Leather is one of the most durable materials to use for a couch. It is also comfortable, long-lasting, and it comes in a variety of colors, textures, and grains. This timeless material can last for decades and through generations if cared for properly. Knowing how to clean a leather couch is necessary to increase its longevity and get the long-term value for your money.
Keeping your leather couch clean can be relatively simple. However, different types of leather have cleaning requirements unique to them. So you have to make sure you’re following the right cleaning process for the particular type of leather your couch is made from.
There are 3 steps to follow when cleaning your leather couch:
1. Vacuum and Dust the couch:
Start by using a hand vacuum with a soft brush feature. This is to remove debris and crumbs from the folds and creases on your couch. Be careful not to use the vacuum to scratch or scuff the leather. After vacuuming, use a damp microfiber cloth or duster to remove any remaining dust from the surface of the couch.
2. Clean the couch:
You have to keep in mind that when it comes to cleaning requirements, the dye/coating of your leather couch is considered more than its grain. Here’s a thorough guide on how to clean a leather couch, based on its coating/dye:
a) Aniline leather couches:
Aniline leather, also known as ‘naked’ leather, is considered the most natural-looking type of leather. It is usually full-grain, coated with a dye, and with no pigments. It is a soft, supple material with little or no protective coating, making it very susceptible to stains and spills. Aniline leather is very delicate, and most household cleaning products are too harsh for the material. As such, you should find a leather cleaning agent that’s good for aniline like a Nubuck, Suede & Aniline Leather Care Kit. However, before you use any cleaning agent, first test it on an inconspicuous part of your couch to ensure that they are compatible.
Cleaning procedure-
· Pour the leather cleaner on a slightly damp, microfiber cloth and apply on the couch or spray the cleaner directly on the leather surface.
· Aniline is unprotected leather, as such stains and grime don’t just sit on the surface but are absorbed into the leather. To get them out, brush the leather surface gently with a soft scrubbing brush or sponge. I’d advise that you divide your couch into panels and work quickly. This is because the leather can also soak up the foam from the cleaning agent.
· After brushing, wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth.
· Repeat if necessary.
b) Semi-Aniline leather:
This type of leather is still natural-looking but not as much as aniline leather. This is because of a light layer of surface coating that contains pigments. This coating reduces its organic look but makes it more durable and stain-resistant. Semi-aniline leather is less sensitive than aniline. But it is still safer to use leather cleaning agents when cleaning your semi-aniline couch. Using DIY cleaning solutions like a combination of equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water is acceptable as well.
Cleaning procedure-
· Dip a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution then wring out. Ensure that the fabric is damp and not soaked. Alternatively, you can spray the cleaning agent or solution on a damp rag.
· Working from up to down, scrub the couch gently.
· Wipe with another cloth that has been dampened with distilled water
· Leave the couch to dry naturally.
c) Pigmented leather:
This type of leather is used in most furniture upholstery and in almost all car upholstery. It is characterized by a polymer coating which might contain colored dye. This helps the leather achieve various shades of colors and also increases the durability of the material. It is easy to clean your couch when it is made from pigmented leather. This is because this material is the least sensitive type of leather and can be maintained with mild soaps found at home. There are still leather cleaning agents for pigmented leather if you wish to go for them instead.
Cleaning procedure-
· Add some drops of non-detergent soap in a bowl of water and moisten a microfiber cloth with the solution.
· Make sure the solution doesn’t discolor the couch by testing it first on the part of the couch that cannot be seen.
· Wipe the couch with the cloth from top to bottom.
· Dampen another cloth with distilled water and wipe down again.
· Dry with a clean absorbent cloth.
d) Nubuck Leather:
Nubuck leather is a form of aniline leather that is sanded to feel and look like suede. It has a velvety finish, also known as nap, just like suede. However, nubuck is a lot more durable than suede and cheaper as well. Because of its aniline nature, nubuck leather is easily soiled and very sensitive. This regular cleaning is required but not with common household cleaning agents. Nubuck couches should be cleaned every month with a special Nubuck cleaning cloth, which protects its velvety nap while cleaning the leather. For thorough cleaning, nubuck couches can be cleaned following the same cleaning procedure for aniline.
3. Condition the couch:
It is essential to condition your leather couch once or twice a year. This is because conditioners contain oils that keep your leather couch moisturized and saves them from cracking. Several commercial conditioners that have bee specifically made for leather couches are available in the market. On the other hand, homemade conditioners are still capable of doing the job, and they are a lot cheaper.
A perfect example of a homemade conditioner is a solution made from 10-15 drops of lemon oil in two cups of white vinegar. Alternatively, only the lemon oil can be used.
Method-
· Dampen a clean cloth with a commercial conditioner or homemade solution. Ensure not to drench the fabric.
· Massage the surface of your couch in a circular motion with the cloth.
· Buff with a flannel cloth to make it shine. Do this one hour after conditioning the couch.
By the time you’re done following these steps, a couch that is almost as good as new will be staring back at you. So you see, learning how to clean a leather couch isn’t half as challenging as you probably expected. Why not set a date to clean yours now? You would be a lot happier when you’re done.