How to Steam Clean a Stained Leather Couch

Clean leather by brushing off loose dirt and steam cleaning stains.

Leather furniture makes a bold fashion statement in any home decor, but it also makes for difficult cleanup with everyday messes and spills. Leather couches and sofas show even minor wear and tear and may be dulled by daily dust buildup. Remove stains from your leather couch, and brighten the upholstery to once again reflect your impeccable taste and style.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with small brush attachment
• Soft-bristle brush
• 2 soft, white cloths
• Lukewarm water
• Commercial leather cleaner
• Steam cleaner
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Attach the small brush attachment to the vacuum hose. Gently vacuum the entire surface of your leather couch to remove any dirt particles. Remove the leather cushions and vacuum beneath them. Use a soft-bristle brush to loosen dirt and caked-on stains. Vacuum the loosened dirt.

2. Prepare a commercial leather shampoo or cleaner according to package directions. Stir the cleaning solution to make white suds or foam. Scoop a small amount of the suds onto the stain. Use a white cloth to rub the suds into the leather in small, circular motions.

3. Use the brush attachment on the steam cleaner. Shampoo the stain with circular movements. Use the white cloth to blot off the excess leather cleaner suds. Repeat steam cleaning and blotting until the stain is removed.

4. Allow the leather couch to dry. Turn on the ceiling fan, open windows or use a blow dryer if necessary to dry the couch more quickly.

5. Apply commercial leather conditioner to the remaining white cloth. Rub the conditioner into the leather surface of the couch using large, circular motions.

Tips & Warnings

• Re-condition your leather couch once a month to retain the life of your furniture.

• Spot clean a small, hidden area of the leather sofa before steam cleaning the entire couch.

• Do not soak the stain with the leather cleaning solution. Use only the dry suds from the top of the solution.

References

• Leather World Technologies: Leather Care and Cleaning