Understanding the Process of Leather Cleaning and Restoration

With spring cleaning season well underway, it's time to give your leather upholstery some attention. Cleaning leather can be intimidating, especially when dealing with valuable items, but the right technique will help your leather last longer. Find out how to clean leather with our simple guide.

The first step is to figure out whether your furniture is real or faux leather. If you still have the label, look out for words like synthetic, polyester, or vegan, which indicate faux leather. You can also tell whether leather is real by touching it - real leather is soft, flexible and stretchy.

How to clean real leather

Real leather is more durable, but also requires more maintenance. It must be regularly cleaned, conditioned and polished to keep it in shape.

You should begin by vacuuming all over your furniture, paying attention to seams and removable cushions.

Next, blot the furniture with a damp cloth. Keep in mind that moisture can warp leather, so you should squeeze excess liquid from the cloth before applying it to your sofa.

For more stubborn stains, you can use leather cleaner or a natural, fragrance-free soap. Ensure that you patch test any product before you use it, in order to prevent unintended damage. If you are worried about damaging your furniture, a professional cleaner can help you.

You should then condition your sofa using leather conditioner and a sponge or cloth.

Never use heat to dry your sofa, as this can worsen moisture damage. Instead, wipe up spills with a dry cloth.

How to clean faux leather

Faux leather is usually made of plastic, then finished with wax or polyurethane. It is considerably easier to clean than real leather, as it is resistant to moisture and stains. However, faux leather still requires care as it is more prone to cracking than real leather.

First, vacuum your furniture to remove any crumbs. With sofas and armchairs, make sure to lift the cushions and hoover inside.

You can then use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Harsh chemicals like bleach will dry out faux leather and damage it, so never use any bleach-based products. Water and white vinegar is a better alternative to tackle any stains, or you can mix a small amount of unscented soap with water.

How to restore leather

Leather is difficult to restore, so the best approach is to clean your leather as often as possible to prevent damage. Regular conditioning should help to maintain colour, prevent water damage and take care of small scratches and prevent them from growing.

Once leather is cracked, you should consult a professional leather restorer to help

Hire a professional cleaner

If you want to take care of your leather upholstery, call in a professional cleaner. The National Carpet Cleaners Association has a directory of expert cleaners specially trained in how to clean leather. Our cleaners are located all over the UK, so finding one near you is simple.

Search our directory of cleaners