. Do not apply the conditioner directly to the leather. Continue to massage the conditioner into the leather until it is all absorbed. If the leather is old, or if it is exposed to sunlight, you will need to use more leather conditioner. Make sure the conditioner in completely absorbed before sitting on the furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply leather conditioner directly to the leather.

• Make sure leather is dry before conditioning.

• Test a small area to make sure the leather conditioner will not alter the color of the leather.