Cleaning a Leather Couch to Keep It Looking New (2024)

Knowing how to clean a leather couch can help keep it looking shiny and brand new. Like with all furniture, daily use can lead to normal wear and tear (and stains). The good news is that leather is incredibly durable and essentially lasts forever. Plus, leather makes for kid-and pet-friendly sofas—so why not get the most bang for your buck?

To learn the proper leather cleaning technique, we reached out to John Mahdessian, president of the world-renowned custom couture cleaning service Madame Paulette. Follow these tips for cleaning your leather couch and giving it new life.

How Often to Clean a Leather Couch

You should deep-clean your leather couch one to two times a year, depending on its color and the number of stains. Mahdessian recommends cleaning light-colored leather every six months and dark-colored leather once a year—the same goes for leather recliners.

However, stains should be cleaned as soon as possible. And leather couches should be vacuumed and dusted regularly, every one to two weeks.

Considerations Before You Get Started

Before cleaning your leather couch, you should verify if it's still under warranty to avoid voiding it. Always follow the manufacturer's guide when cleaning your furniture, and keep these reminders in mind:

• Never use ammonia or products with bleach. They will damage the leather.
• Don't use sanitizing wipes or sprays; they, too, can damage the couch's leather finish.
• Be careful when using water—too much can cause stains. It's best to use damp cloths rather than wet ones.

What You Need:

To Clean With a Leather Cleaner

• Vacuum
• Duster (optional)
• Microfiber cloths
• Leather cleaner and conditioner

To Remove Stains

• Mild dish soap (optional)
• Baking soda (optional)

How to Clean a Leather Couch With a Leather Cleaner

Step 1: Vacuum and Dust the Couch

Luckily, a leather couch isn't as porous as an upholstered sofa, so it's easier to clean.

• Start by vacuuming the leather couch to get rid of any crumbs.
• Then dust it, if necessary, to remove any lingering dirt.
• If your couch cushions can be removed, remove them to vacuum the undersides. Also, vacuum the edges of the cushions and couch frame.
• For recliners, check the bottom, as they tend to collect dirt in the crevice where the bottom reclines.

Step 2: Spray Leather Cleaner Onto a Cloth

Leather cleaners can help break down dirt and stains to make your leather couch look new. Some products are 2-in-1 and contain both the cleaner and conditioner. Using either a combination product or an individual cleaner and conditioner will work.

Spray the cleaner onto a cloth rather than directly onto the furniture. This prevents it from leaving spray marks.

Step 3: Wipe the Couch

Starting at the top, wipe the cloth lightly around the couch, making sure to clean the edges, nooks, and crannies. Clean from top to bottom to avoid uneven polish spots. If necessary, add more cleaner onto the cloth as you go, but remember not to soak it.

Step 4: Apply Leather Conditioner

After you've cleaned, wipe away any excess cleaner before conditioning the couch. Grab your favorite conditioner (in spray or bottle form) and apply a small amount onto a clean cloth before applying it to your couch. Conditioners (like Leather Honey) are great because they contain healthy oils to make your furniture look fresh, smell phenomenal, and stay moisturized.

Step 5: Allow Conditioner to Dry

Once you've finished buffing in the conditioner, allow the leather to dry for an hour or so to let the product seep in and avoid getting the oil on clothing. Once dry, voila!—your leather couch will look like you just got it from the store.

How to Keep Your Leather Couch Clean Longer

Leather maintenance tip number one? "Keep it away from the sun," Mahdessian says—so it won't fade.

This rule can also apply to faux leather, often the choice for more affordable couches. In addition to the sun, avoid exposing your leather couch to other heat sources, like fireplaces or radiators, as heat can create cracks in the leather.

"Use home furniture polish on leather once a month to give it a nice finish," Mahdessian adds. Once your leather is refreshed and renewed, it will last for years with regular maintenance.

Removing Stains From a Leather Couch

Furniture stains are inevitable since we use our furniture daily—perhaps even eating on it. But removing stains from your leather couch is not very difficult. Follow these simple steps to get rid of general stains.

1. Dip a clean cloth in a bowl of warm water mixed with dish soap, then wring it out so it's damp, not wet.
2. Dab or rub in small circles around the stain until it's buffed out.
3. Don't rub back and forth; this causes additional wear and tear and harms the leather's surface.
4. Dry the couch. Don't skip this step! Water tends to weaken leather if left to dry on its own, so it's important to get a dry rag and dry the couch from top to bottom.