How to Clean Your Leather Sofa
Leather sofas age with you. They endure your chaos, comfort, and your occasional disasters. Learning how to clean a leather sofa properly means understanding that leather lives with you, absorbs your life, and demands respect in return. Whether you're figuring out how to clean leather cushions or desperately searching for how to remove ink from leather furniture, we’ve got the answers.
Different leather types and how to clean them
| Leather type | The lowdown | What this means for you | Care strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-grain | The most honest version of leather, scars and all | Extremely durable, develops patina | Gentle cleaning, condition regularly |
| Top-grain | Lightly sanded for a smoother finish | Softer, more uniform appearance | Clean and condition, avoid over-wetting |
| Split-grain | Lower layer, heavily processed | Budget-friendly, less resilient | Minimal moisture, gentle wiping only |
| Bonded | Leather scraps held together with adhesive | Affordable but fragile | Damp cloth only, no chemicals |
| Faux leather | PU or vinyl, no natural fibres | Spill-resistant but prone to peeling | Mild soap and water, dry immediately |
| Nubuck | Buffed, suede-like surface | Luxurious and stain-sensitive | Nubuck-only products, no liquids |
Finish matters too. Aniline leather shows every pore and wrinkle, which means it shows every spill. Pigmented leather has a protective coat, making it perfect for chaos. Check your manufacturer's tag before you commit to any cleaning method.
Recommended read: Aniline vs Semi-Aniline vs Pigmented Leather: What's the Difference?
Step-by-step guide on how to clean a leather sofa
These are your gold-standard generic rules, but make sure to check your manufacturer's tag first to ensure your specific leather doesn't have its own secret set of demands.
Dust and vacuum: Strip the sofa cushions and go in with the brush attachment to see how much mystery debris has been hiding in the seams and crevices.
Spot clean: Deal with those obvious marks first before they decide to move in permanently.
Break out a leather cleaner: Use a microfibre cloth to massage the mild, pH-balanced cleaner with a gentle brush in circular motions. Wipe away the grime with a soft cloth, repeating until your sofa looks fresh as the day it arrived.
Condition and hydrate (optional): Give your sofa a drink of leather conditioner to replenish its natural oils and keep it from cracking under pressure.
How can I clean grease or oil stains from a leather sofa?
Sprinkle baking soda: Scatter baking soda over the spot and let it sit for 20 minutes to soak up the grease.
Brush and wipe: Dust off the powder and clean the spot with a mild soap solution.
How can I remove ink from a leather sofa?
Blot immediately: Dab the ink with a dry cloth to soak it up. Whatever you do, don't rub—this can push the ink deeper into the leather pores or spread the stain.
Dab with alcohol: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to target the mark. Just remember to spot-test a hidden area first so you don't accidentally give your sofa a surprise makeover.
Clean and condition: Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth and finish with a leather conditioner.
How do I get mould off a leather sofa?
Prep and vacuum: Gear up with a mask and gloves. Use a vacuum brush to whisk away loose spores, keeping the "clean zone" strictly under control.
Clean with mild soap: Wipe the affected areas using a damp cloth and a mixture of mild soap and water or a specialised mould cleaner. Use circular motions to lift the mould without saturating or scrubbing the leather.
Dry and monitor: Blot away moisture and let the sofa air-dry. If the mould seems to have set in permanently, it's time to call in the pros and get the leather sofa professionally cleaned.
Let your leather live its best life
Cleaning your leather sofa is not about achieving showroom perfection. It is about preservation, about letting your furniture age with grace instead of neglect. With the right technique, your sofa will outlive trends and tell the story of your life.
