With the proper care, a leather couch can last 20 years or more. However, without the proper care, even a new leather couch can look old and worn out. So, the question is: What do I need to do to keep my couch looking good for many years? I have found the following tips quite helpful:
Clean your leather couch monthly. You should vacuum and dust the couch to remove any dirt monthly, or more frequently. Remove the cushions and vacuum underneath them. Wipe the leather with a cleaner specifically made for leather, such as Oakwood Leather Conditioning Cream, and treat any stains promptly. Leather scratches easily, so avoid scraping too hard.
Use a soft cloth or soft brush on pigmented leather.
The most popular type of couch leather is pigmented, also called aniline-plus leather. This type of leather is treated to make it smoother – with less scars, scratches, and marks. This type of leather has also been pre-treated to resist stains. For spills, use a soft cloth or brush, and use water or leather cleaner to remove the stain. Attend to mishaps promptly to keep them from staining permanently.
Make a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts linseed oil to condition the leather.
Wipe it onto the leather in a circular motion with a soft, clean, white cloth. Cover the furniture completely. The furniture should be slightly damp, not soaked. This will help make your couch stain resistant.
Allow the solution to sit on the furniture overnight.
Buff the shine back on the furniture by wiping it with a soft, dry clean cloth.
Use a light touch and a circular motion to restore the full luster.
Non-Routine Cleanings
Cleaning Mildew and Mold
1. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray
bottle.
2. Spray the solution on the mold or mildew.
3. Allow the solution to air dry. It may help to place a fan near
the furniture to speed the process along.
Suggestions for Other Stains
- Scrub the stained area gently with white toothpaste (not the gel kind) and a soft clean cloth. Toothpaste will remove almost any stain on leather.
- For ink stains, dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain and dry with a hair dryer set on the lowest setting.
- For newsprint stains, use aerosol hairspray on the stain and wipe it away with a soft, clean white cloth.
- Mayonnaise will remove some stains. Rub it on and leave it for a few hours before wiping off. However, don’t do this on a hot day.
Advice and Warnings
Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasives. They will damage leather.
Lastly, position your couch out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and discoloration.
