How to Clean Leather Upholstery in Five Steps

Leather sofas, ottomans, and chairs bring comfort and style to any room. They’re also long-lasting—if you care for them right. The wrong cleaning process or products can dry out leather, cause cracking, or leave stains. A good leather care routine keeps leather furniture looking great without too much effort.

What You’ll Need

Microfiber cloth
Leather cleaner or cleaning solution
Leather conditioner (we used Leather Honey Leather Conditioner because they sent us some to test)
Vacuum with upholstery attachment
White vinegar, warm water, or natural liquid soap (optional for specific stains)

How to Clean Leather Furniture

Wipe it down and vacuum. Start with a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe all leather surfaces. Then, vacuum the cracks, seams, and under cushions. Use a soft upholstery attachment to avoid scratches.
Spot test your cleaning solution. Use a small amount of leather cleaner or a mild solution of natural liquid soap and warm water. Test on a hidden spot first. Some genuine leather furniture may react to even gentle products.
Clean in sections. Dip a clean microfiber cloth in your solution and wring it out. Wipe the leather in circles, a little at a time. Avoid soaking the leather—too much water can lead to water stains, water damage, or white cracks.
Rinse and dry right away. Use another damp cloth (preferably with distilled water) to wipe off any cleaner. Then dry with a clean towel. Don’t leave leather wet; moisture can stain or warp it.
Condition the leather. After cleaning, apply a small amount of leather conditioner or conditioning mixture. Rub it in with a soft cloth, following the product label. Regular conditioning treatments help prevent drying and cracking.

Person poses with Leather Honey on a leather couch. — We've used Leather Honey on a range of surfaces; love it. Credit: Leather Honey

Break-In Leather Boots So They Fit Like a Glove

Getting a comfortable fit out of a new pair of leather boots can really test your patience. Skip the shortcuts and commit to the process. You won’t regret it.

Can I use household cleaners on leather sofas?

No. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaning solvents. Stick with mild, leather-specific products.

How often should I clean leather furniture?

Dust it monthly with a dry cloth. Do a deeper clean every 3 to 6 months. If you spill something, clean it right away to prevent permanent stains or water damage.

What’s the best way to remove ink stains?

Dab the stain with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or leather cleaner. For tough spots, use a leather degreaser made for ink stains.

Leather chair in a midcentury coffee shop. — Using a microfiber cloth and a crevice attachment on the vacuum is sufficient for monthly cleaning. Credit: Photo by Cater Yang on Unsplash

Can you treat grease stains on leather?

Yes. Sprinkle cornstarch to soak up body oil build up or grease. Let it sit, then brush off. If needed, dab with white vinegar using a soft cloth. Wipe clean and condition after.