Best way to clean white leather couches?

Question

I have white leather couches that are about 8 years old. There aren't any cracks or anything, but there are grayish spots from storage. It looks kindof like mildew or mold or something, but it is very stubborn to come out. I've tried using typical leather cleaners and conditioners, but it only works moderately well. Is there any way to bring them back to a nice white?

Answer 1

You need to use a good quality water based foam leather cleaner. Strong cleaner or Maxi Cleaner if it is very dirty. With light coloured leather dye transfer from clothing can be a problem although using a good quality leather protector will help inhibit this. The greyish areas on a white suite are likely to be dye transfer so you should use Maxi Cleaner on these areas.

DO NOT use anything containing oils, waxes or silicones. (Most 'conditioners' contain waxes or oils) and furniture polish contains silicones

BABY WIPES are the worst thing you can use as they will destroy the finish on your leather. They are very strong alkiline cleaners to neutralise urine (acid) on babys skin so they are not the right thing to use on leather.

Saddle soap is too harsh to use on todays furniture.

A lot of leather wipes contain chemicals which will also destroy the finish or leave residues on the leather which will damage it. They are not cheap in the long run as you would need a lot to clean a whole leather sofa. A bottle of foam cleaner should do your furniture 1-2 times.

Fairy liquid contains more salt these days to get dishes clean and this will break the finish down on your leather. This has been verified by the manufacturers (as with the baby wipes).

You should also follow cleaning with a good water based leather protector which will act like a 'scotchgard' and inhibit dirt and stains from being absorbed and make cleaning easier the next time.

Dry leather needs rehydrating with water and oils and waxes should not be used as the natural oils do not dry out of leather. Wiping over with a damp cloth regularly will help to do this.

It is important to maintain a regular cleaning regime cleaning dirt off the surface regularly and inhibiting the absorption of body oils into the leather with a protector is the best way of doing this.

The alternative is a brand new product on the market called Lazy Leather. This is the latest technology in cleaning and combines an effective cleaner with a protector. It is quick and easy to use and should be used as a maintenance product once your suite has been cleaned or from new if you have just bought it.

Using household products may appear to work but will in the long run deteriorate the leather finish quicker and it may then be impossible to restore. May seem cheaper to use products from the supermarket but if they do not work or damage the leather then it is a short sighted saving.

Mould on leather is a particular problem and needs a product called Em-Clean to get rid of it. If you do not kill the spores they will just keep coming back. Cleaning on its own will not remove these.
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Source(s):

http://www.LTTsolutions.net
Leather care consultants to the furniture and cleaning industries

Answer 2

Because I have white leather furniture, I asked this question at a few furniture stores. Common answer was to use Ivory dish detergent and water. Use a cotton cloth that is just damp with the soapy water and scrub. Works well and doesn't cost as much as leather cleaners.

Answer 3

I have used Armour All Wipes that you use on car interiors. My furniture is white also and I've used this and similar brands for over 7 years now. Still looks like new and it conditions the leather too.

Answer 4

moist furniture shops sell cleaning products for leather but you can use baby wipes. Try leather worker's for assistance for mildew damp patches but remember wooden frames may be damaged if stored for a long periods of time.

Answer 5

Try a dilute solution of White Malt vinegar 2 tablespoons to 1/2 pint warm water.then rub over affected parts

Answer 6

clean white leather couches: https://bitly.im/c8/best-way-to-clean-white-leather-couches

Answer 7

Go to your local army surplus (army and navy?) and get the cleaner for white leather parade shoes. I used it in my car and it's a '60's MG.

Answer 8

these may work try some baby wipes ,carpet shampoo on a wet cloth use circular motions to clean.Then wipe with clean damp cloth then dry with another cloth

Answer 9

Erm…soap and water, gently scrub and dry. Then sell em. Then buy some colour suite that is likely to be servicable.

Answer 10

I bet they'd look great with a porcelain leopard at each end.