How to Care for Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is an investment. A quality leather sofa can last 15 to 20 years or more when properly maintained, developing a rich patina that actually improves with age. But neglected leather dries out, cracks, fades, and becomes brittle — and once leather cracks, the damage is largely irreversible.

Whether you have a brand-new leather sectional or an heirloom armchair, this guide covers everything you need to know about keeping leather furniture clean, conditioned, and protected. We will cover the different types of leather, daily and seasonal care routines, stain removal techniques, and when to call in professional help.

Know Your Leather Type

Before you clean anything, identify what type of leather you are working with. Different types require different care.

Finished (Protected) Leather

Most modern furniture leather is finished with a protective topcoat. It feels smooth, has a uniform color, and is the most durable and easiest to clean. If you drop water on it and it beads up, you have finished leather.

Aniline (Unfinished) Leather

Aniline leather is dyed with transparent dyes that let the natural grain show through. It has no protective topcoat, making it softer and more natural-looking but also more vulnerable to stains and fading. Water will absorb into aniline leather quickly.

Nubuck and Suede

These are buffed leathers with a soft, velvety surface. They stain easily and require specialized care products. General leather cleaners can damage them. If your furniture is nubuck or suede, use only products specifically designed for those materials.

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is made from shredded leather fibers bonded with polyurethane. It is less durable than genuine leather and tends to peel and flake over time. Bonded leather benefits from gentle cleaning but will eventually degrade regardless of care.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Consistent weekly care prevents the dirt and oil buildup that causes long-term damage.

1. Vacuum crevices — use a soft brush attachment to remove crumbs, dust, and pet hair from seams, tufting, and between cushions.
2. Dust the surface — wipe all leather surfaces with a dry, clean microfiber cloth.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth — lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water and wipe down the leather. Do not soak the cloth.
4. Dry immediately — follow with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.

This takes five to ten minutes per piece and makes a significant difference over time.

Monthly Deep Cleaning

Once a month, do a more thorough cleaning to remove body oils, sweat, and grime that accumulate from regular use.

For Finished Leather

1. Mix a few drops of mild, pH-neutral soap (like Castile soap) in distilled water.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution — wring it out thoroughly so the cloth is barely damp.
3. Wipe the leather in gentle, circular motions.
4. Follow with a cloth dampened in plain distilled water to remove soap residue.
5. Dry with a clean cloth immediately.

For Aniline Leather

Use only a cleaner specifically formulated for aniline leather. Do not use soap or water-based solutions, as aniline leather absorbs moisture readily and can develop water marks.

Conditioning: The Most Important Step

Conditioning is what keeps leather soft, supple, and crack-free. Leather is a skin — just like human skin, it dries out without moisturizing.

When to Condition

• Every 6 to 12 months for furniture in regular use.
• More frequently in dry climates or homes with forced-air heating.
• Whenever the leather feels dry, stiff, or looks faded.

How to Condition

1. Clean the leather first — never condition dirty leather, as you will seal in the grime.
2. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean, soft cloth.
3. Work it into the leather using gentle circular motions.
4. Pay extra attention to armrests, headrests, and seat cushions — areas that get the most wear.
5. Let the conditioner absorb for the time recommended on the product label (usually 10 to 20 minutes).
6. Buff away any excess with a dry cloth.

Avoid: olive oil, coconut oil, and homemade conditioner recipes. These can go rancid, darken the leather unevenly, and clog the pores. Use a commercial leather conditioner from a reputable brand.

Stain Removal Guide

Ink Stains

Dab (do not rub) with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading. Test in a hidden area first — alcohol can strip color from some leathers.

Grease and Oil

Blot the excess immediately with a clean cloth. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. The powder absorbs the oil. Brush off gently and repeat if needed.

Water Stains

Dampen the entire panel or cushion evenly with a lightly damp cloth so the water mark blends out. Let it dry naturally, away from heat sources. Once dry, condition the leather.

Food and Drink Spills

Blot immediately. Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. Dry thoroughly. For sticky residue, use a leather-safe cleaner rather than scrubbing.

Preventing Damage

Do

• Keep leather furniture at least two feet from heat sources (radiators, fireplaces, heating vents).
• Position furniture away from direct sunlight or use window treatments to block UV rays.
• Use throws or blankets in high-wear areas if you have pets.
• Rotate and flip removable cushions regularly to distribute wear evenly.
• Maintain consistent indoor humidity between 40% and 55%.

Don't

• Use baby wipes — they contain chemicals and moisturizers not designed for furniture leather.
• Use bleach, ammonia, or all-purpose household cleaners.
• Place leather furniture in front of south-facing windows without UV protection.
• Use hair dryers or heaters to dry wet leather — this causes cracking.
• Let pets with untrimmed nails regularly use leather furniture without protective covers.

When to Call a Professional

Some leather issues go beyond what home care can address:

• Deep cracks or peeling — professional leather repair can restore the finish.
• Persistent odors — smoke, pet, or mildew smells that will not come out with surface cleaning.
• Color fading or discoloration — professionals can re-dye and refinish leather.
• Large or set-in stains — specialty cleaning may be needed to avoid further damage.

Regular professional cleaning can also extend the life of high-value leather pieces. When scheduling a home deep clean with Otesse, ask about upholstery care options to keep all your furniture in top condition.

Keep Your Leather Looking Its Best

Leather furniture rewards consistent, gentle care. A weekly dusting, monthly cleaning, and seasonal conditioning routine is all most pieces need. Avoid harsh chemicals, protect from sun and heat, and address spills immediately. Do these things and your leather furniture will age beautifully rather than fall apart.

Need help with a whole-home deep clean that treats every surface properly? Get a free quote from Otesse.