How To Clean and Care for a Leather Sofa
Leather furniture is designed to age beautifully. With the right care, a leather sofa can develop greater character and softness over time while retaining its refined appearance.
The best approach to leather care is simple: protect the leather from excessive heat and sunlight, deal with spills promptly, and always use care products and methods suited to the specific type of leather.
In this guide, DOMO explains how to clean and care for a leather sofa, including how to protect leather from everyday wear and what to consider when caring for natural and aniline leathers.
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How to Care for Your Leather Sofa
Regular, gentle care is the best way to maintain the appearance and feel of leather furniture.
⭐️ Keep Leather Away from Heat
Avoid positioning a leather sofa directly beside heaters, fireplaces or other sources of intense heat. Excessive heat can dry the leather and affect its natural oils, potentially causing the surface to become dry or brittle over time.
⭐️ Protect Leather from Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause leather to fade or change colour. Where possible, position your sofa away from strong direct sunlight and consider window coverings in rooms with significant sun exposure.
Some natural variation in colour is expected with genuine leather, but thoughtful placement can help minimise uneven fading.
⭐️ Keep Sharp Objects Away
Leather is durable, but it isn’t immune to damage. Take care around keys, buckles, pet claws and other sharp objects that can scratch or puncture the surface.
⭐️ Avoid Household Cleaning Products
Don’t use household detergents, solvents, alcohol-based products or other unapproved cleaning products on leather furniture. Different leather finishes require different care, and an unsuitable product can permanently alter the surface.
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before applying a cleaning or conditioning product.
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How to Clean a Leather Sofa
The right cleaning method depends on the type and finish of the leather. Before cleaning, identify the leather used on your sofa and refer to the manufacturer’s care recommendations.
1. Remove Dust and Loose Dirt
Gently remove dust and loose debris using a soft, dry cloth or a suitable vacuum attachment. Avoid applying unnecessary pressure to the leather.
Regular dusting can help prevent dirt from building up on the surface and settling into seams and creases.
2. Deal with Spills Promptly
If something is spilled on your leather sofa, act quickly. Gently blot the area with a clean, absorbent cloth rather than rubbing the surface.
Rubbing can spread the spill and may work the substance further into the leather.
3. Use Only Suitable Leather Care Products
If your leather requires cleaning or conditioning, use a product specifically recommended for that particular leather.
Never assume that a product suitable for one leather finish will be suitable for another. If you’re unsure what product to use, contact your DOMO showroom before treating the leather.
4. Allow Leather to Dry Naturally
After cleaning, allow the leather to dry naturally. Avoid hairdryers, heaters or other direct sources of heat, which can dry out or damage the leather.
Always check the care instructions for your specific leather before attempting to clean it.
If you’re unsure, contact your DOMO showroom before applying any cleaning product.
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Caring for Aniline Leather
Aniline leather is minimally finished, allowing much of the natural texture, grain and character of the hide to remain visible.
This gives aniline leather its distinctive softness and natural appearance, but also means it requires more considered care than heavily finished leather.
Natural markings, subtle variations in colour and changes that develop through use are part of the character of aniline leather. Its appearance will evolve over time as it responds to light, touch and everyday use.
For aniline leather, always follow the specific care instructions supplied with your furniture and consult a leather specialist if you are unsure how to treat a mark or spill.
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Why Does My Leather Sofa Have Marks and Colour Variations?
One of the qualities that makes natural leather distinctive is that no two hides are exactly alike.
You may notice variations such as:
+ Natural grain and texture
+ Wrinkles and creases
+ Small scars or healed marks
+ Insect marks
+ Variations in colour
+ Differences in texture between sections of the hide
These characteristics are not necessarily imperfections. They are evidence of the natural hide and contribute to the individuality and character of each piece of leather furniture.
Over time, leather will also develop a patina as it responds to everyday use. This evolution is part of the appeal of natural leather and means your sofa can become increasingly individual with age.
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How Often Should You Clean a Leather Sofa?
There is no single cleaning schedule that suits every leather sofa.
Regular dusting and prompt attention to spills are generally more important than frequent deep cleaning. The amount of cleaning required will depend on the type of leather, how frequently the sofa is used and the environment in which it is placed.
Always follow the care instructions provided with your furniture rather than applying a generic cleaning routine.
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Leather Sofa Care FAQs
✔️ Can you use water to clean a leather sofa?
Some leather finishes can tolerate carefully controlled moisture, while others require specialist care. Before using water or any cleaning product, check the care instructions for your specific leather.
✔️ Can you use household cleaning products on leather?
It is best to avoid household cleaning products unless they have specifically been recommended for your leather. Detergents, solvents and alcohol-based products can damage or alter the surface.
✔️ How do you remove stains from a leather sofa?
The appropriate treatment depends on the type of stain and the leather finish. Blot fresh spills gently rather than rubbing them, and seek professional advice if you’re unsure how to treat a stain.
✔️ How do you care for an aniline leather sofa?
Aniline leather requires particularly considered care because its minimally finished surface retains much of the natural character of the hide. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and avoid experimenting with unapproved cleaning products.
✔️Does leather furniture change colour over time?
Yes. Natural leather can develop a patina and may change in colour with exposure to light and everyday use. This gradual evolution is part of the character of genuine leather.
✔️ How can I protect a leather sofa from sunlight?
Position the sofa away from prolonged direct sunlight where possible. Window coverings can also help reduce exposure and minimise uneven fading.
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Looking for a Leather Sofa?
Discover DOMO’s collection of designer leather sofas, crafted by renowned furniture makers and available in a range of premium leathers and upholstery options.
For advice on caring for a specific leather, contact your local DOMO showroom. Our team can help you understand the characteristics and care requirements of the leather selected for your furniture.
Find Your Local DOMO Showroom →
Image Credits
#1 – DOMO with L&M Home, Tori Briggs, Martina Gemmola. #4 – Glen Iris House by Luke Fry Architecture, Jess Kneebone, Derek Swalwell
