How can i clean a leather suite / sofa

BabyElephant

I clean my leather sofa with soap flakes and just put a tiny (and I do mean tiny otherwise it can cause streaks on black/dark leather) amount in half a bowl of water. This is what they recommended from the store I bought the sofa from, even though they had specliast leather cleaning kits etc they said they were a waste of money. I'm still using the same box of soap flakes that I bought 8 years ago!

Pennylane

I wouldn't risk it!! My DH spilt something on one of our leather sofas when I was not around and tried to clean it himself. I can't remember what he used now but something from "under the sink"!!:mad: The stain disappeared but the leather became thin & brittle and in a matter of weeks it had worn through.

That cost us 2 new sofas because although the other one was untouched, we couldn't get a replacement in the new colour.

pandora205

I used to use specialist cleaners but read on MSE about using Stardrops (very dilute), which work a treat on my ivory leather. (I'd already used in on carpets and soft furnishings, so thought it might work).

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

I would'nt try it.I ruined my husband's jeans by spilling fabric conditioner on them.The stain just won't come out.

mandragora_2

I have used baby lotion on mine in the past, on a soft cloth, as it's basically a very gentle skin moisturiser; however, nowadays I think I'd stick to a proprietary leather cleaner. I've seen some people recommend baby wipes - I would definitely stay away from that - strikes me they're quite astringent, and I'd imagine they would have something alcohol-based in them which might dry out and crack the leather in the long run.

bubbs

mandragora wrote: »

I have used baby lotion on mine in the past, on a soft cloth, as it's basically a very gentle skin moisturiser; however, nowadays I think I'd stick to a proprietary leather cleaner. I've seen some people recommend baby wipes - I would definitely stay away from that - strikes me they're quite astringent, and I'd imagine they would have something alcohol-based in them which might dry out and crack the leather in the long run.

I always use baby wipes on mine,(buy them when they are BOGOF in wilkos) its cream leather and comes up great!:j
I was recommended to use these when i purchased it.

Grianne

I was told by a friend to use a very mild solution of baby shampoo and a flannel, but make sure its not soaking wet, wring it out thoroughly before wiping the sofa. Works a treat and doesnt contain salt or harsh chemicals.

bec2012

I've always used babywipes on mine with no probs.

jackieb

mandragora wrote: »

I have used baby lotion on mine in the past, on a soft cloth, as it's basically a very gentle skin moisturiser; however, nowadays I think I'd stick to a proprietary leather cleaner. I've seen some people recommend baby wipes - I would definitely stay away from that - strikes me they're quite astringent, and I'd imagine they would have something alcohol-based in them which might dry out and crack the leather in the long run.

Surely, anything that's meant for a baby's skin would have to be gentle?

fernliebee

jackieb wrote: »

Surely, anything that's meant for a baby's skin would have to be gentle?

You'd think so but it's amazing what they put in baby cosmetics. I don't know about a leather sofa but I never use any baby bath/ shampoo/ lotion/ oil/ wipes etc on my 8 month old DD.

I just use a damp cloth on my leather sofa's and then shine them with a dry cloth.