Cleaning a cream leather sofa?

Question

How can I clean it myself without using expensive products or having it professionally cleaned? Its just looking a bit dingy.

Answer 1

The following are instructions for general leather cleaning: Before cleaning leather, determine whether the leather is finished - like luggage, furniture and garments - or unfinished - like baseball gloves, work boots and saddles. Then follow the instructions below to keep your leather looking fabulous.

Finished Leather

Step One
Place a small amount of a gentle, moisturizing soap such as Dove on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather.

Step Two
Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water on the leather.

Step Three
Wipe away lather with a fresh damp cloth. Don't rinse the leather in water.

Step Four
Polish leather with a dry towel.

Step Five
Treat leather with a leather conditioner after it has dried completely.
Tips & Warnings

* Cleaning leather is a dangerous game. Cleaning can change the color or appearance of the leather. Always test the cleaning on a small invisible patch of leather before proceeding on the whole item.
* Avoid products like mink oil, shoe polish and waxes when cleaning leather furniture or garments.

Unfinished Leather
Steps

Step One
Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub saddle soap into the leather; work soap into a light lather.

Step Two
Wipe away lather and allow to air dry.

Step Three
Oil leather with a leather preservative such as mink oil.
Tips & Warnings

* Consider seeking professional assistance as improper cleaning might damage the leather.

Overall Things You'll Need

* Damp cloths
* Leather Cleaning Kits
* Dry Towels
* Sponges
* Leather Conditioners
* Leather Protection Sprays
* Saddle Soaps

Good luck!!!!!!

Answer 2

For general cleaning you need to use a good quality water based foam leather cleaner. LTT Strong cleaner or LTT 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.

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 leathers, it was made for horse leathers which are finished and used in a very different way.

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 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 3

Leather can and should be vacuumed routinely using the soft brush so not to scratch. This keeps the everyday dust from settling into the leather. There are many grades of leather and the grade determines how to clean it. Saddle soaps are only for unfinished leathers like baseball mitts, boots or saddles. Finished leathers require a different method. Most leather pieces sold are semi-aniline. Vacuum once a week, use a mild (natural Ph) soap and water, don't soak it. Always test your soap first on a spot out of sight. A harsh soap will remove the color. You can use a leather conditioner once a year. Do not use mink oils, or furniture polishes on or near the leathers. It will make the leather sticky. If your pieces are natural aniline, you cannot use soap, just water. If you are unsure what type of leather you have, check with the store where you purchased. Most likely it's semi-aniline.

Answer 4

cleaning cream leather sofa

Answer 5

What ever you do dont use baby wipes as this helps deteriorate the finish on the leather. I would just use warm soapy water with a soft shoe polishing brush that has not been used before. When it has completely dried i would use a boot dubbing (as used on football boots) but try a bit first on the spare bit of leather that is under the cushions or the bottom of the settee for colour changing. Leave it on overnight before doing the whole settee

Answer 6

I bought a new very expensive leather suite which came with a top cleaning kit for leather and after sales service to die for.
The guy who inspected my suite when fitted told me to forget the expensive cleaning kit and instead get 2 terry toweling nappies to clean it. Use a weak solution of washing up liquid and water and wash with one of the towels then dry off with the other. Twice a year use a contioning cream to stop the leather cracking. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

i would just use a good leather food and keep changing the duster. eventually it should be ok as the grease and dust etc. is lifted by the polish. try a bit at the back of the chair or sofa and see what happens. it is called leather FOOD not furniture polish.

Answer 8

Richard C's was the best answer i read, but i was also advised to use clean warm water afterwards, to in effect rinse the sofa....make sure when you dry, you don't rub too vigorously, especially if its soft leather, as eventually it will rub up the hide & spoil the feel.

Answer 9

If leather is cracking , apply solution of 1 part vinegar, 2 parts linseed oil regularly. General stains: use damp cloth rubbed over a bar of glycerine soap .

Answer 10

furniture polish brings it up temporarily....
but if i was you id spend the £30 or so on a leather cleaning kit...its worth the quids

a damp cloth for small spills is fine...not too wet though...leather doesnt like water