How to Clean Artificial Leather

Cleaning artificial leather will take you minutes.

Artificial leather looks and often feels the same as regular leather but has different properties. Caring for regular leather can be a long, complicated process, often requiring a professional. Many people treat artificial leather the same way as regular leather, not realizing the difference. Instead of taking your artificial leather shoes, clothes or furniture to a professional to clean, you can do it yourself using common household items for a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

• Hand dish washing soap Water Bucket Rags or paper towels

Instructions

1. Combine approximately 1 tbsp. of hand dish washing liquid with 1 gallon of warm water into a bucket.

2. Dip a rag or paper towel into the bucket. Get the rag or paper towel damp but not dripping wet. Ring out if needed.

3. Carefully wipe down the artificial leather with the rag or paper towel. Scrub at any visible dirt areas, going over them thoroughly until the dirt is gone.

4. Allow the artificial leather to dry completely before using it again.

Tips & Warnings

• For artificial leather shoes, use a shoe polish after the shoe has dried and all visible dirt has been removed.

• Certain types of stains, such as permanent marker, will not come out of artificial leather using this method. You will need to use a stronger cleaner to remove these stains. Always follow any manufacturer's directions if provided.

References

• The Comfortable Life: The Best Way to Clean the Upholstered Furniture
• Marine Corps Uniform Regulations