How to Get Every Stain Out of Leather for Your Cleanest Sofa Ever

Leather furniture, shoes, purses, and accessories are durable and easy to clean with a few stain removal tricks. We’ve put together a guide for removing three common stains from smooth leather most often used for furniture and accessories and tips to keep leather soft and supple.

General Stain Removal From Leather

• Use a spoon or spatula to lift solid stain-makers or blot liquid stains with a clean, dry cloth as soon as possible. Never rub.
• Mix a solution of cool water and saddle or Castile soap.
• Dip a clean cloth in the soapy solution and gently wipe the stained area.
• Allow the leather to air dry.
• Use a leather conditioner to prevent cracking and protect the leather.

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How to Remove Grease and Oil Stains

If a slice of pizza drips oil on your leather sofa, don’t panic.

1. Lift any greasy solids from the surface with a spoon or spatula. Don’t try to wipe them away.
2. Use a paper towel or napkin to blot away as much of the oil as possible.
3. Sprinkle the area liberally with baby powder or cornstarch. The powder should be at least 1/4 inch thick. Allow the powder to remain on the stain for at least four hours (overnight is better). The powder will draw the oil from the leather.
4. Use a hand-held vacuum to remove the oily powder.
5. Repeat the steps until the oil is absorbed.
6. Treat the freshly cleaned area with a leather conditioner.

How to Remove Ink Stains

Rubbing alcohol works well to remove ink but you should test it in an inconspicuous area. Dip a cotton swab in the alcohol and gently rub the leather to be sure there is no color transfer from the leather. Once it is confirmed rubbing alcohol won’t ruin the coloring, follow these steps.

1. Dip a fresh cotton swab in the alcohol. Working from the outside inward to prevent the stain from spreading, gently dab the stain.
2. Replace the swab as you see the ink transferred to the swab to avoid re-staining the leather. Continue to blot gently until the ink is gone.
3. When the stain is gone, use a leather conditioner to help it remain smooth.

How to Remove Water Stains

It may seem counter-intuitive, but to remove water stains wet and clean the entire surface of the leather cushion or accessory.

1. Follow the label directions on commercial leather cleaners or mix a DIY cleaning solution in a spray bottle using one part liquid Castile soap and eight parts lukewarm water. Shake well to mix.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with clean tap water and wipe down the stained leather.
3. Spray the cleaning solution onto a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
4. Start at the top of the stained piece and wipe down the leather with the cloth. Use a gentle, circular motion, and do not scrub.
5. Gently buff the leather with a dry microfiber cloth.

How to Condition Leather

Leather is a natural product made of animal hide that requires the addition of oils to prevent the hide from drying out and cracking. It is especially important to condition after cleaning to keep the leather soft and supple. You can follow the directions on a commercial leather conditioner or make your own.

To use your DIY conditioner, place a small dab on a lint-free microfiber cloth and gently rub the surface of the leather. Don’t use too much conditioner, the leather should not feel sticky or oily. Finish by buffing the leather with a soft cloth to a polished finish. The surface should be soft but not sticky or oily.