How to Clean and Condition Leather

A luxurious and expensive material, leather requires particular maintenance techniques. Using the wrong method or substance to clean your leather can lead to irreparable damage. Harsh cleaning substances can do more harm than good, so stick with mild cleaning agents. Different types of stains require varying methods to effectively clean. The appropriate cleaning and conditioning techniques don't require special skills or expensive cleaning solutions. In fact, you probably already have these cleaning materials in your home.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tablespoon dish-washing liquid
• Water
• Hair spray
• Talcum powder or cornstarch
• Cloth rags
• Vinegar
• Neat's-foot oil or linseed oil

Instructions

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of mild dish-washing liquid and 1 cup of water. Dip a clean, soft rag in the soap solution, and wring it to remove excess water. Rub the damp rag gently into grime and stains, then wipe the spot dry with a clean cloth.

2. Apply hair spray to ink stains, and use a clean cloth to remove any residue.

3. Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on any grease stains. Let it sit for four hours, then use a clean cloth to wipe it away.

4. Hold a clean cloth under running water, then wring it to remove excess water. Rub the cloth onto any blood or urine stain, and let the area air-dry.

5. Mix 1 part vinegar and 2 parts neat's-foot oil or food-grade linseed oil. Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into the mixture, wring out the cloth to remove any excess, and rub it all over the leather product. Leave the solution on the leather overnight, then wipe it clean with a fresh cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Using the wrong product can damage your leather. Always test a cleaning material on a hidden patch of the leather, and wait 24 hours to see if the product causes any damage.

References

• Professor's House: How Do You Clean a Leather Sofa
• Mrs. Clean: Leather Cleaning