How to Clean a Leather Couch Naturally at Home?

The leather couch is the centerpiece of your room. With proper cleaning, it can last longer. The couch can also be one of the dirtiest places in your home. It can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. It can contain pet hair, food crumbs, body oils, and more. Your leather couch goes through a lot every day. How to keep it clean?

The good news? You can maintain a clean and healthy environment using natural methods. No harsh chemicals needed! You don’t even need to book professionals to clean it.

Why Should You Clean a Leather Couch?

Cleaning your leather couch regularly has several important benefits:

Prevents bacteria buildup.
Keeps the leather hydrated. So it doesn’t dry out or crack.
Preserves the couch’s look and softness.
Extends the lifespan of your leather furniture.
Protects your investment by maintaining resale value.

How Often Should You Clean a Leather Couch?

A leather couch needs consistent cleaning just like any other piece of furniture.

Here’s a simple cleaning schedule to follow:

Daily: Light dusting with a dry microfiber cloth.
Weekly: Vacuum the couch. Use a soft brush attachment.
Monthly: Deep clean with natural solutions and condition the leather.
Immediately: Clean any stains from food, ink, or grease

Natural Leather Couch Cleaning Toolkit

Create a simple leather cleaning kit with these natural and safe items:

Castile soap or mild dish soap (natural and chemical-free). I recommend these 3 products: WHOLENATURALS Pure Castile Soap, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Magic Liquid Soap, Yoken Castile Soap
Warm water
Microfiber cloths (soft and non-abrasive)
Baking soda (for stains and odors)
White vinegar (optional, use diluted only)
Coconut oil or beeswax (natural leather conditioner)
Rubbing alcohol (only for ink stains)
Ice cubes (for gum or wax removal)
Soft brush or vacuum with soft attachment

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Leather Couch Naturally

Let’s get started with a natural cleaning process that’s gentle and effective.

1. Vacuum First

Use a soft brush attachment.
Remove dust, crumbs, hair, and dirt from all surfaces.
Pay attention to the seams and under the cushions.
Wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth after vacuuming.

N.B.: I personally prefer this WECLEAN Portable Extractor for Couch Cleaning, and Handheld Vacuum [my top choice#1, my top choice#2]

2. Make a Natural Soap Solution

Mix a few drops of castile soap. Or take a mild dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
Stir it until you see suds.
Don’t use too much soap — a little goes a long way.

3. Couch Cleaning Last

To begin with, take a microfiber cloth. Dip it into the soapy water.
Drain the excess water. The cloth should be damp, not wet..
Clean off all the surfaces.
Afterwards, wash the cloth frequently. Replace the water as soon as it becomes dirty.

4. Remove Stain

Check for stains and treat them using the right natural method:

Food and Drink Stains

Dab with soapy water using a microfiber cloth.
Greasy spots? Roll off some baking soda on the stain.
And leave in a few hours.
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it off.

Ink Stains

Gather rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.
Blot the ink with a dab.
Don’t rub. Blot carefully.
Use a clean cloth to dry up the area.

Wax, or Chewing Gum

Put ice cubes in a plastic bag.
Press the bag over the gum or wax for a few minutes.
After it is hard, then peel it off delicately.
Erase part of it using a wet cloth.

5. Dry the Couch

The leather should always be dried after it’s cleaned.
Use an untainted and wool-free microfiber piece of cloth.
Just make sure you do not leave any moisture. This may be harmful.

6. Prevent the Leather Conditioning

You can use coconut oil or a natural leather conditioner (I recommend this).
You have to first apply a small amount
Rub it into the leather
Let it absorb for 1–2 hours.
Buff with a dry cloth for a smooth finish.

Optional Natural Leather Conditioner Recipe

Make your leather conditioner at home:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of beeswax
2 tablespoons of cocoa butter or coconut oil
2 teaspoons of almond or olive oil

Instructions:

Melt all ingredients in a bowl.
Take warm water (double boiler method).
Let it cool slightly.
Apply a small amount to the couch using a clean cloth.
Buff after a few hours.

Things You Should Never Use on Leather

Avoid using harsh or drying products on your leather couch. These can ruin the finish, remove color, or crack the surface.

Never use:

Bleach or ammonia
Vinegar in high concentration
Window cleaners
Nail polish remover
Furniture polish
Hairspray
Baby wipes
Abrasive scrubbers

How to Clean Distressed or Aged Leather?

Distressed leather looks stylish, but it’s more fragile.

To clean it naturally:

Use only very soft microfiber cloths.
Avoid scrubbing or soaking.
Always apply conditioner after cleaning.
Be extra gentle when removing stains.

Why Natural Cleaning Is Better?

Using natural products on your leather couch has many benefits:

The natural products are safe for kids and pets
Non-toxic and eco-friendly
Doesn’t dry out or damage leather
The products are cheaper than store-bought cleaners
Readily available at home

Quick Tips to Keep Leather Sofas Clean

You have to avoid sitting on the couch with wet clothes.
Keep your pets off the couch if possible.
Use throws or covers for high-traffic areas.
Keep the couch away from direct sunlight.
Wipe spills immediately before they settle.
Don’t overuse water when cleaning.

When to Call a Professional?

There are times when you have to try deep cleaning. Contact a leather cleaning expert if:

You have a big stain or a penetrating deep stain.
The couch stinks even after it has been cleaned.
The leather is cracking or peeling off.
You do not know if it is full grain, top grain, or bonded/corrected leather.

N.B.: During the deep cleaning of your home, you can use any of my favourite products below:

BISSELL Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

FEPPO Versatile Handheld Vacuums for Bed, Sofa, Couch, Crib

Vacmaster Portable Carpet & Upholstery Spot Cleaner Machine

VOCESOR Versatile Handheld Vacuums for Bed, Sofa, Couch, Crib

BISSELL® Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner

Hersven Handheld UV Vacuum Cleaner for Bed, Pillows, Cloth Sofas, Carpets and Ther Fabric Surfaces

Final Thoughts

You can easily clean your couch at home with the help of natural components. Regularly caring for your couch will keep it looking shiny for years to come. Your leather sofa is more than just a sofa. It’s part of your house. Keep it clean following this simple guide.