Decorating Guides
Make Your Own Leather Upholstery Cleanser
Clean and condition your leather sofa, chairs, handbags and more with ingredients already in your cabinets
You don’t have to buy fancy, expensive and smelly leather cleansers and conditioners to keep your leather upholstery looking top-notch – just try one of these recipes that can be mixed up at home using common household ingredients. Most leather upholstery is made with a finished leather that has been dyed and sealed, so it has a bit of a sheen. But even if it has a sealer, an active family and pets can wreak havoc on your beautiful leather furniture. From ballpoint pen marks to protein-based stains like blood and food, there are substances that can work their way into the most beautiful hide, leaving it looking messed up, dried out and ratty. These natural cleansers, when used correctly, can bring back the natural beauty of leather.
Caution: Always be sure to do a sample test on an inconspicuous area of the leather. And do not use these cleansers on unfinished leather or suede.
Caution: Always be sure to do a sample test on an inconspicuous area of the leather. And do not use these cleansers on unfinished leather or suede.
Basic cleanser and conditioner:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lemon or eucalyptus essential oil (optional)
The leather sofa at my brother's house gets lots of wear and tear. This basic all-over cleanser left it polished and rich looking again.
Mix the olive oil and white vinegar in a clean jar and shake, add scented oil for a fresh smell if you like. Dampen a clean cloth in the mixture and clean the entire piece of furniture. Use another clean cloth to dry off the remaining oil and cleanser. Don’t saturate the leather; you’re just cleaning the surface and reconditioning the leather.
Wondering which sofa upholstery is better: fabric or leather?
Wondering which sofa upholstery is better: fabric or leather?
Protein-based spot or stain
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup cream of tartar
Ballpoint pen:
Rubbing alcohol, hairspray, nail polish remover or cuticle remover
For ink and pen stains on leather furniture, auto upholstery or handbags, dab on rubbing alcohol or any of the other substances listed. Let it soak in for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and gentle soap, then dry. For stubborn ink stains, repeat until the ink has dissolved.
Rubbing alcohol, hairspray, nail polish remover or cuticle remover
For ink and pen stains on leather furniture, auto upholstery or handbags, dab on rubbing alcohol or any of the other substances listed. Let it soak in for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Rinse with water and gentle soap, then dry. For stubborn ink stains, repeat until the ink has dissolved.
Mould and mildew:
Here’s a guide to mouldings
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol
- ½ cup water
Here’s a guide to mouldings
I used this solution when I noticed some suspicious-looking black grime inside my car.
The black mess came off with a bit of robust rubbing. It looks better, and I feel better knowing there's no lurking gunk in a hard-to-see area.
Once I got started, I decided to give my leather car upholstery a good once-over with the basic recipe of olive oil, vinegar and lemon oil. Now it looks good and smells fresh.
Read more:
DIY: Make Your Own Non-Toxic, All-Natural Household Cleaning Products
Tell us:
What are your tricks for keeping your home’s leather products looking shiny and new? Tell us in Comments below.
Read more:
DIY: Make Your Own Non-Toxic, All-Natural Household Cleaning Products
Tell us:
What are your tricks for keeping your home’s leather products looking shiny and new? Tell us in Comments below.