Home Topics Cleaning
Removing Stains on Leather Furniture With Natural Products
Updated: Dec. 12, 2022
Leave the harsh chemicals in the cupboard and find a natural remedy.
These natural leather cleaning tips will make old furniture look new. The best part is you probably already have everything you need in the cupboard!
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine
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- Time
A full day
- Complexity
Beginner
- Cost
Free
How to Clean Leather: Give It a Good Vacuuming
Use Those Attachments to get in the Crevices
Before reaching for harsh chemicals on a leather stain, try these natural, at-home remedies to learn how to clean a leather couch and leather furniture. Always remember to check the furniture manufacturers directions first, and spot-test a small, hidden area to check for discoloration before applying any remedies to the whole piece. First, prep the leather stain surface by vacuuming all dust and debris off surface and out of folds.
Start with a Damp Cloth
Get Rid of Surface Dirt
Next, wipe entire surface down with a clean, warm damp cloth to remove all loose, surface dirt. Be gentle and move quickly – water can sometimes discolor unfinished leather.
Use Rubbing Alcohol for Ink Leather Stain
How to Remove Ink From Leather Couch
For ink-based leather stains like ballpoint pen and marker try rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, and gently rub along mark until ink begins to lift. Change cotton swabs often to reduce bleed. Once the leather stain is removed, wipe away excess alcohol with clean, damp cloth.
A Special Mixture for Protein-based Stains
Cornstarch and Lemon Juice
Certain stains require unique mixtures. For protein-based leather stains like food and blood, try a paste of 2 parts cornstarch to 1 parts lemon juice.
Use a Mild Oil on Scratches
Olive or Baby Oil
For surface scratches, try erasing with a mild oil, like olive or baby oil. Dip a cotton swab in oil and gently massage along scratch until well covered. Let sit for 5 minutes and gently buff away excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
Do an Overall Clean
Make Your Own Solution
The best way to clean a leather couch and the entire surface, mix 2 parts white vinegar with 1 part olive oil in a spray bottle and shake well. (You can also add a few drops of fragrant essential oils to cut the vinegar smell).
Be Generous with Spray
Use a Gentle, Steady Pattern
Spray generously and use a clean cloth to massage into a leather stain using a circular motion until the entire surface has been cleaned. A soft brush when learning how to clean leather can also be used to gently scrub problem areas. Then use a dry paper towel to wipe all excess oil off the leather.
Finish with a Nourishing Oil
Coconut Oil Works Wonders
To revive the luster of leather furniture and buff out small scratches and fading, try a natural leather cleaner like coconut oil. Use a clean, dry cloth to rub coconut oil into leather in a circular motion, much like shoe polish. Let penetrate 10 minutes, and buff out excess oil with a new, clean cloth.
Originally Published: January 03, 2019