It's difficult to take care of leather, even though it might look luxurious.Extra maintenance is required because it is so delicate.It's a good idea to wash your leather frequently with soap and water and conditioning it every couple of months.You don't have to ruin your pieces if you remove spills and stains as soon as possible.
Step 1: If you want to clean furniture, vacuum the leather with the brush attachment.
The brush won't scratch the leather.Before you wipe it down, run it over the entire piece.You can use the vacuum's crevice tool to get into nooks and crannies.Dust the leather with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 2: In a spray bottle or bowl mix 1 part mild soap with one part distilled water.
It is advisable to use a soap without detergent.If you combine it with distilled water, you won't have harmful particles in tap water.If you want to prevent future cracking of the leather, you should use a soap with essential oils.Special leather cleaner or saddle soap can be purchased from a shoe repair store, leather care store or online retailer.They often have protectants in them to help keep your leather fresh.
Step 3: Before cleaning the entire piece, test a small area.
The cleaning mixture should not ruin your leather.You can put the mixture on a hidden spot like the back of a couch or inside a leather glove.Don't use the soap or cleaner if you notice the color is fading.Before using any products on the leather, check the care instructions and contact the manufacturer via their customer service number.Different leather reacts in different ways.
Step 4: Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the leather with soap and water.
The microfiber cloth won't scratch the leather.To brush the soapy mixture onto the leather, use firm strokes.You could wipe away the color of the leather if you rubbed too hard.The areas where your hair and skin come into contact with the leather are the most important.These are the dirtiest places.Don't use colored cloths.You can transfer the color onto the leather.Since it's the most vulnerable, never spray water directly onto aniline or full grain leather.First, spray the cleaners onto the cloth.
Step 5: If you want to remove soap from the leather, wipe it with distilled water.
Take a microfiber towel and put it in a container of water.To clean the piece, run it all over the leather.Do not submerge leather in water.If you notice spots or stains, you can treat them with a stronger cleaning solution like a leather cleanser or rubbing alcohol.
Step 6: The leather needs to be dried with a towel.
Water should not be left on leather.Use your towel to wipe away excess water.Don't use heat on leather.It can cause cracks.
Step 7: Blot oil-based stains with a clean cloth.
Water should not be used on butter or oil stains.The oil will be absorbed by a dry cloth.Baking soda or cornstarch can be used to help absorb the oil stain.Leather degreaser can be purchased at a shoe repair shop or furniture store.
Step 8: If there is an ink stain apply rubbing alcohol.
Rub alcohol on a cotton swab or cloth to get rid of the stain.You don't want to spread the stain to the rest of the leather if you put the alcohol on the spot.It is possible to use hair spray instead of rubbing alcohol.The alcohol should be tested on a small spot of leather.It is possible that it could remove the leather's color.
Step 9: If you have dirt stains, use a mixture of water and vinegar.
Place a microfiber cloth over the spot and apply white vinegar and water.Next, wipe it off with a towel dipped in water.If the stain won't lift after you wash it, use gentle pressure to rub the vinegar and water into the spot.
Step 10: If you want to remove dirt stains on the go, try baby wipes.
Rub the wipe in a circular motion.The method works best on dirt marks on leather items.Do a spot test before using baby wipes.Some types of leather may be damaged by them.
Step 11: The type of leather you have will affect the conditioner you choose.
Check the manufacturer's website to find out what kind of products they recommend, or look at the care instructions on the label.If you cannot find the information on the piece, you can call the manufacturer.Silicone or wax can make the leather sticky.
Step 12: Use a clean cloth to apply the conditioner.
A little goes a long way.Spread it evenly across your piece using a microfiber cloth, which is more absorbent, so it will help absorb extra liquid as you wipe.The conditioner could stain the leather if it pools in any areas.
Step 13: Allow the conditioner to sit on the leather for up to 6 hours.
The leather can absorb the moisturizers.Make sure the conditioner is spread evenly across the leather.Check the back of the package for instructions if you don't need to sit as long.You want to let the conditioner sit on the leather for a while before wiping it off.
Step 14: To dry the leather, rub it with a microfiber towel.
To remove leftover conditioner, Rub the towel in circles around the leather.This pushes the moisturizers deeper into the leather so it lasts longer.After conditioning your leather, polish it with a clean cloth and leather polish.