A leather couch is one of life's great treats. There's just something special about a genuine leather couch that is impressive. The look, the feel — and yes, even the smell — place leather couches a notch above the rest. If you have a leather couch, it's important to keep it clean and conditioned. Proper maintenance of your couch will not only make the couch look amazing, it will protect and preserve it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean and condition a leather couch.
Why Cleaning a Leather Couch Matters
Cleaning a leather couch is a vital step in caring for it. Make cleaning and conditioning your leather couch a habit and it will look amazing and last a lifetime. Here are the benefits to cleaning and conditioning a leather couch:
Added protection. Cleaning and conditioning your leather couch will add a layer of protection. Leather couches are often exposed to direct sunlight, which can dry them out. When you use a leather cleaner and conditioner — like Leather Honey Leather Cleaner and Leather Honey Leather Conditioner — it helps protect the leather couch from getting damaged.
Optimal appearance. Cleaning and conditioning will bring out the best in your leather couch. You should think of any genuine leather product like skin because… It is skin. How does your skin look and feel when it's dirty and dry? Not great. The same goes for leather couches. When you clean and condition the couch, you keep it looking fresh, vibrant and smooth.
Increased usage. Leather couches aren't cheap, so naturally you'll want to make sure yours lasts as long as possible. Conditioning leather is one the best ways to do that. When leather couches become dry, they will crack and eventually deteriorate. Adding Leather Honey Leather Conditioner at least once every six months will ensure your leather couch lasts forever.
How to clean and condition a leather couch in six steps
1. Clean the couch. The first step to conditioning your leather couch has nothing to do with conditioning. Before you condition, you must clean the furniture. First, use a lint-free cloth to remove any loose dirt and debris. If there is dirt stuck down in the cracks of your couch (and let's face it, there probably is) use a hand-held vacuum to remove it.
Once you've removed all the loose dirt from your leather couch, test a small amount of Leather Honey Leather Cleaner in a discreet area. Our cleaner should not adversely impact your leather couch, but we always recommend this step. Once you've spot tested, go ahead and apply an even amount of Leather Honey Leather Cleaner to the entire couch. Because couches are often exposed to plenty of sunlight, we recommend using our Leather Honey Leather Cleaner with UV Protectant.
2. Let the couch dry. Once you've finished cleaning the leather couch, allow it to dry completely before applying any conditioner. If you can, wait at least 24 hours to ensure the leather is ready to be conditioned.
3. Wipe away any excess. When your leather couch is dry, it's time to wipe away excess cleaner if any remains.
4. Do another spot test. Now your leather couch is ready to be conditioned. However, it's still not time to go to town. Just like with the cleaner, we recommend testing Leather Honey Leather Conditioner in a small, discreet area. Don't worry if the leather darkens some — this is natural. It means the moisture is returning to the couch, and that's a good thing. This effect will fade as time goes by.
5. Condition the leather couch. Gently apply a small amount of Leather Honey Leather Conditioner to your couch. You can use our pre-made wipes or a lint-free cloth. Use circular motions and make sure you get every nook, cranny and crease of the couch.
6. Allow the couch to dry. Now that you're done cleaning and conditioning your leather couch, we bet you can't wait to sit down and enjoy it. However, please be patient! Just as you let your couch dry after cleaning it, you need to allow it to dry after conditioning. If there is any conditioner residue left on the product after 24 hours, wipe it away with your cloth.
More to know about cleaning a leather couch
Some common questions people have about cleaning leather couches:
What is the best thing to clean leather couches with?
The best thing to clean a leather couch with is a premade cleaner, like Leather Honey Leather Cleaner.
Can you use Dawn soap to clean a leather couch?
No, you should not use Dawn soap to clean a leather couch. It will remove the moisture from the couch, which will ultimately lead to cracking.
How can I make my leather couch look new?
The best way to make your leather couch look new is to clean and condition it regularly.
More to Know About Conditioning a Leather Couch
Some common questions people have about conditioning a leather couch:
Should you condition a leather couch?
Yes, you should condition a leather couch. Doing so will make it look its best and extend its use by years.
How can I moisturize my leather sofa?
The best way to moisture a leather sofa is to use a premade leather conditioner.
What is the best conditioner for a leather couch?
Well, we might be biased, but we highly recommend Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
Ongoing leather furniture care
To keep your leather furniture clean, conditioned and in good condition, follow some general best practices: Avoid eating and drinking on the leather, don't leave wet towels or other wet items on the leather, and clean regularly to avoid body oil build up.
Complete Leather Furniture Care Kit
Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Complete Leather Care Kit
With our product bundles, you get our Leather Honey premium conditioner, Leather Honey cleaner, and 2 application cloths.
What Our Customers Say
I received my leather honey and it exceeded my expectations. Directions were easy to follow. I just cleaned the chair with mild soap and water, let it dry, and then put on the leather honey. What a difference!!! Never thought how leather may be just dried out and need a little TLC. Thanks so much for this product. I wish I would have taken before and after pics; just too good to be true!”
We have a den with a leather Chesterfield sofa, love seat, and wingback chair with ottoman. After sixteen years this aniline dyed leather had become chalky (powdery looking) in the most worn areas with white cracks throughout…I didn’t know that the leather was just craving a drink of Honey!”