Here's How to Clean Leather, Whether It's a Couch, a Purse, or Something Else (2024)

We're sure that leather will never go out of style. It's long-lasting durability and versatility make it a fashionable and timeless material. The enduring nature and quality of well-crafted leather goods can last over 25 years (and sometimes generations) with regular maintenance. Leather can add an effortless touch of luxe vintage charm to everything from stately Chesterfield sofas to wingback armchairs and purses to jackets. Just a touch of leather will instantly elevate a cozy living room or even an outfit to new fashionable heights. But how do you clean it?

Because it's a soft natural material, hard-core cleaning methods are not what the (furniture) doctor ordered if you need to clean a leather piece. Unlike the recommended cleaning methods for how to clean your oven, or how to clean white shoes, leather doesn't come with one-size-fits-all cleaning instructions.

If you're dealing with relatively modern leather, chances are the leather itself is already sealed with some sort of protective coating, which helps your case when the inevitable spill happens. If you're dealing with older leather, be sure to use extra caution if you're testing out a new solution.

Here, we'll tell you exactly how to clean leather, including how to clean leather furniture, and what to do if you just can't get out that stain.

Never use the washing machine. But thanks to leather's natural durability, you shouldn't need to worry about cleaning leather pieces like you would other fabrics or items.

Never use ammonia, bleach-based, or acetone-based products, as they're too harsh and can damage leather's natural finish.

Don't use cleaning cloths that are fully saturated or dripping with liquid. While it's okay to use water to clean leather, it should be used very sparingly because too much liquid can cause stains of its own. Be sure to use only damp (rather than fully saturated or dripping) cleaning cloths.

In addition to leather cleaners and conditioners from trusted brands (see a few of our top picks below), you can use some everyday household products to clean leather too. Vinegar, non-acetone nail polish remover, and even rubbing alcohol can potentially rid your leather of small blemishes from pens, markers, and mildew when used properly—read on for instructions.

Here are four easy methods, including a basic method for overall cleaning of your leather pieces and three solutions for getting stains out.

Important tip: Before you try anything on the stain itself, test out the solution on a small, hidden part of the item you're cleaning to be sure the leather can handle your solution of choice!

Method 1: How to Clean Leather Furniture with Water

Use this simple leather cleaning method if a piece of furniture is in need of a periodic cleaning. It's recommended to clean leather furniture at least once a year.

Cleaning Materials

• a vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• damp cloth with warm water
• leather conditioner from a trusted brand like Leather Honey, Fortivo, or Weiman

Step 1: Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to give your sofa or chair a quick cleaning.

Step 2: Once the crumbs are gone, a damp cloth with warm water is all you should need to give it a quick wipe-down. Make sure the cloth isn't fully saturated or dripping liquid. Be gentle and rinse the cloth regularly to avoid spreading dirt or stains around.

Step 3: Follow up this simple cleaning with a leather conditioner. This step is crucial to ensuring that your leather will last longer and won't show its age.

Method 2: How to Clean Leather with Vinegar

This may sound surprising, but vinegar can work wonders on leather. If the stain is older and tougher, and the leather is more durable, grab a cleaning cloth and dampen it thoroughly with white vinegar, then gently rub the stained area. If the leather you're working with is slightly more delicate, or the stains are from salt, whip up a cleaning solution with 1 part vinegar and 1 part water and dab the area with extra care.

Method 3: How to Clean Leather with Nail Polish Remover

This option works especially well for ink stains. Dip a cotton swab in non-acetone nail polish remover, and gently rub the stain until the ink starts to disappear. Take extra care to use non-acetone remover, as acetone can damage leather dye, and minimize effects on the surrounding leather by keeping the cotton swab directly on the stain itself.

Method 4: How to Clean Leather with Rubbing Alcohol

This household staple also works well for ink marks and other pesky stains like mold or mildew. Use similar techniques as detailed above; wet a cotton swab or pad with rubbing alcohol and gently apply it to the stained area.

What do I do if all else fails?

Call in the professionals! Chances are, your local leather store owner, furniture expert, antiques store owner, or tailor can offer advice or services to help you get rid of stains that are too tough to tackle alone.

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