Leather furniture pieces are great and common in most homes and offices because they add a touch of luxury and style. However, leather can quickly become stained and look unsightly if not cleaned and cared for properly and regularly.
Also, spills are inevitable with the kids around, and pets can create some mess that leaves stain marks that could damage your treasured leather cushion. Hence, the need to know how to remove stains from leather sofas and make them look great.
While this stain removal process may seem challenging, you can rely on the tips we’ll provide in this blog post to get tough stains off leather sofas.
How to Remove Stains from Leather Sofas
Stains are one annoying thing that folks with leather sofas have to deal with. While this material does not absorb spill as quickly as fabrics, you can find discolorations and stain marks tricky to handle.
If it’s a fresh stain, you may be able to clean it up with a leather cleaner or mild dishwashing soap and water. However, old and untreated stains are the hardest to get off, hence, the need for more adequate supplies.
You should also know that there are particular techniques to deal with different stain types. Here are a few stain removal methods that you can try to restore your leather couch.
Also Read: How to Remove Stains from Leather Jackets?
Clear Liquid
A water spill on your leather couch could quickly leave a few ring marks after it dries. You can notice some more discolorations if you allow the leather material to absorb the moisture. So, it is imperative to act quickly and soak up the liquid with a dry cloth. Then, you should employ the leather stain removal “home remedy” below.
Supplies Needed:
- Distilled water
- Microfiber cloth
- Leather conditioner
Start by wiping the stain marks with a microfiber cloth, damped with distilled water. Be sure to repeat this process until the spots disappear. Then, let the furniture dry away from heat (you can use a fan), and apply enough leather conditioner to restore the suppleness of the leather-upholstered piece.
Oil and Grease
It is not uncommon for smears and streaks from food to drop on leather sofas, and the body’s natural oil can also leave some stains. Grease stains are unsightly and would often leave your leather couch deteriorated. So, if you are anxious to learn how to remove sweat stains from the leather sofa or a grease stain on the leather couch, here’s an easy way out.
Supplies Needed:
- Baking soda/ talcum powder/ cornstarch
- Soft-bristled brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Leather cleaner + water
- Leather conditioner
Take a microfiber cloth and blot out as much oil or grease as possible. Move further to get the residue of oil stain off the leather by sprinkling some baking soda/ talcum powder/ cornstarch. Let the powder sit for a while (overnight if possible), and wipe off later using a soft-bristled brush.
Once the oil disappears, you should wipe the affected area and clean using a cloth damped with a solution of leather cleaner and water. Let the cushion dry, and rub in some conditioner afterward.
Read Also: How to Remove Stain from Leather Pants
Tea and Coffee
The brown discoloration from coffee and tea spills can make your leather couch appear messy. Nevertheless, you need the best leather stain remover to get the job done or employ some household solutions to make your sofa emerge pristine.
Supplies Needed:
- Mild dishwashing soap
- Clean cloth
- Vinegar
- Water
- Leather conditioner
Immediately after a coffee spill, kindly ensure you wipe the affected area using a clean cloth dipped in soapy water (add some dishwashing soap to some water). If the tea stain is dried, dab with a cloth damped with a mix of water and vinegar.
Once the stain vanishes, wipe the entire surface with a cloth damped with water and condition when the upholstered piece dries.
Wine
Wine spills can cause irreparable damage to your leather furnishings, and it is best to find a way to get such stains off your leather sofa to make it look stellar again. Thus, it is necessary to know how to remove those dark stains from leather furniture.
Supplies Needed
- Microfiber cloth
- A soft sponge
- A Sheet or paper towel
- Mild soap
- Water
- Leather conditioner
Use a sheet to soak up or absorb the excess wine spilled on the couch. Then, add some mild soap to a part of water, dip a sponge in, and wring to remove excess moisture. Gently wipe the damp sponge across the discolored area until the marks disappear.
Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth damped with water, and let the leather sofa air dry. Do not forget to apply a suitable leather conditioner once done.
Ink, Markers, and Pen Marks
Ink on leather is the last thing you might want to see, but accidents happen. However, you can get rid of such awful stain marks and improve your leather couch aesthetics. While you can invest in an ink-removal product to take the stain out, you can also try this home remedy.
Supplies Needed
- Isopropyl/rubbing alcohol or acetone
- Cotton balls
- A clean cloth
- Leather conditioner
Remove the pen marks off the leather surface by dabbing some isopropyl alcohol on the discoloration using cotton balls. When the stain vanishes, clean the area using a damp cloth and let it dry.
If the stain marks don’t fade, you should dab some acetone on the area. Wipe afterward with a damp cloth. When the leather dries, kindly ensure you apply some leather conditioner.
Tips and Tricks to Maintain Leather Sofas
- Read the sofa’s care instructions before applying any cleaning or stain removal methods.
- It is recommendable to spot-test any product on an inconspicuous part of the cushion before applying it all over.
- If you are eager to know how to remove stains from a white leather sofa, you can try a paste made of lemon juice and cream of tartar.
- Avoid the use of bleach and other chemicals that could cause cracking, splitting, and peeling of the leather couch.
- Keep abrasive sponges and brushes away from your leather furniture
- Avoid applying linseed, coconut, and mink oils on brightly colored pieces, as they darken the leather.
Final Words
Leather couches are a famous choice amongst most people, thanks to this material’s durable, comfortable, and spectacular nature. But over time, dirt and stains can accumulate on the surface and be a great cause for concern.
Not to forget, spills aren’t uncommon, and such unsightly blemishes can ruin your leather upholstery. Do you seek effective ways you can restore the lush appearance of your leather couch? Then, take a glimpse through the tips provided in this guide on how to remove stains from leather sofas.
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