The Best Way to Clean and Protect Leather Furniture

There's nothing more classic than an array of leather furniture adorning a home. Whether it's a luxurious leather sectional sofa, or ottoman, leather-accented dining chairs, a collection of leather pillows, or a leather upholstered headboard—leather has remained a ubiquitous staple in many homes. And it should come as no surprise. Leather is a durable and relatively low-maintenance material that's perfect for the wear and tear of home life. White leather in particular is a chic addition to your decor that entices and delights. However, white leather is more susceptible to stains, scratches, and spots, which makes caring for it properly essential in order to maintain its longevity. But what's the best way to clean a leather sofa?

Cleaning and maintaining a white leather sofa can be done simply. You just need to follow the right kind of care and cleaning precautions. Read on to learn more about how you can care for your leather furniture.

This can be done fairly easily by following the right kind of care and cleaning precautions. Read on to learn more about caring for your leather furniture.

How Can I Clean My White Leather Couch at Home?

The process of cleaning your white leather sofa at home is similar to how you'd clean any regular leather sofa. But because the lighter colour attracts stains and spots more easily than its darker counterparts, it may require more upkeep and attention. 

1. Conduct a Spot Test

As a natural product, leather requires specific care to maintain the natural beauty and appearance of the hide. If you're cleaning your white leather pieces for the first time, or testing a new cleaning method, always spot clean on a small patch of the leather in a hidden area to ensure it suits your item of furniture. 

2. Don't Wait: Clean Minor Spills Immediately

If cleaning a small spill or a minor spot, use an absorbent cloth or sponge immediately after the spill. If necessary, use a lightly moistened soft cloth with clean lukewarm water and let it air dry. 

3. Oil Stains Require Less Care

If dealing with grease or oil stains, ensure you wipe off the excess with a clean, dry cloth and then leave the stain alone. Oils are a natural part of leather, so the stain should naturally dissipate into the leather. However, if the stain persists, contact a professional leather specialist to clean the leather, so as to avoid any potential damage to the leather itself.

4. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Solutions

Remember to not use any cleaning solvents, furniture polish, varnish, abrasive cleaners or ammonia water when looking to clean your leather furniture. For minor surface scratches, use a chamois or even your freshly-cleaned fingers to gently buff it out. If the scratch persists, try dampening the area with distilled water and continue buffing. 

5. Blot Spills & Air Dry - Avoid Wiping

When dealing with spills, use a dry cloth to blot the area immediately and let air dry. It's important to blot the area rather than wipe your leather furniture, as it absorbs the moisture rather than spreads it. 

6. Buff Out Leather Scratches

As leather scratches easily, avoid using or placing sharp objects near your leather furniture. However, if your furniture does sustain a scratch, you can usually buff it out with your fingers or with a chamois, as aforementioned. 

7. Avoid Ink Stains - Keep Printed Materials Away

Leather is also extremely absorbent, especially when it comes to dyes. As such, avoid placing printed materials on your leather furniture, as transferred ink can leave stains that are difficult, and sometimes nearly impossible, to remove. 

8. Consider Investing in Leather Protection

If you share your home with little ones, especially of the furry variety, you may consider investing in leather protection. Certain leather products come with protective coating, otherwise, you may consider purchasing a protection plan when purchasing your leather furniture. Keep in mind that this measure usually only makes financial sense if you're investing in a high-quality piece.

How to Clean Protected vs. Unprotected Leather

While most white leather may look the same, there are two primary kinds of leather that require different approaches to cleaning: protected (which includes semi-aniline and pigmented) leather, and unprotected (which includes aniline) leather. 

Cleaning Protected Leather

Generally, protected, semi-aniline and pigmented leather can withstand heavier wear and tear than its unprotected counterparts. That said, ensure you stay clear of cleaning products that contain ammonia and alkalies, which can damage any kind of leather beyond repair. It should also be noted that products including: saddle soap, detergents, oils, furniture polish, abrasive materials and any other products made from caustic ingredients should be avoided. Leather experts recommend cleaning products, such as Lexol, Mohawk, Leather Master and Leather Magic as safe to use. However, if you're unsure, consult the furniture manufacturer.

When you're ready to clean your protected leather furniture, either for spot-cleaning or general maintenance, start by removing any dirt and other particles by giving your piece a good vacuum with a brush attachment. For a general cleaning, add a few drops of mild non-detergent soap to distilled water and use a microfibre cloth to give your piece an all-over clean. Ensure you wipe your furniture from top to bottom, use another dampened cloth with distilled water to wipe it clean, and dry with a clean towel.  If it's your first time cleaning your leather furniture, ensure you test a small area in an inconspicuous spot with your cloth to ensure the soap solution agrees with your leather. 

Cleaning Unprotected Leather

Cleaning unprotected leather furniture can be trickier, as it's a higher risk material. Many leather experts recommend cleaning this kind of leather on a regular basis by dusting it with a clean and dry cloth, as well as vacuuming with a soft brush attachment.

If your unprotected leather sustains a spill or stain, gently wipe the affected area using a cloth dampened with distilled water, or clean with an approved leather cleaner. Unprotected leather is particularly sensitive to scratching and staining, so take extra care when cleaning. If you're unsure about how to proceed, consult with the manufacturer or a leather cleaning professional.

Understanding the Nature of Leather for Long-Term Maintenance

There are a few general things to keep in mind when caring for your white leather furniture and enjoying it as a staple of your home. Namely, it's important to know that all leather will stretch to some degree as it's used over the years. As a natural material, leather inherently maintains some elasticity, which is reflected in high-traffic areas of your furniture. 

Additionally, when deciding between unprotected and protected leather, the latter is a more suitable option for households with pets and small children, as it will better protect against lasting damage from wear and tear. If you opt for leather with wax pull-up finishes, it's important to know that it will sustain a patina over a relatively short period of time. This type of leather also sustains scratches easily, but while the scratches will be visible, they only affect the coating leaving the actual leather untouched. 

The best way to preserve the appearance and feel of your leather furniture is with regular maintenance. Clean your pieces with a dry cloth or vacuum to remove residual dust and other dirt, and use a leather conditioner four times per year for a deeper clean. Leather conditioner moisturizes your furniture, which enables it to hold up better against wear and tear, and protects it from oil transfer from skin. Finally, and perhaps the easiest way to keep your leather furniture looking like new, ensure you rotate cushions and pillows regularly to distribute wear and increase longevity.

Undoubtedly, white leather furniture makes a great addition to any home. However, like any piece of furniture or décor, regular care and maintenance will ensure these treasured pieces look and feel good for years to come, and can potentially be passed down through the generations. When in doubt about how to best clean and care for your leather furniture, always consult with the manufacturer or a professional leather cleaner.