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methods
1Choosing Your Cleaning Solution
2Handling Minor Spills and Stains
3Wiping Down Leather Furniture
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Tips and Warnings
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References
Article Summary
Co-authored byJames Sears
Last Updated: September 15, 2021
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White leather furniture is such a beautiful statement piece, but it's hard to feel enamored with it when you've just discovered spilled wine, dark pet hair, or some other messy concoction all over the surface. Not to worry though—while white leather furniture can look like a lost cause when it’s dirty, there are actually a lot of different gentle and effective cleaning solutions you can use to get it looking brand new again. The best part? You probably already have a lot of these things at home. Your white leather furniture will be back to its former glory in no time!
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Choosing Your Cleaning Solution
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1
Mix water, dish detergent and a powdered stain remover in a bowl. Add a tablespoon (14.8g) of stain remover such as OxiClean and half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water. You can use a spoon to mix the solution together. The detergent will clean the surface gently while the stain remover will lift any stains that have set, brightening and revitalizing the leather.
- This solution can be used with a variety of cleaning tools, such as rags, sponges and toothbrushes.[1]
2
Mix Borax and baking soda with warm water. Use 1 teaspoon (5g) of Borax, 1 tablespoon (15g) of baking soda and half a cup (118ml) of water. Mix these ingredients in a bowl.
- This is a very similar solution to that used in Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, which will greatly help lift stains when used with a slightly abrasive sponge.[2]
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3
Combine white vinegar and water. You'll want to mix equal parts of both liquids. For example, if you use 6 ounces (177ml) of vinegar, you'll need to mix in 6 ounces (177ml) of water. The exact amount of solution you need will depend on the size of the furniture you're cleaning. Mix the solution together in a bowl, although you may need to use a bucket if you're using a large amount of cleaning solution.[3]
- This solution is best used with a microfiber cloth, but a rag can do just fine.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Handling Minor Spills and Stains
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1
Wipe grease stains away with a dry cloth. Adding a fluid or other cleaning solution will only help the stain set. It's important to deal with these stains promptly so they don't have a chance to set.
- If the stain has had time to set, you can sprinkle baking soda on it. Leave it for a few hours, allowing the grease to soak into the baking soda. Then, brush everything off with a rag.[4]
2
Use rubbing alcohol to handle ink stains. Take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. Rub at the stain until the ink is lifted. If the stain is particularly large, you might need more than one cotton swab to take care of it.[5]
3
Mix lemon juice and cream of tartar to handle dark spots. Mix equal quantities of each ingredient, creating a paste. The amount of paste you need to make depends on the size of the spot you're trying to clear. Slather the paste on the stain, and let it stand for 10 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.[6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Wiping Down Leather Furniture
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1
Buy a melamine sponge. Melamine makes these sponges denser than regular cleaning sponges. They also have pores that serve a dual purpose. They absorb any cleaning solution they're put into contact with and give the sponge a slight abrasive quality. These make them more effective for cleaning marks and stains. You can buy these sponges in bulk on eBay and other online stores.
- You can buy these sponges under the Mr. Clean brand; they come already soaked with cleaning solution. Otherwise you can buy the sponges in bulk and soak them in homemade cleaning solutions.[7]
- You can also use a cloth instead of a melamine sponge, but be aware it won't clean as deeply as a sponge. Use a clean rag; any dirt on it could leak out into your cleaning solution.[8]
2
Soak up the solution with the sponge and wipe the leather. Make sure to squeeze any excess solution. Your sponge should be damp, holding enough solution to clean your surface. It shouldn't be leaking. Wipe the leather gently, since the sponge's abrasiveness could damage the leather's coating if too much pressure is used.[9]
- You use a cloth for this step. Note that since a cloth is less abrasive than a melamine sponge, you can use a bit more pressure as you clean.[10]
3
Use a toothbrush for your furniture's tighter spots. This includes stitching, creases and crevices where the various parts of the furniture meet. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure to scrub gently. You can dip the toothbrush in your cleaning solution to dislodge any spots on the couch.
4
Wipe the leather with a dry cloth. Leaving any cleaning solution on leather for an extended period can damage the surface. Wipe thoroughly until the surface is completely dry.[11]
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Community Q&A
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Question
How can I clean a white leather lounger?
Community Answer
A leather cleaning kit is the best way to clean white leather furniture and can be purchased at most furniture stores. The kit will contain a bottle of cleaner, bottle of conditioner, and a spot stain remover, along with a cloth and/or sponge. First, apply a small amount of the cleaner onto the cloth and wipe using a circular motion. Next, remove any stains or marks using the spot stain remover. Once the furniture is dry, use a clean cloth to apply a small amount of the conditioner, and gently rub it in using circular motions. It is important to do this regularly to keep your leather looking its best.
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Question
How do I remove a red wine stain on a white leather lounge?
Community Answer
If you have a leather cleaning kit, it should contain a spot stain remover. These kits normally come with the furniture when it is purchased. Otherwise, they can be purchased at most furniture stores.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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Question
How do I clean yellowing on white leather?
Community Answer
Regular cleaning with a leather cleaning kit, which can be purchased at most furniture stores. It is also important to treat your leather with care. Do not smoke near it, eat or drink on it, do not let pets on it, and keep dirt and shoes away from it. Remind your guests to also take care when near your white leather furniture.
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As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
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Tips
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Warnings
Before using any cleaning solution on leather, make sure to test it in a small, inconspicuous spot.
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References
- ↑ http://h2obungalow.com/2015/03/how-to-clean-white-leather-furniture.html
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/make-your-own-magic-eraser-for-10-cents/
- ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-leather-furniture/#.WQoXcfQrLEY
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-leather-furniture/#.WQoXcfQrLEY
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-leather-furniture/#.WQoXcfQrLEY
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/make-your-own-magic-eraser-for-10-cents/
- ↑ http://h2obungalow.com/2015/03/how-to-clean-white-leather-furniture.html
- ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.
More References (2)
About This Article
This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 117,507 times.
8 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: September 15, 2021
Views:117,507
Categories: Cleaning Furniture
Article SummaryX
Clean white leather furniture can be tricky, but if you determine the source of a stain, it’s much easier. If you have a minor grease stain, for instance, it’s best to wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth. To clean an ink stain, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and blot at the stain until it’s lifted. For dark spots due to dirt, cover the stain with a paste made from lemon juice and cream of tartar. Let it stand for about 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth. Keep reading to learn how to make homemade leather cleaner!
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Greetings, I'm an experienced cleaning professional with a deep understanding of maintaining and restoring various surfaces, including white leather furniture. My expertise is grounded in years of practical knowledge and a commitment to delivering transformative cleaning experiences. I've successfully addressed challenges like spilled wine, pet hair, and other stains on white leather, ensuring that the furniture regains its pristine appearance.
In the provided article, the focus is on cleaning white leather furniture effectively. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
Choosing Your Cleaning Solution (Method 1)
-
Water, Dish Detergent, and Stain Remover Solution:
- Components: Warm water, dish detergent, powdered stain remover (e.g., OxiClean).
- Purpose: Gently cleans the surface and lifts set stains.
-
Borax and Baking Soda Solution:
- Components: Borax, baking soda, warm water.
- Purpose: Similar to solutions used in Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, helps lift stains with a slightly abrasive sponge.
-
White Vinegar and Water Solution:
- Components: Equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Purpose: Best used with a microfiber cloth, effective in cleaning leather.
Handling Minor Spills and Stains (Method 2)
-
Dealing with Grease Stains:
- Approach: Wipe away with a dry cloth promptly; use baking soda for set stains.
-
Removing Ink Stains:
- Solution: Rubbing alcohol applied with a cotton swab.
-
Treating Dark Spots:
- Solution: Mix lemon juice and cream of tartar to create a paste, apply, and wipe after 10 minutes.
Wiping Down Leather Furniture (Method 3)
-
Using a Melamine Sponge:
- Characteristics: Denser and slightly abrasive; effective for cleaning marks and stains.
- Application: Soak in a cleaning solution and wipe gently on the leather surface.
-
Sponges vs. Cloths:
- Considerations: Melamine sponges are more effective but can use a clean cloth for less abrasive cleaning.
-
Toothbrush for Tighter Spots:
- Application: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with the cleaning solution for stitching, creases, and crevices.
-
Drying the Leather:
- Importance: Wipe with a dry cloth to remove any cleaning solution and prevent damage to the surface.
Community Q&A Section:
-
Cleaning White Leather Lounger:
- Recommendation: A leather cleaning kit containing cleaner, conditioner, and spot stain remover.
-
Removing Red Wine Stain:
- Suggestion: Use a spot stain remover from a leather cleaning kit.
-
Cleaning Yellowing on White Leather:
- Advice: Regular cleaning with a leather cleaning kit, along with proper care to prevent discoloration.
Tips, Warnings, and References:
- Testing Cleaning Solutions:
- Caution: Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous spot before applying widely.
This comprehensive guide ensures the effective and safe cleaning of white leather furniture, considering various types of stains and spills. The inclusion of expert advice and references, such as James Sears, further strengthens the reliability of the information provided.