5 Tips To Clean Stains From Leather Upholstery

Leather furniture is a rather expensive purchase you make which is why you want to be sure you’re taking exceptional care of them. However, no matter how careful you are around your leather couch or chairs, you will inevitably stain them. While stains should be removed as soon as possible, one must be patient when dealing with them. Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations before cleaning leather.

Methods to clean different stains

Marker and ink stains

If you find fresh, non-oil-based ink stains on your leather sofa, you can easily remove them using a little alcohol. Apply a little amount of alcohol on a cotton swab and gently dab the stain till it comes off. It’s important not to wet the leather because it can damage the dye and polish of the leather. Clean the area with a damp cloth, then dry it with a dry cloth. Condition the entire region from seam to seam once the stain is gone and the dye of the leather is still intact.

Water stains

Water can create unattractive rings on anything from wood furniture to leather sofas. You can usually soak up these spills with a dry microfiber cloth, but if they are left to sit, cleaning it will be a little more difficult. Dampen the microfiber cloth. Begin wiping the stain outward in a circular motion, starting from the centre. Wipe the stain until it disappears. Allow it to dry and repeat if necessary. Treat the leather with the specified conditioner once the mark has faded and the furniture is dry.

Grease

Grease stains should be treated while they’re still fresh for the best results. Using a paper towel or clean cloth, absorb as much grease as possible. Gently wipe it away with a baby wipe, leather-cleaning wipe, or a moist cloth dipped in conditioning soap. Rub the leather with a dry cloth until it is completely dry. If the stain persists after drying, sprinkle a sufficient amount of cornstarch or baking soda on the area and leave it overnight and wipe it away with a clean cloth. Consult a upholstery cleaning service if the stain persists.

Old, dried grease

If a grease stain remains on the leather surface for long, it will dry and harden. To remove these hardened stains, simple wiping is not enough. Soak a soft cloth in white vinegar and rub the stain. For a higher possibility of removing the stain, rub along the direction of the grain. If the stain persists, make a paste with one part lemon juice and one part cream of tartar. Using a microfiber cloth, apply the paste to the soiled leather and gently rub it in.

Paint

If the stain is still fresh, try wiping it away with soapy water and a clean cloth. Cleaning liquid should be avoided because it can harm the leather. Another option is to carefully remove the extra paint with a flat object such as a pallet knife or a chisel. Work from the outside to keep the paint from spreading. It’s also a good idea to keep the tool flat to avoid scratching the leather. Remove any excess with a clean, moist towel.Most stains can be removed if you take quick action, however, some stains are too stubborn. If you are not sure what you can do, hire a reputed upholstery cleaning service to take care of the issue.