Removing Stains on Leather Furniture With Natural Products

Updated: Dec. 12, 2022

Leave the harsh chemicals in the cupboard and find a natural remedy.

How to Clean Leather Furniture Stains with Natural Products

These natural leather cleaning tips will make old furniture look new. The best part is you probably already have everything you need in the cupboard!

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

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How to Clean Leather: Give It a Good Vacuuming

Use Those Attachments to get in the Crevices

Before reaching for harsh chemicals on a leather stain, try these natural, at-home remedies to learn how to clean a leather couch and leather furniture. Always remember to check the furniture manufacturers directions first, and spot-test a small, hidden area to check for discoloration before applying any remedies to the whole piece. First, prep the leather stain surface by vacuuming all dust and debris off surface and out of folds.

Start with a Damp Cloth

Get Rid of Surface Dirt

Next, wipe entire surface down with a clean, warm damp cloth to remove all loose, surface dirt. Be gentle and move quickly – water can sometimes discolor unfinished leather.

Use Rubbing Alcohol for Ink Leather Stain

How to Remove Ink From Leather Couch

For ink-based leather stains like ballpoint pen and marker try rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, and gently rub along mark until ink begins to lift. Change cotton swabs often to reduce bleed. Once the leather stain is removed, wipe away excess alcohol with clean, damp cloth.

A Special Mixture for Protein-based Stains

Cornstarch and Lemon Juice

Certain stains require unique mixtures. For protein-based leather stains like food and blood, try a paste of 2 parts cornstarch to 1 parts lemon juice.

Use a Mild Oil on Scratches

Olive or Baby Oil

For surface scratches, try erasing with a mild oil, like olive or baby oil. Dip a cotton swab in oil and gently massage along scratch until well covered. Let sit for 5 minutes and gently buff away excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.

Do an Overall Clean

Make Your Own Solution

The best way to clean a leather couch and the entire surface, mix 2 parts white vinegar with 1 part olive oil in a spray bottle and shake well. (You can also add a few drops of fragrant essential oils to cut the vinegar smell).

Be Generous with Spray

Use a Gentle, Steady Pattern

Spray generously and use a clean cloth to massage into a leather stain using a circular motion until the entire surface has been cleaned. A soft brush when learning how to clean leather can also be used to gently scrub problem areas. Then use a dry paper towel to wipe all excess oil off the leather.

Finish with a Nourishing Oil

Coconut Oil Works Wonders

To revive the luster of leather furniture and buff out small scratches and fading, try a natural leather cleaner like coconut oil. Use a clean, dry cloth to rub coconut oil into leather in a circular motion, much like shoe polish. Let penetrate 10 minutes, and buff out excess oil with a new, clean cloth.

Originally Published: January 03, 2019