Cleaning and conditioning a black leather couch?

Question

I have a black leather couch that I got about a year ago,I always cleaned it with one of those combination clean/condition wipes(i know,not the best idea).I just got a new brand of these and the couch is so shiny it looks like vinyl and smells like Pledge!What should I be using ?

Answer 1

Leather couches may be sophisticated and stylish, but they are also exceptionally difficult to clean. A trickle of red wine or a drop of chocolate sauce can very quickly transform a beautiful, brushed leather recliner into a living room nightmare. Unlike micro fiber, which responds well to most run of the mill furniture cleaners, leather furniture requires specialized detergents and polishes.

As a general rule, leather furniture needs no particular daily care. Every now and again it is advisable to remove dirt and dust from furniture using a soft brush vacuum attachment or a soft duster. Once you are certain that furniture is clean, apply a specialized leather cream cleaner and carefully polish. Make sure all dust and fragments have been removed before you begin polishing to prevent particles from abrading the surface of the leather.

Should you spill anything on your leather couch, the first and most important thing to do is blot away excess liquid as quickly as possible. Apply gentle pressure to the stain using a clean, absorbent cloth or sponge. Alternatively, fill a thin cloth or thick stocking with one to two cups of salt and knot it to make sure that no salt escapes. Put the cloth or stocking on the stain and apply pressure for a couple of minutes. The salt will draw excess liquid from within the leather, thereby reducing the risk of permanent staining.

Once excess liquid has been absorbed, fill a bowl with lukewarm tap or distilled water and lightly blot the stain from the outside in. Avoid rubbing the stain, as any abrasive action may damage the leather. After blotting the stain, the damp patch should be patted with a clean, towel and then left to dry naturally. Heaters and hair dryers should under no circumstances whatsoever be used to accelerate the drying process.

If the stain is greasy or oily, then the best solution is to use a tissue or sponge to blot away excess grease and then call in a professional cleaner. Attempting to wipe a greasy stain with a wet cloth will only make it worse. In some cases, greasy stains may eventually dissipate over time. It is up to you to decide whether or not you are willing to take the chance and live with the stain for a while.

Contrary to popular myth, saddle soap is not recommended for cleaning leather couches. Like other everyday furniture cleaners, it is too harsh for most types of soft leather. Always keep in mind the fact that certain types of leather are easier to clean than others and respond better to moisture. Coated leather or Bycast leather is far more durable than full aniline leather which absorbs moisture quickly and stains easily.

The best way to determine what is and is not suitable to use on your leather couch is to read the manufacturers instructions printed on the side or base of your couch. In some cases, furniture manufacturers will produce their own range of leather cleaning agents, polishes and touch up kits. These come highly recommended if you want your leather couch to remain in top condition and wear well over time.

Answer 2

Leather Couch Cleaners

Answer 3

The best leather conditioner is Neatsfoot Oil. It is used on all kinds of leather products to waterproof them & will keep the leather soft. You apply it by rubbing it into the leather, then allow it to dry (soak in) & then go over it with a soft cloth as though you were polishing a pair of shoes. Don't be alarmed if it looks quite patchy when first applied. The oil soaks in faster in some areas than others. If it still looks a bit patchy after the 1st application reapply the oil again & it will blend in quite nicely.
I use it on my leather wardrobe, shoes,boots & leather car seats.

Works great for waterproofing & conditioning. It's available at most boot stores, TSC Farm supply outlets And some craft stores like Michael's & Lewiscraft also carry it in their leathercraft sections.
You won't be disappointed.

Answer 4

I had leather seats in a Volvo that I drove for 16 years. I figured the stuff I used to clean and condition those should work on my sofa as well. The brand name is Lexol, and I buy it at the Auto parts store. It's not as easy as the wipes, but it has a protectorate and conditioner so you can just wipe smugges or spills off. I finally sold my sofa because I just got tired of it, after 15 years and three boys it still looked like new.