How would I clean a Leather couch that has been in storage for a long time?

Question

the couch is blue leather and has been in storage for quite a while and is covered in dust/dirt. I have found products to condition leather and read NOT to use soap and water... any suggestions for cleaning and wiping the couch down prior to conditioning?? Please help

Answer 1

You need to use a good quality water based foam leather cleaner.
DO NOT use anything containing oils, waxes or silicones. (Most 'conditioners' contain waxes or oils so should not be used) and furniture polish (Pledge etc)contains silicones which will destroy the finish on the leather.

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.

f you clean and protect your leather properly there is no need to cover them, leather is the most hard wearing 'fabric' there is.

Using household products may appear to work but will in the long run deteriorate the leather finish quicker and it may tehn 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.

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

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Answer 4

Try this site www.leatherworldtech.com. They have extensive info for cleaning all types of leathers and suedes.

Answer 5

Rub saddle soap well into the leather, then buff. Don't stint on the saddle soap.