How to Clean Damaged Leather

Even if you can't make damaged leather look new, you can improve its appearance.

Although leather can be damaged beyond repair, often moderate damage can be minimized or completely repaired with proper cleaning. Many leather stains can be removed with common household products, and the entire surface of a leather couch, sofa or garment can be refreshed with careful treatment. When refreshing leather, patience is a virtue. If a particular cleaning method doesn't work with one treatment, it may still get the job done with two or three.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Spray bottle
• Fan
• Toothpaste
• Soft cloths
• Cream of tartar
• Lemon juice
• Linseed oil
• Vinegar
• Jar

Instructions

1. Mix 1 part water with 1 part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture liberally on any mildewed spots in the leather.

2. Allow the mixture to air-dry at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Position a portable fan to blow on the leather item while it dries if it is very wet.

3. Using a soft cloth, rub toothpaste into any stained spots in the leather. Immediately wipe the toothpaste off with another clean cloth.

4. Mix 1 part cream of tartar with 1 part lemon juice for tough stains that won't come out with toothpaste. Use a soft cloth to work the mixture into the surface of the stain. Wait two to three hours.

5. Wipe the cleaning solution away with a clean cloth.

6. Combine 2 parts linseed oil and 1 part vinegar in a jar. Shake the mixture thoroughly and coat a clean cloth with it.

7. Rub the whole leather item with the mixture-soaked cloth. Leave it sitting for eight to 12 hours.

8. Buff the leather item with another clean cloth.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: Leather Cleaning Tips