How to Clean Leather or Vinyl Furniture
Leather and vinyl couches, chairs and pillows take a beating in a typical home environment where they interact consistently with pets, children, snacks and life-in-general. It's important to clean these family troopers on a regular basis to ensure they continue to perform with both fashion and function.
Choosing the right products and procedures simplifies the cleaning of both leather and vinyl furniture in your home.
Things You Will Need
- Mild soap and water
- Cloth
- Soft-bristle brush
- Sponge/rag
- Distilled water
- Leather/vinyl cleaner
Tip
Use a vinyl/leather conditioner to prevent dryness and cracking between cleanings. Consider hiring a professional leather cleaning service every 3 to 4 years or when the leather sofa or chair is heavily soiled. Specialists employ commercial products and methods, as well as offer deep conditioning and protective solutions.
Warning
Pretest any cleaning solutions by applying to an area of the leather or vinyl furniture that is not visible.
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Prepare the leather or vinyl furniture for cleaning by vacuuming thoroughly to remove loose dust, lint or other particles.
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Continue with a light, wet cleaning before using a leather/vinyl cleaning product. Mix a gentle, non-detergent soap with water in a small bowl or bucket. Choose a hand soap that is free from dyes and fragrances. Use three or four drops of soap per quart of water; gradually add more if necessary to make the solution bubble.
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Use a damp cloth or soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution to your furniture. Apply the bubbles rather than the liquid. Rub the brush lightly up and down the dirty sections of the sofa or chair.
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Rinse off the soap with a sponge or clean rag dampened with water. Use a soft, thick, non-abrasive sponge or a cotton rag without course fibers.
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Switch to distilled water to remove any obvious stains or spots. Mix a solution of equals parts distilled water and mild soap, then blot with a clean, soft cloth. Rinse with distilled water.
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Remove excess water from the leather or vinyl by blotting with a dry cotton cloth. Do not allow any water to remain on the furniture as it could create a stain.
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Continue cleaning with a standard vinyl/leather cleaning solution. Leather and some types of vinyl are absorbent and may hold stubborn stains that are difficult to remove with soap and water alone. Follow the mixing and application directions supplied by the manufacturer. Apply the solution with a soft cloth or paper towels.
The Drip Cap
- Leather and vinyl couches, chairs and pillows take a beating in a typical home environment where they interact consistently with pets, children, snacks and life-in-general.
- Choosing the right products and procedures simplifies the cleaning of both leather and vinyl furniture in your home.
- Use a damp cloth or soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution to your furniture.
- Rinse off the soap with a sponge or clean rag dampened with water.
- Apply the solution with a soft cloth or paper towels.
Resources
Writer Bio
Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.
Photo Credits
- Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
- Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
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