How to Clean Your Leather Couch

About 3 years ago when I bought my black leather couch and love seat set, I didn't think that they would be a challenge to keep clean and looking good. I just thought that they would stay in mint condition for a long time. Well, I was wrong, and I quickly found out that black really doesn't hide the dirt and stains. So, I was forced to find some good cleaning methods to get my couches back into good shape. I'm sure there are many other methods, but here are some ideas that I have found to be helpful.

Vacuum

Before you clean the leather, vacuum the crevices of the couch to get rid of dirt and dust, and anything else that could've fell between the couch cracks. You don't want to start applying cleaning solutions to a dirty couch, since the dirt and particles can be rubbed in, scratching and destroying the leather surface.

Moisturizing Soap and Water

For an overall cleaning method, use a solution of a moisturizing soap, such as Dove body wash, and water. Apply the solution lightly with a soft cloth, and then buff it away. Do not rinse it, since a lot of water can damage leather. I've found that moisturizing soaps like Dove are the least abrasive to my couches, and they give the same results as they would to dry skin.

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes can do wonders to leather, but you should use the right kind. The "sensitive" kinds are usually the best, since they are very soft. A lot of the store brand wipes aren't as soft, so if you have name brand wipes around, such as Pampers, use those instead.

Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover

I only use this method for stains, not for overall cleaning. Make sure you test this on a back corner of the couch first before you apply it to the rest of the couch. You wouldn't want it to change the color of your leather. It obviously works on nail polish stains, but it also works well to remove ink stains and pet urine stains. Apply the polish remover with a soft cloth, then wipe it away completely.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

I love this product for many reasons, and cleaning my leather couch is one of them. It works well to get rid of dirt on the surface, as well as stains from food and spilled drinks.

Hairspray

This is another good way to get rid of ink stains. Although on my black couch, I haven't had this problem, I do know people who have used hairspray to remove ink from their white and cream colored couches. Again, you should test this on a back corner of the couch first.

Armor All Protectant Wipes

Although this isn't the best method of making your couch look shiny, it does work for a quick fix if you don't have conditioner available and you're expecting company over. For this, I use the wipes and go over the entire couch. Then, I go back over with a dry cloth to remove the excess oil. That way, you're not going to slide off the couch, it just gives it a nice shine. It makes leather seats in a car look nice, it can make couches look nice too, especially dark couches like black, red and brown.

Finish Cleaning With a Leather Conditioner

There are many different conditioners for leather furniture out there. Deep conditioning is the best way to keep your couch in good shape. Luckily, the store I bought my couches from provided me with a good deep conditioner, and you may be able to get conditioner from your furniture dealer as well. These conditioners are readily available in most retail and furniture stores. You should apply conditioner to your couches about 2-3 times per year to keep them looking clean and new.
Year-Round Care
Also remember to keep your couches out of direct sunlight, which can dry out the leather and make it crack. You may also want to consider covering the couches when they aren't in use, to keep dirt and dust off of the leather.