Sometimes, you know it needs a real deep cleaning.
Our couch gets a lot of use. We have a “no food on the couch” policy but go explain that to our two-year-old. He likes to unwind after a long day playing with Magna Tiles and trains, with a nice bag of Bamba and a sippy cup of juice…on the couch.
So, how do we clean that couch? On a regular basis, I use leather conditioning wipes like Weiman’s. They are perfect for the daily wipe up. Read about the wipes I like here.
When you need a deeper cleaning, or you feel that the whole surface has a darker layer (is it dirt? Grime? Probably just residue from pants and skirts), here’s what you do:
First, vacuum all crevices really well.
Then, pull out a sponge. Prepare a small bucket with warm water and a drop of dish soap (I used Palmolive). Gently, and working in small parts at a time, scrub the couch in a circular motion. Immediately dry with a soft cloth. Rinse the sponge frequently and repeat. You will be amazed at how filthy the water will be. This shouldn’t be done too often as it would strip the leather. Twice a year or so, should be fine.
Once done, use the Weiman wipes again to recondition the leather.
What about stubborn stains?
Try getting those out with the Magic Eraser but be very careful as it can remove some of the color of your couch too. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
What about ink/pen stains?
Alcohol might work. Again, be careful and test first in an inconspicuous area.
We found that rubbing alcohol removed this stain here really well. [after]
[this is the before picture]
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Devorah says
Please DO NOT use any achohol on leather. Even if it will not discolor the leather immedialty, it will ruin the leather and it will fade in the near future.
Ink marks disintergrate in a quality leather. DO NOT TOUCH THEM. they will fade over time.
Customer Service Rep from a local furniture store.
E says
When we got ink stains on our new couch we were not too happy. We used the gentle leather soap recommended and it didn’t “seem” to help.. But as you said , over the next few days and weeks the stains did disintegrate! Lesson learned!
DD says
Does this also work for fake leather?
D says
A great tip I heard is once you are finished washing your couch, to squeeze a drop of Vaseline onto a soft cloth and rub it into the leather to condition it. Could be the wipes have something like that in it, but this is something everyone has in their house. I like to use a tube or the little packets so it’s easier. Rub it in well using a circular motion. I found that my pen mark faded on the couch when I washed it and then did Vaseline…
Anonymous says
Try using Murphy oil to clean and prevent the leather from cracking.
Anonymous says
How do I clean a fabric couch?
Sarah says
I have fabric, and I vacuum it, and wash it with a bit of soap diluted in water in a spray bottle, always smells fresh. If it gets really dirty I’ll cover the spot in baking soda spray with straight vinegar wait an hour or so for it to dry then vacuum and wash.
Rb says
Any solutions for a black leather couch that is ‘fading’ /cracking a tad… anything to paint it or something to prolong its life a little?
Anonymous says says
USe tresemme hair spray for pen marks on your couch, works like majic.
rivka says
use tresemme hair spray for pen stains.
Esty says
Thanks! I ordered the hairspray. Hope it’ll work.
Bella says
I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW TO KEEP THOSE STYLISH VELVET SOFAS CLEAN I WANT ONE SO BADLY BUT SCARED IT WILL GET DIRTY IN A SECOND
Devorah says
PLEASE DONT USE HAIRSPRAY. it has the same achohol. It will ruin your leather
TW says
I’ve had great success with bar keepers friend powder on my white leather couch. Pour some powder using a wet cloth and rub softly in a circular motion. Good Luck!
TW says
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Cleaning-Cleaning-Supplies-All-Purpose-Cleaners/Bar-Keepers-Friend/N-5yc1vZcb2pZ5uu
This is the version I use. The liquid soft cleaner is also a good option