Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500284
06/24/03

Cleaning Leather Upholstered Furniture


Because leathers vary, always consult manufacturer's
care instructions. Frequent dusting is the only way to
clean most leathers with limited surface protection. An
art-gum eraser may remove ordinary dirt. The uncoated
surface readily absorbs liquids and oily substances.
Stains may be impossible to remove. For the same reason,
leather creams may create blotches.

Coated leathers, on the other hand, resist staining.
They can be occasionally washed with a mild soap (such as
castile) and water, wiped with a slightly damp cloth and
buffed dry. If desired, use leather cream once or twice
a year.

Do not use oils, furniture polishes, or varnishes on
leather because these products may contain solvents that
might make the leather sticky.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Wisconsin
Extension bulletin, Care and Cleaning of Upholstered
Furniture, and Georgia Extension bulletin, How to Care for
Your Furnishings.

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