When your leather furniture starts looking a little grubby, make sure you clean it in a way that doesn't cause permanent harm, since leather is not the most straightforward material to work with. If you're not sure where to begin, then you've come to the right place, since below you'll find a number of different ways to clean tough leather stains.
How to Clean Leather
When it comes to cleaning leather, the first method you should try is one that uses soap, olive oil, and a towel. First, use a damp towel to clean your leather gently. Ensure that any excess water is removed before trying this method. Once clean, rinse the towel and use it to remove any excess soap residue.
Then, simply use a towel to get rid of any excess liquid that remains. If you have specific oils for leather, use them now to help recondition the material. If not, you can use olive oil to recondition the material and prevent it from drying up.
How to Clean a Leather Bag or Purse
Since leather bags or purses can see a lot of use, they are highly susceptible to staining. Thankfully, it is very easy to make your own solution at home. Simply mix one part mild facial soap with 8 parts water. Then, place it all into a spray bottle and spray it onto a towel. Wipe it against the leather's grain until the stain is no longer there, before allowing it to dry naturally. Use a small amount of leather moisturizer once it has dried.
Cleaning Tough Stains
A simple solution for getting rid of stubborn leather stains is to mix one part lemon juice and one part cream of tartar into a creamy paste. Then, simply use a soft cloth to work on the stain. If it persists, wait a few hours before trying for a second time. Once you are successful, wipe the area clean and use some leather conditioner to breathe new life into your leather items.
How to Remove Ink or Pen Stains
If you have spilled pen ink all over your leather sofa, the best thing you could possibly do is to bring in the professionals. However, for smaller stains, you might want to try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Make sure to test it on a small spot first to make sure that it does not damage the leather.
To apply, use a cotton swab to push the rubbing alcohol onto the ink stain while using circular motions. When you are ready, make sure to apply leather conditioner since your leather items will have lost some moisture in this process.
Cleaning White Leather
When cleaning white leather, it is important to never use bleach or ammonia since they will damage the fabric. As an alternative, use water, mild soap and a few drops of vinegar. All you need to do is to dampen a cloth with this concoction before wiping down leather. You could also substitute this mixture for one made with ¼ cup vinegar and ½ cup olive oil.
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