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Cleaning leather can be tricky and white leather perhaps trickiest of all. With these tips for using liquid and non-liquid cleaners, though, you'll be able to keep you all your leather goods ---- from sofas to Elvis jumpsuits ---- in mint condition.
Steps
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Make your own liquid cleaner. Not only is it easy and cost-effective to make your own liquid cleaner, but it can be safer for your leather. Many synthetic cleaning products, especially ones that are petroleum-based, can actually discolor, stain, or change the surface quality of your leather. Here are some easy recipes for making your own liquid cleaner out of common household products:- Mix 1 part mild soap (the kind you would use on your face or clothes) with 8 parts warm water.
- Mix 2 parts vinegar with 1 part linseed oil.
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Apply your cleaner. It's important not to use too much liquid directly on the leather, as this can over-saturate the leather and cause “watermark” staining. Instead, try using a spray bottle or applying your cleaner to a micro-fiber cloth rather than onto the leather.Advertisement
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Use gentle wiping motions or very gentle circular motions to remove grime and dirt. Be careful not to rub to aggressively, as this can embed the dirt into the leather rather than remove it.
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Don't rinse, but do repeat. It's not really necessary to rinse off your homemade cleaner, instead you can gently buff it into an even shine. If your item is still dirty, wait a little while and try applying some more cleaner.
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Use an "eraser" cleaning sponge. These are safe to use on leather items and can help you avoid some of the drawbacks associated with liquid cleaners leaving watermarks. Eraser sponges are also particularly effective if you need to remove scuffs or pen ink. [1] X Research source
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Try saddle soap. Saddle soap is a special type of soap that both cleans, conditions, and protects leather. Trifecta! Saddle soap comes in a solid wax (or liquid) form and can work well to remove stains if you follow the manufacturers instructions. But be cautious and test it in an inconspicuous place first, since it can remove leather dye along with your stain. [2] X Research source
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Try talc powder or cornstarch. If you're dealing with an oil or grease stain, these absorbent powders can work wonders to draw out the stain. Follow these steps for the best results:
- After blotting the stain, sprinkle the powder onto the surface.
- Allow it to sit for awhile.
- Gently brush the excess powder away
- Repeat until all the oil is absorbed
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Make your own cleaning paste. You can also make a homemade cleaning paste out of 1 part lemon juice and 1 part cream of tartar. [3] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan I use oil to clean leather?Peggy Carlton is a Leather Expert based in Tacoma, WA. In 2005, she founded PeggySueAlso Leather, a cutting edge leather seller and one of the largest sellers on Etsy. PeggySueAlso Leather buys from some of the largest and best tanneries in the world, and were the first to offer more niche sizes to support a wider range of clients from shoe makers, to earring makers, to bag makers, and more. PeggySueAlso Leather carries around 165,000 sq ft of leather in stock, with unique offerings like digitally printed leather and custom orders.You can use oil but it would really depend on the type of leather that you have. Most leathers are tricky to clean, and you could just opt for leather dry cleaning services. For example, full-grain leather tends to absorb oils, like hair oil or other substances, and once it does, those stains are usually permanent. On the other hand, top-grain leathers are usually more forgiving and can generally be cleaned with little to no problem. But again, if you’re not sure about the type of leather that you have or how it will react to your cleaner, you're probably better off hiring a professional for cleaning services.
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QuestionCan I use apple cider vinegar?Community AnswerYes, but dilute it so you do not harm the leather.
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Tips
- Start by pre-cleaning. Before continuing with a cleaner, make sure your leather item is free from debris and surface dust.Thanks
- Try using bottled or distilled water in your homemade recipes to avoid any particles or minerals that might be lurking in your tap water.Thanks
- Prevention is key. Pre-treating your leather with a protective sealant can help to repel dirt and stains, which means less cleaning for you.Thanks
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Warning
- Be sure to read the care instructions for your leather and follow the manufacturer's suggestions.
- Always test a new product in an inconspicuous area first. It's important to see if it will cause discoloration or damage to the leather's finish.
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about leather care, check out our in-depth interview with Peggy Carlton .
References
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean white leather, make your own liquid cleaner, which is more cost-effective as well as safer for your leather. Mix 1 part mild soap with 8 parts warm water, or mix 2 parts vinegar with 1 part linseed oil. Once your cleaner is prepped, apply it to a micro-fiber cloth. Then gently wipe off dirt and buff any remaining cleaner into an even shine. If you need to remove scuffs or pen ink, try an “eraser” cleaning sponge instead, which you can find in any cleaning section. If you want to learn how to use saddle soap to clean your leather, keep reading the article!
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