How To Clean Your Leather Sofa in 7 Easy Steps

Leather furniture is a statement of style and comfort in any home, but it requires a special touch to maintain its elegance and durability. Whether tackling a recent spill, wear and tear or giving your cherished sofa its regular spruce-up, this guide will ensure your leather sofa remains the centerpiece of your living space.

How Often Should You Clean Your Leather Sofa?

Keeping your leather couch or armchair in tip-top shape is key to preserving its style and durability. Aim for a monthly clean or every other month if it's not a hotspot for activity. 

If your sofa or footstool is the go-to spot for kids, pets, or movie nights, a monthly clean-up might be just what it needs to look fabulous and fight off grime.

For sofas that enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, less frequent cleaning will do the trick. It's time for a deep clean and conditioning session twice a year. Stick to gentle, pH-neutral leather cleaners to keep harsh chemicals at bay.

To keep your leather sofa cleaner for longer:

  1. Use a soft cloth or dusting brush to remove surface dirt and prevent scratches.

  2. Clean crevices and seams with the vacuum's upholstery attachment to remove trapped debris.

  3. Blot spills quickly with an absorbent cloth to prevent staining and avoid rubbing.

  4. Use a leather care kit with pH-neutral leather cleaners for deeper cleaning, first testing on a small area.

  5. Periodically apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather hydrated and supple.

  6. Protect the sofa from sunlight to prevent fading and drying.

  7. Consistent and professional cleaning every 12-18 months helps maintain the sofa's condition.

With loving and consistent care, your leather sofa will continue to be the centrepiece of comfort and elegance in your living room for years to come.

7 Essential Steps for a Deep Clean of Your Leather Sofa

Ready to give your leather sofa a new lease on life? Let’s dive into a quick, easy deep-cleaning routine to keep it shining like new.

  1. Prep Time!

First, grab a soft-bristled brush or your vacuum's brush attachment. Gently sweep away all the loose dirt and tiny crumbs hiding in your chairs' nooks and crannies.

  1. Choosing Your Leather Cleaner

Now, pick the perfect leather cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals; they're leather's worst nightmare! Opt for a gentle, pH-neutral leather cleaner. Our leather care kit is a popular choice that you know will be safe.

  1. Spot Test

Before going full-on cleaning mode, do a little detective work. Test your cleaner on a hidden spot to make sure it’s sofa-friendly. 

  1. Scrub

Got the green light from your spot test? Great! Grab a soft cloth to wipe the cleaner in small circles, focussing on those stubborn stains.

  1. Rinse Off 

Once your sofa looks fabulous, wipe off any cleaner residue with a damp cloth. 

  1. Condition

After the hard work, it's time to condition the leather. Use a soft cloth to gently apply a leather conditioner. This step keeps it soft and luxurious and protects the leather.

  1. Rest

Finally, let your sofa rest. Air it dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight. There's no rush – good things take time.

And there you have it! A happy, clean, and glowing leather sofa. Remember, a little regular dusting goes a long way.


Mastering Stain Removal: How to Keep Your Leather Sofa Spotless

Leather sofas add a touch of elegance to any home, but dealing with stains can be tricky. Here’s a list of common stains and how you can deal with them:

  • Ink stains: Rub the ink with rubbing alcohol or a non-acetone nail polish remover, wipe it with a damp cloth, and air dry. 

  • Grease/oil stains: Apply baking soda or cornstarch, let it sit, brush it off, then clean it with leather cleaner or mild soap. 

  • Tough stains (e.g., red wine): Blot, apply a leather cleaner, wipe with a damp cloth, dry, and condition.

The colour of your leather sofa affects stain visibility and treatment methods. For cream, white, or black sofas, regularly dust and vacuum with a microfiber cloth or brush. Use a stronger solution for tough stains on lighter sofas, avoiding harsh chemicals to prevent discolouration. On black sofas, address scratches with a soft cloth or leather creams.

Household Products for Effective Leather Cleaning

Caseys always recommend using an appropriate leather care kit to ensure the proper protection of your leather sofa, but cleaning leather can involve simple household items:

  • Washing up liquid: Combine warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft cloth to apply, ensuring not to soak the leather. Rinse off soap residue and pat dry.

  • Baking soda for stains: For tough stains, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply, rub gently, let sit for a few hours, then wipe off. Repeat if necessary.

  • Olive oil polish: Condition leather with a small amount of olive oil, rubbed in circular motions. Let it sit, then buff off excess oil.

Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice, and excessive water, as these can damage and discolour the leather. 

Professional Leather Sofa Cleaning: When to Call the Experts

Professional leather cleaning is essential for a leather sofa when routine methods fall short, especially for tough stains, significant damage, or when the sofa's specific leather type requires specialised care. It's also recommended as part of a comprehensive home deep cleaning to ensure thorough removal of dust, allergens, and bacteria. 

Enlisting a professional cleaning service ensures the sofa is treated with the appropriate techniques and products, preserving its elegance and extending its lifespan.

Protect Your Investment with Caseys: Premium Leather Sofa and Superior Care Kits

The longevity and appearance of your sofa greatly depend on the quality of the sofa itself and the care products you use. At Caseys, we don't just provide high-quality leather sofas that add a touch of elegance and comfort to your home; we also offer premium leather care kits designed to keep your sofa looking as good as new for years to come. Whether dealing with a fresh spill or performing routine maintenance, our kit has everything you need to keep your leather sofa soft, clean, and resilient. 

Visit our showrooms in Limerick or Cork to discover our wide range of leather sofas. We can assist you with choosing the right sofa or cleaning your leather to keep it soft and looking good for as long as possible.