It's widely agreed that plain old dish soap and water are the best cleaners for all types of leather.
Many people will simply use a regular soap or detergent to tackle the stains, but this is not a good idea – soap residue left on the leather can prevent the material from breathing, causing dry patches and cracking.
Mild soap and water.
If you can, use saddle soap to give your leather a deeper clean. But if you can't get your hands on it, dilute mild unscented hand soap or dish soap in water as a replacement. You can then dampen a washcloth with the soapy solution to gently remove stains.
How to Clean Leather. You can clean your leather furniture using a simple cleaning solution of 50/50 vinegar and water. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the solution, rubbing the leather in a circular motion to lift the dirt out of the natural fibers.
Mild dish soap, on the other hand, possesses a basic pH level between 7-8, and other general cleaners, such as Borax, usually find their way to around a basic 10. The contrast between leather pH levels and the cleaners' during contact damages leather fibers and can weaken its integrity over time.
When there are no instructions, the single best and simplest way to clean leather is with a very small amount of very mild soap, such as Dove or Ivory. This process works on most stains and for general cleaning and upkeep. Always test an inconspicuous spot first and allow it to dry.
What can I use instead of a leather conditioner? You can use various oils such as coconut, lemon and baby oil. Not Olive oil as it can worsen the condition rather than preventing the damage.
Because water is chemical-free and pH-appropriate for all varieties of leather, it may be used to clean it. To remove stains, dirt, and debris from the surface of the leather, moisten a piece of microfiber with water and wipe it over the surface.
Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap. You can also make a cleaning solution of one part vinegar to one part water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out and wipe the jacket. Use a second clean, damp cloth to wipe off the cleaning solution.
You should not use Windex on leather. It will ruin your leather product because it usually contains alcohol. Alcohol will dry out your leather, eventually making it unusable.
When cleaning your leather NEVER use strong detergents such as laundry detergent. Always choose a product that helps preserve the leather's natural lubricating oils rather than strip them away. Most cleaning products sold in department and shoe stores are safe.
All you need is a little baby shampoo and a damp (not wet) cloth to buff your leather goods away, no rinsing necessary. The shampoo also doubles as a mild conditioner, which will help keep your beloved leather belongings looking nicer for longer.
The best way to remember what you can and can't use on your leather is to keep this in mind: The two most commonly used chemicals that will cause severe damage to your leather are alcohol and acetone. Stay away from products that contain these substances at all costs, regardless of what you read online.
Using warm soapy water made with a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo, Dove (unscented), or soap flakes, rub the leather with a soft cloth to produce a lather in any area you want to clean. Wipe away excess lather with a clean cloth.
The simple answer is that a leather cleaner will remove dirt and grimy build-up from leather, but a conditioner will replace dried-out oils. Both of these products will be important to the longevity of your items.
Throughout time, stiff leather goods tend to break down to a softer and more comfortable wear but machine washing leather helps to expedite that process of softening the leather as well.
To tackle light, mild stains, dip a clean, damp washcloth in soapy, warm water and use it to wipe away the stain on your leather. You may need a specialty soap. “Specific leather soaps exist, [they're] usually called saddle soaps,” Pourny says. Don't leave wet spots as you clean leather furniture.
Water strips leather of its natural oils and when wet leather dries, you'll often find that it has become dry and brittle. While rain can ruin leather, the following steps can help you treat and fix water-damaged leatherto help preserve your valuable leather apparel.
Make Your Own Solution
The best way to clean a leather couch and the entire surface, mix 2 parts white vinegar with 1 part olive oil in a spray bottle and shake well. (You can also add a few drops of fragrant essential oils to cut the vinegar smell).
Mix one quart of warm water, one tablespoon of soap, and a couple drops of vinegar. Dip a cloth into the mixture, wringing it out so it's damp and not wet. Wipe down the entire surface of the leather furniture piece. Allow the leather to air-dry once finished.
Vaseline can be used for softening leather. Before applying Vaseline to leather, start by dabbing a small cotton pad with rubbing alcohol over the leather surface. You'll want to dab each section of the surface until it starts to shine. Try to make the shine even across the entire surface.
1 cup rubbing alcohol + 1 cup lukewarm water = 1 cup rubbing alcohol + 1 cup lukewarm water = 1 cup rubbing alcohol + 1 cup lukewarm water = 1 cup Soak a soft cloth in the liquid for a few minutes. Before applying the leather, wring it out thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
Olive oil, and every oily substance for that matter, will not “nourish” your leather, but actually accelerate its deterioration. Leather is extremely permeable, and will soak up any oils you put on it. When oil first saturates leather, it seeps to the back—to the part you can't see.
You can use a commercial leather cleaner, or you can make your own. Mix warm water and Castile soap or liquid dish washing soap together in a bucket. Use a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part soap. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down the seat surfaces.