Before you start: know your leather
Not all leather is the same. Finished (protected) leather has a coating that resists spills, so a drop of water beads on the surface. Unfinished leather, such as aniline, absorbs water quickly and darkens. Check the care label or the manufacturer's guidance first. If the leather absorbs water or you are unsure, use as little moisture as possible and consider professional advice.
What you need
- A vacuum with a soft brush attachment
- Soft, lint-free microfibre cloths
- A leather-safe cleaner, or mild soap in warm water
- A leather conditioner
Step by step
- Test first. Try any cleaner on a hidden area, such as under the seat, and let it dry.
- Remove dust and crumbs. Vacuum with the soft brush, including seams and creases.
- Wipe with a barely damp cloth. Wring it out well. Work in small sections.
- Clean marks gently. Apply leather cleaner to the cloth, not directly to the chair, and wipe in gentle circles.
- Dry. Buff with a dry cloth so no moisture sits on the surface.
- Condition. Apply a thin layer of conditioner once dry and buff off any excess.
Dealing with common marks
- Fresh spills. Blot straight away with a dry cloth; do not rub.
- Grease. Blot, then leave it; some grease marks fade into finished leather. Avoid water on a grease mark.
- Ink. Treat with care. Rubbing can spread it, so a professional may be the safer option.
Common mistakes
- Too much water. It can stain and stiffen leather.
- Harsh household cleaners. Bleach, ammonia and solvents can strip the finish.
- Abrasive pads. They scratch the surface.
- Skipping the test. A hidden-area test avoids a visible mistake.
- Heat to dry. Hairdryers and radiators can crack leather.
Keeping it looking good
- Dust weekly with a dry microfibre cloth.
- Keep the chair out of direct sunlight and away from radiators.
- Condition occasionally, following the manufacturer's advice.
- Deal with spills straight away.
When to call a professional
If the leather is unfinished, heavily stained, or a mark has not come out with gentle cleaning, stop before you cause damage. Our upholstery cleaning can be booked alongside carpet cleaning; we will confirm what suits your furniture. Not every mark or stain can be guaranteed to come out.
Typical carpet & upholstery job £170 — based on 207 completed jobs in the last 12 months.
Fabric chairs and sofas
Fabric upholstery is cleaned differently from leather, usually with hot water extraction. Check the fabric care code before using water on any soft furnishing.
Cleaning leather car seats and sofas
The same gentle approach works for leather sofas and many leather car seats: vacuum first, use a barely damp cloth and a leather-safe cleaner, dry, then condition. Perforated leather needs extra care, as liquid can soak through the holes, so apply cleaner to the cloth rather than the surface.
How often to clean a leather chair
Dust it every week and give it a gentle clean whenever it looks dull or marked. Chairs used every day, such as office or dining chairs, need attention more often than a chair in a spare room. Arms and headrests collect skin oils fastest, so give them a little extra care each time.
Read our guide to hot water extraction, or book a clean.