Things in a Home That Will Clean Imitation Leather

Clean imitation leather with dish soap.

Imitation leather has a similar durability and appearance as authentic leather, but costs much less. This allows you to purchase furniture, shoes or any other item you may want at only a fraction of the price. When cleaning the imitation leather, you can use items that already are in the home.

Daily Cleaning

Wipe down the imitation leather daily, or as needed, with a dry cleaning rag. For furniture, use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment to collect crumbs and buildup. For spots of stickier buildup here and there, wipe down the imitation leather with a damp cleaning rag.

Cleaning Imitation Leather

Add a squirt of dish soap to about a quart of water for a more thorough cleaning. This typically should be used monthly or as needed when you need a boost of cleaning power. Wipe down the imitation leather with a rag moistened with the soapy water. Rinse out the rag when you're finished, wring out and wipe over the surface to remove any leftover soapy residue. Dry the imitation leather with a clean rag.

Conditioning Imitation Leather

Imitation leather needs to be conditioned just like authentic leather. To keep the leather clean and looking its best, condition after each cleaning with a conditioning agent labeled safe for use on imitation leather. These conditioning treatments can typically either be sprayed on or wiped on with a cleaning rag. Rub in the conditioner well and let it air dry.

Warnings

Don't use any harsh cleaners on the imitation leather and also avoid bleach cleaning products. These items may clean other surfaces around the home, but often will eat through and damage the imitation leather. In many cases, the damage caused is irreversible and you will need to replace the item.

References

• Sofas and Futons: Cleaning a Faux Leather Sofa