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Cleaning Furniture
How to Clean White Leather Furniture Download Article Co-authored by James Sears
Last Updated: March 10, 2025
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Choosing Your Cleaning Solution
|
Handling Minor Spills and Stains
|
Wiping Down Leather Furniture
|
Q&A
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 126,961 times.
White leather furniture is such a beautiful statement piece, but it's hard to feel enamored with it when you've just discovered spilled wine, dark pet hair, or some other messy concoction all over the surface. Not to worry though—while white leather furniture can look like a lost cause when it’s dirty, there are actually a lot of different gentle and effective cleaning solutions you can use to get it looking brand new again. The best part? You probably already have a lot of these things at home. Your white leather furniture will be back to its former glory in no time!
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Choosing Your Cleaning Solution
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1 Mix water, dish detergent and a powdered stain remover in a bowl. Add a tablespoon (14.8g) of stain remover such as OxiClean and half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water. You can use a spoon to mix the solution together. The detergent will clean the surface gently while the stain remover will lift any stains that have set, brightening and revitalizing the leather.
This solution can be used with a variety of cleaning tools, such as rags, sponges and toothbrushes.[1]XResearch source
2 Mix Borax and baking soda with warm water. Use 1 teaspoon (5g) of Borax, 1 tablespoon (15g) of baking soda and half a cup (118ml) of water. Mix these ingredients in a bowl.
This is a very similar solution to that used in Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, which will greatly help lift stains when used with a slightly abrasive sponge.[2]XResearch source
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3 Combine white vinegar and water. You'll want to mix equal parts of both liquids. For example, if you use 6 ounces (177ml) of vinegar, you'll need to mix in 6 ounces (177ml) of water. The exact amount of solution you need will depend on the size of the furniture you're cleaning. Mix the solution together in a bowl, although you may need to use a bucket if you're using a large amount of cleaning solution.[3]X Expert Source James SearsHouse Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview
This solution is best used with a microfiber cloth, but a rag can do just fine.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Handling Minor Spills and Stains
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1 Wipe grease stains away with a dry cloth. Adding a fluid or other cleaning solution will only help the stain set. It's important to deal with these stains promptly so they don't have a chance to set.
If the stain has had time to set, you can sprinkle baking soda on it. Leave it for a few hours, allowing the grease to soak into the baking soda. Then, brush everything off with a rag.[4]XResearch source
2 Use rubbing alcohol to handle ink stains. Take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. Rub at the stain until the ink is lifted. If the stain is particularly large, you might need more than one cotton swab to take care of it.[5]XResearch source
3 Mix lemon juice and cream of tartar to handle dark spots. Mix equal quantities of each ingredient, creating a paste. The amount of paste you need to make depends on the size of the spot you're trying to clear. Slather the paste on the stain, and let it stand for 10 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.[6]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Wiping Down Leather Furniture
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1 Buy a melamine sponge. Melamine makes these sponges denser than regular cleaning sponges. They also have pores that serve a dual purpose. They absorb any cleaning solution they're put into contact with and give the sponge a slight abrasive quality. These make them more effective for cleaning marks and stains. You can buy these sponges in bulk on eBay and other online stores.
You can buy these sponges under the Mr. Clean brand; they come already soaked with cleaning solution. Otherwise you can buy the sponges in bulk and soak them in homemade cleaning solutions.[7]XResearch source
You can also use a cloth instead of a melamine sponge, but be aware it won't clean as deeply as a sponge. Use a clean rag; any dirt on it could leak out into your cleaning solution.[8]XResearch source
2 Soak up the solution with the sponge and wipe the leather. Make sure to squeeze any excess solution. Your sponge should be damp, holding enough solution to clean your surface. It shouldn't be leaking. Wipe the leather gently, since the sponge's abrasiveness could damage the leather's coating if too much pressure is used.[9]X Expert Source James SearsHouse Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview
You use a cloth for this step. Note that since a cloth is less abrasive than a melamine sponge, you can use a bit more pressure as you clean.[10]XResearch source
3 Use a toothbrush for your furniture's tighter spots. This includes stitching, creases and crevices where the various parts of the furniture meet. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure to scrub gently. You can dip the toothbrush in your cleaning solution to dislodge any spots on the couch.
4 Wipe the leather with a dry cloth. Leaving any cleaning solution on leather for an extended period can damage the surface. Wipe thoroughly until the surface is completely dry.[11]XResearch source
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Community Q&A
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Question How can I clean a white leather lounger? Community Answer A leather cleaning kit is the best way to clean white leather furniture and can be purchased at most furniture stores. The kit will contain a bottle of cleaner, bottle of conditioner, and a spot stain remover, along with a cloth and/or sponge. First, apply a small amount of the cleaner onto the cloth and wipe using a circular motion. Next, remove any stains or marks using the spot stain remover. Once the furniture is dry, use a clean cloth to apply a small amount of the conditioner, and gently rub it in using circular motions. It is important to do this regularly to keep your leather looking its best. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
Question How do I remove a red wine stain on a white leather lounge? Community Answer If you have a leather cleaning kit, it should contain a spot stain remover. These kits normally come with the furniture when it is purchased. Otherwise, they can be purchased at most furniture stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
Question How do I clean yellowing on white leather? Community Answer Regular cleaning with a leather cleaning kit, which can be purchased at most furniture stores. It is also important to treat your leather with care. Do not smoke near it, eat or drink on it, do not let pets on it, and keep dirt and shoes away from it. Remind your guests to also take care when near your white leather furniture. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 5
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Warnings
Before using any cleaning solution on leather, make sure to test it in a small, inconspicuous spot. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: James Sears House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 126,961 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 126,961 Categories: Cleaning FurnitureArticle SummaryX
Clean white leather furniture can be tricky, but if you determine the source of a stain, it’s much easier. If you have a minor grease stain, for instance, it’s best to wipe it away with a clean, dry cloth. To clean an ink stain, dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and blot at the stain until it’s lifted. For dark spots due to dirt, cover the stain with a paste made from lemon juice and cream of tartar. Let it stand for about 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth. Keep reading to learn how to make homemade leather cleaner!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: James Sears House Cleaning Professional Co-authors: 10Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 126,961100% of readers found this article helpful. 8 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Co-authored by: James Sears House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by James Sears. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. This article has been viewed 126,961 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 126,961 Categories: Cleaning Furniture Article SummaryX
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1 Mix water, dish detergent and a powdered stain remover in a bowl. Add a tablespoon (14.8g) of stain remover such as OxiClean and half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water. You can use a spoon to mix the solution together. The detergent will clean the surface gently while the stain remover will lift any stains that have set, brightening and revitalizing the leather. 
2 Mix Borax and baking soda with warm water. Use 1 teaspoon (5g) of Borax, 1 tablespoon (15g) of baking soda and half a cup (118ml) of water. Mix these ingredients in a bowl. 
3 Combine white vinegar and water. You'll want to mix equal parts of both liquids. For example, if you use 6 ounces (177ml) of vinegar, you'll need to mix in 6 ounces (177ml) of water. The exact amount of solution you need will depend on the size of the furniture you're cleaning. Mix the solution together in a bowl, although you may need to use a bucket if you're using a large amount of cleaning solution.[3] 
1 Wipe grease stains away with a dry cloth. Adding a fluid or other cleaning solution will only help the stain set. It's important to deal with these stains promptly so they don't have a chance to set. 
2 Use rubbing alcohol to handle ink stains. Take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. Rub at the stain until the ink is lifted. If the stain is particularly large, you might need more than one cotton swab to take care of it.[5] 
3 Mix lemon juice and cream of tartar to handle dark spots. Mix equal quantities of each ingredient, creating a paste. The amount of paste you need to make depends on the size of the spot you're trying to clear. Slather the paste on the stain, and let it stand for 10 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.[6] Advertisement 
1 Buy a melamine sponge. Melamine makes these sponges denser than regular cleaning sponges. They also have pores that serve a dual purpose. They absorb any cleaning solution they're put into contact with and give the sponge a slight abrasive quality. These make them more effective for cleaning marks and stains. You can buy these sponges in bulk on eBay and other online stores. 
2 Soak up the solution with the sponge and wipe the leather. Make sure to squeeze any excess solution. Your sponge should be damp, holding enough solution to clean your surface. It shouldn't be leaking. Wipe the leather gently, since the sponge's abrasiveness could damage the leather's coating if too much pressure is used.[9] 
3 Use a toothbrush for your furniture's tighter spots. This includes stitching, creases and crevices where the various parts of the furniture meet. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure to scrub gently. You can dip the toothbrush in your cleaning solution to dislodge any spots on the couch. 
4 Wipe the leather with a dry cloth. Leaving any cleaning solution on leather for an extended period can damage the surface. Wipe thoroughly until the surface is completely dry.[11] Advertisement 
Community Answer A leather cleaning kit is the best way to clean white leather furniture and can be purchased at most furniture stores. The kit will contain a bottle of cleaner, bottle of conditioner, and a spot stain remover, along with a cloth and/or sponge. First, apply a small amount of the cleaner onto the cloth and wipe using a circular motion. Next, remove any stains or marks using the spot stain remover. Once the furniture is dry, use a clean cloth to apply a small amount of the conditioner, and gently rub it in using circular motions. It is important to do this regularly to keep your leather looking its best. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3 
Community Answer If you have a leather cleaning kit, it should contain a spot stain remover. These kits normally come with the furniture when it is purchased. Otherwise, they can be purchased at most furniture stores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4