You’ve made a significant investment in your leather furniture, and it’s important to keep it looking good. Spills and accidents can happen, but heavy use and the passage of time can cause dirt and grime to build up. Paying for furniture cleaning services isn’t something most people think about from a maintenance perspective, but suddenly one day, you 
notice your sofa and chairs just don’t look as good as they used to. Professional furniture cleaning can be expensive, and many of us worry about harsh chemicals that may harm the environment or cause an allergic reaction. Follow these simple leather furniture cleaning tips to keep your investment looking good naturally. Remember, always test a small amount of any cleaning product on a hidden area first.
Natural Leather Furniture Cleaning Products
Leather furniture is prized for its natural beauty and resistance to dirt and stains. Skin oils and airborne dust can build up on such furniture and alter the color. Many leather wipes and cleaners contain chemicals that damage the furniture if used improperly, causing permanent stains and stripping away of the natural sheen. One of the most effective natural leather cleaners is saddle soap, usually found in your grocer’s furniture polish aisle. Vacuum and damp-wipe the leather first, to remove any surface dust or crumbs. Saddle soap can then be applied in a circular motion using a clean cloth. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then buff with a dry cloth. Moisturizing bath soap achieves similar results.
DIY Natural Leather Furniture Cleaner
Mix your own leather cleaner by whisking together 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts olive oil, with a few drops of lemon essential oil. You can store this concoction in a tightly sealed jar for future use. Apply the mixture using a clean, soft cloth, rubbing in a circular motion until you have covered the entire surface. Then, with a clean, slightly damp towel, gently wipe away the mixture and lightly buff the furniture. You also can use linseed oil in place of olive oil in a pinch.
When DIY Leather Cleaning Doesn’t Work
If these tips don’t do the trick, talk with your local furniture boutique for more advice on how to clean leather furniture naturally at home. Also, check with the furniture’s manufacturer to see what natural furniture cleaning products it recommends. Once you’ve mastered cleaning leather furniture, sit back and enjoy the beautiful results
