Animal skin is one of the most durable materials used in the creation of furniture and clothing items. Not only that, it’s incredibly low maintenance and easy to clean. It’s no wonder why a brand-new leather sofa is a great gift that the whole family can get around. Whether it be a couch, armchair, recliner or ottoman, keeping your furniture clean can go a long way in terms of enhancing its useable life.

So, what are some awesome cleaning hacks you can use to enhance the appearance and quality of your leather sofa? Check out some of the following.

 

Use a vacuum cleaner first

Before you start madly cleaning your leather sofa with a wet cloth or a commercial disinfectant, it is pivotal that you clean the surface of your couch with a vacuum cleaner. The purpose for using a vacuum cleaner is to remove any surface dust or dry dirt on the couch. If you were to go straight into using a cleaning solution without removing the dust, you’ll end up with a grimy, disgusting paste.

 

Don’t miss the folds

Various types of furniture can change shape over time and from use, so make sure when you are using the vacuum cleaner diligently when addressing all crevices in your couch. Dust can build up quickly in those folds, especially if they are not cleaned properly that often. You should be cleaning the surface of your furniture every few weeks to maximise durability.

 

Using a wet cloth

When using a wet cloth on your leather sofa, make sure you rub across the surface in even, circular motions. By doing it this way, you are less likely to miss areas on the couch or make the surface of the furniture look patchy or poorly maintained. You can use a commercial cleaner specially designed for a leather sofa if you wish, however, they are not essential. Moreover, make sure you read the instructions carefully before applying to the couch. Start in a small area and then verify to the effects in order to minimise damage to the surface.

 

Use ethanol for stains

You want to get the most out of your leather sofa, so if any nasty stains pop up, you’ll want to deal with them as quickly as possible. Simply apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth and begin buffing the surface.

If the stain is fresh, like from an exploded pen, place a paper towel over the stain and quickly dab to soak up all the ink. Then apply the rubbing alcohol until the stain is barely visible. Nail polish removers and white tooth paste have also been used in the past to great effect.

 

Steer clear of acetone cleaners

It’s best to play it safe when cleaning your leather sofa. Acetone cleaners, while effect in removing the stain, are known to ruin the colour and texture of furniture items. If you are unsure about the safety of a specific solution, simply consult a professional cleaning service for advice, or even hire them to handle the cleaning.

 

Special treatment for grease stains

If your leather sofa has several grease stains on the surface, sprinkle some baking soda over the stain and leave it for several hours. The baking soda will absorb the oil and grease, leaving your couch stain-free. The longer you leave the grease stains on your couch to set into the surface, the harder it will be to remove them with just conventional baking soda. If the stain won’t go away, you’ll likely have to call professional cleaning services to get the job done.

 

…