How to Clean White Leather Furniture

Co-authored by James Sears

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

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!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Cleaning Solution

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]
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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]
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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]
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Expert Source

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}
- This solution is best used with a microfiber cloth, but a rag can do just fine.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Handling Minor Spills and Stains

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]
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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]
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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]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wiping Down Leather Furniture

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]
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- 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]
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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]
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Expert Source

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}
- 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]
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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]
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Community Q&A

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.
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.
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.