"Fall" in Love with Your Leather Couch Again: Cleaning Tips and Tricks

David in Electronics & Appliances Sep 27 • 23 min read

A leather couch is not just a luxurious addition to your living space but also a durable investment when cared for properly. With autumn approaching, it’s time to deep clean your leather couch to ensure it stays in pristine condition for the cooler months ahead.

Leather couches, whether light or dark in color, should be deep cleaned 1-2 times per year. Lighter-colored couches are more susceptible to visible stains and should be cleaned every six months, while darker ones typically need cleaning annually.

This advisory blog will walk you through a step-by-step guide to maintaining and deep cleaning your leather couch while recommending top-rated leather care products that will help keep your furniture looking new. Let’s break down the process for effective leather care, ensuring your couch not only looks great but also lasts for years.

1. Check Your Couch’s Warranty and Manufacturer Guidelines

Before you dive into cleaning, it’s essential to first check whether your leather couch is still under warranty. Most leather furniture warranties will have specific cleaning instructions, and using the wrong products or methods can void your warranty. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, which may prohibit the use of harsh chemicals or certain types of cleaners. This simple step can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your investment.

Pro Tip: Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area before applying it to the entire couch. This ensures there won’t be any discoloration or damage.

2. Regular Maintenance: Vacuum and Dust First

Regular cleaning goes a long way in preventing dirt and grime from embedding into the leather. Every week or two, give your leather couch a light clean by vacuuming or dusting it. Use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum to remove dust, pet hair, and loose debris from the surface, particularly in the crevices and seams where dirt tends to accumulate. This pre-cleaning step ensures you aren’t rubbing dirt into the leather during the deeper cleaning process.

Pro Tip: Dusting or vacuuming regularly helps maintain the leather’s natural oils, keeping it from drying out or cracking.

3. Using the Right Leather Cleaner

After dusting, it’s time to apply a leather cleaner to remove oils, sweat, and stains that have built up over time. The best practice is to spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth rather than directly on the leather, which can cause uneven application or damage sensitive areas. Wipe the couch from top to bottom in long, even strokes.

Here are seven highly recommended leather cleaners, each with its features, benefits, and price points:

Chemical Guys Complete Leather Care Kit - $30

Features: This kit includes both a leather cleaner and conditioner in convenient spray bottles, allowing you to tackle both steps of the cleaning process.
Benefits: The formula effectively removes stains, dirt, and even scratches while conditioning the leather with nourishing vitamin E. This is a two-step process, so it may take more time, but the results are worth it.
Price: At $30, it’s a solid investment for those wanting a complete cleaning and conditioning routine.
Drawback: The kit doesn’t come with application tools, so you’ll need to use your own microfiber cloth.

Check out other available hot promo coupons at Chemical Guys >>>> HERE <<<<

Leather Honey Leather Conditioner - $28 (8 oz) / $20 (4 oz)

Features: Leather Honey is a well-known thick, honey-like leather conditioner designed to revive and protect older leather.
Benefits: Odorless and made from a gentle formula, it deeply conditions, softens, and restores dry leather. It’s perfect for couch owners who want to breathe new life into their furniture.
Price: At $28 for 8 oz and $20 for 4 oz, Leather Honey is a great deal for leather in need of intensive conditioning.
Drawback: The thick formula takes at least 2 hours to absorb fully, which might be inconvenient for those looking for quicker results. Additionally, it doesn’t provide UV protection.

Armor All Leather Wipes with Beeswax - $13 (30 ct) / $9 (20 ct)

Features: These convenient wipes are pre-moistened with a cleaning and conditioning formula that includes beeswax, which nourishes and protects leather.
Benefits: Ideal for quick clean-ups, these wipes are portable and require no additional tools. Just pull out a wipe and go.
Price: At $13 for 30 wipes or $9 for 20 wipes, they’re an affordable option for ongoing maintenance.
Drawback: They can dry out if left in a hot environment, so always store them properly to maintain their moisture.

Check out other available hot promo coupons at Armorall >>>> HERE <<<<

Weiman 3-in-1 Deep Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Cream - $15

Features: This cleaner and conditioner combo is designed to clean, condition, and restore leather in one easy step.
Benefits: The creamy formula provides deep nourishment and helps prevent cracks. It's ideal for those looking for a convenient all-in-one product.
Price: Priced at $15, it’s an economical solution for regular maintenance.
Drawback: While great for routine cleaning, it may not be effective on heavily soiled or very old leather. It also doesn’t provide UV protection.

Check out other available hot promo coupons at Weiman >>>> HERE <<<<

Stone & Clark Leather Shoe Cleaning Kit - $39

Features: Originally designed for leather shoes, this kit includes brushes, polish, a cloth, and a convenient storage case.
Benefits: Although designed for shoes, this kit can be used on small leather areas of your couch, like armrests or headrests, for a polished and buffed look.
Price: At $39, it’s a more expensive option for couch care but versatile for other leather items like bags or shoes.
Drawback: The polish may run out quickly, especially if used on larger surfaces like couches.

P&S Professional Xpress Interior Cleaner - $17

Features: This versatile cleaner is safe for multiple materials, including leather, vinyl, and fabric.
Benefits: It’s effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains, especially in car interiors, but can also be used for leather couches. Its safe formula is gentle on delicate leather surfaces.
Price: Priced at $17, it’s a cost-effective option for cleaning without conditioning.
Drawback: It doesn’t offer UV protection or conditioning benefits, so you’ll need to follow up with a conditioner.

Armor All Leather Wipes with Beeswax - $13/$9

Features: Like the previously mentioned Armor All wipes, these offer portable convenience with added beeswax for nourishment.
Benefits: No need for clothes or sprays—just wipe down your couch with the pre-moistened wipes.
Price: Starting at $9, they’re an affordable choice for quick leather maintenance.
Drawback: As with all wipes, they may dry out if not stored properly.

4. Apply a Leather Conditioner

After cleaning, it’s vital to apply a leather conditioner to restore the leather’s natural oils and prevent drying or cracking. Conditioners also provide a soft, supple feel and enhance the leather’s durability. Using a microfiber cloth, buff the conditioner into the leather in circular motions. Allow the leather to absorb the conditioner for at least an hour before sitting on it or replacing cushions.

Leather Honey Leather Conditioner is one of the most popular options for this step. Its thick, honey-like consistency ensures a deep, rich conditioning treatment that rejuvenates old, dry leather.

5. Handling Stains: A DIY Approach

For small stains, a DIY cleaning solution of dish soap and water can be effective. Dampen a cloth with the solution and dab at the stain without rubbing—this prevents spreading or embedding the stain deeper into the leather. Once the stain is treated, be sure to dry the area thoroughly to avoid weakening the leather.

For grease stains, sprinkling a small amount of baking soda onto the affected area can help absorb the oils. Let it sit for a few hours, then gently brush it off.

Pro Tip: Avoid using bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, or harsh chemicals like Febreze, as they can damage the leather over time. For ink stains, lightly dab a dry cloth with vinegar and gently wipe the area.

6. Deodorizing and Protecting Leather

To keep your leather couch smelling fresh, you can use a solution of equal parts water and vinegar or baking soda. Apply the mixture to the leather using a cloth, then wipe it off after a few minutes to neutralize odors. For extra protection, applying furniture polish once a month helps maintain the leather's sheen and prevent future wear and tear.

7. Preventative Care: Keep Leather Away from Heat and Sunlight

To maintain your leather couch’s appearance for the long haul, it’s essential to protect it from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the leather, while heat can cause it to dry out and crack. Position your leather furniture in a shaded part of the room to keep it looking new for longer.

Final Thoughts

With proper care, your leather couch can maintain its luxurious look and feel for years to come. By vacuuming and dusting regularly, using a high-quality leather cleaner, and applying a conditioner, you can keep your couch in pristine condition. Additionally, taking preventative measures like keeping your couch away from direct sunlight and cleaning up spills immediately will ensure your leather couch remains a focal point of your home, especially in the autumn season.

By following these steps and using the recommended leather care products, your leather couch will not only survive but thrive through the changing seasons.