How to Clean and Condition Leather So It Stays Beautiful for Years to Come

Leather is a popular material that is common in many homes, from office chairs and couches to headboards and coasters. While it's known for its durability, leather must be cleaned properly in order to maintain its supple, smooth appearance. Using the wrong technique or cleaning materials can damage your leather pieces and cause cracking or discoloration. While this may sound intimidating, cleaning leather is relatively straightforward—you can do so with little more than distilled water and soap.

Importance of Cleaning Leather

Cleaning your leather pieces regularly is important for overall longevity and to ensure they maintain their aesthetic appearance. "Leather is a natural material that can deteriorate if not cared for," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Proper cleaning helps maintain its appearance, preventing it from looking worn, faded, or stained."

Additionally, leather items can accumulate with dirt, sweat, bacteria, and mold over time, which is especially common with leather pieces that are in close contact with the body or that are kept in humid environments. "Proper cleaning and storage can prevent these issues," says Sokolowski.

How Often to Clean Leather

How often you clean your leather pieces depends on several factors, including how often they are used and their exposure to dirt, sweat, oils, and other contaminants. "A light dust or wipe-down can be done weekly or as needed," says Sokolowski. "For minor stains or spills, address them promptly to prevent them from settling into the leather." Deep clean leather every six to 12 months, depending on use.

Materials to Avoid When Cleaning Leather

While cleaning your leather pieces is important, doing so with the wrong ingredients can permanently damage the material. When cleaning leather, be sure to avoid these cleaning products.

• Ammonia: Cleaners with ammonia are way too harsh for leather as it can remove natural oils and moisture from the material. "It can also lead to drying, cracking, and discoloring of the leather," says Sokolowski.
• Bleach: A highly corrosive and toxic material, bleach can cause irreversible damage to leather. "It can weaken the fibers, causing them to break down, resulting in cracks and permanent discoloration," Sokolowski says.
• Alcohol-based cleaners: Don't use alcohol-based products, like rubbing alcohol or some household disinfectants, on leather. These products can dry out the leather and remove its natural oils.
• Acetone: A powerful solvent used in nail polish remover, acetone can be too harsh for leather and dissolve the finish.
• Harsh abrasives: Materials like steel wool, abrasive sponges, or stiff brushes can scratch and damage the surface of leather, says Sokolowski.
  

Materials

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning leather.

• Distilled water
• Natural soap 
• Microfiber cloth(s)
• Soft brush
• Natural leather conditioner (olive or coconut oil also work)

How to Clean Leather

When cleaning leather, it's important to test the solution on a small area to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse effects or discoloration, says Sokolowski. Also, be sure not to oversaturate the material with water, which can leave stains.

1. Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt and dust from the leather gently. Always brush in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the fibers.
2. Mix a few drops of mild, natural soap with some distilled water in a bowl, making sure the solution is not too soapy.
3. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the natural cleaning solution. Gently wipe the leather surface using a light touch. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this may damage the leather.
4. Work in small sections, wiping in gentle, circular motions. Be careful not to oversaturate the leather.
5. Dampen a clean cloth with distilled water. Wipe the leather to remove any soap residue. Be careful not to oversaturate the leather.
6. Use a dry and clean cloth to pat the leather dry and absorb excess moisture. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers.
7. When done, inspect the cleaned leather to ensure it's free from dirt, residue, and water spots. Let the leather air dry in a cool, dry place.
   

How to Remove Stains From Leather

How you treat stains on leather depends on the type of stain and your leather items. For specific stains, follow the below tips from Sokolowski.

• Ink stains: Dab a little lemon juice on the ink stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting.
• Oil or grease stains: Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the stain. Let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb the oil.
• Water stains: Dampen a cloth with distilled water and dab it onto the water stain and surrounding area. Covering an area larger than the water stain prevents water rings, which can form when you attempt to remove a water stain from leather by dampening it unevenly.
• Mildew or mold: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water. Dab it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting.

How to Condition Leather

As a general rule, you should condition leather after you clean it. Conditioning leather helps the material's natural oils and prevents it from drying out and becoming brittle, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. "Regular conditioning keeps the leather soft, supple, and less prone to cracking or developing wrinkles, ensuring its longevity and enhancing its overall appearance."

1. After cleaning, apply a small amount of leather conditioner (you can also use olive or coconut oil) onto a clean, soft cloth.
2. Rub it gently onto the leather surface in circular motions. Allow the conditioner to be absorbed for a few hours or overnight.
3. Buff the leather with a clean cloth to restore its suppleness and shine.

How to Maintain Leather

Ensure your leather pieces stay in pristine condition by caring for them properly in between regular cleanings.

• Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight and extreme heat, as these can cause drying and fading, says Cohoon.
• Apply a leather conditioner every six to 12 months to keep the leather soft, nourished, and protected from wear and tear, says Cohoon.
• Clean stains as soon as they appear to avoid permanent damage.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaning supplies to keep the leather from degrading.