How to Clean Light Leather
There are some things to avoid while cleaning light leather. First, you must not use any kind of DIY cleaning solution that will damage your leather. That means that you should not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or baby wipes. These materials are not suitable for leather. Instead, you should opt for professional leather cleaning solutions.
Tip: Avoid DIY leather cleaning solutions
Before cleaning leather furniture, be sure to inspect it thoroughly for stains and wear. Then, focus your efforts on the areas that need to be cleaned. A mild dish soap mixed with water is an effective leather cleaning solution. Using a microfiber cloth, dampen the area and wipe it down with the solution. Rinse the leather after every few strokes.
Homemade leather cleaners are available, but they should always be applied with caution. While they may seem like an easy and cost-effective option, some leather experts recommend against using them. You can also risk voiding the warranty on your leather furniture if you use the wrong cleaning solution.
Avoid rubbing alcohol
When it comes to cleaning light leather, one of the most effective and affordable methods is rubbing alcohol. Though this substance is effective for cleaning most things, it can have negative effects on leather. Instead, opt for other cleaning solutions, which can help you get the results you want. These include the following:
First, use a soft cloth to clean the leather. This will help prevent scratches. After cleaning, apply a protective conditioner on the leather. This will help it restore its natural oils. Air dry it if possible. Don’t use a heating source for drying the leather because it can cause it to dry out too quickly.
Next, you can use a mixture of olive oil and vinegar to clean the leather stain. Make sure that you don’t use ammonia-based cleaners, as these will damage the leather. You can also use toothpaste to remove stains.
Avoid hydrogen peroxide
When cleaning light leather, hydrogen peroxide should be used sparingly. It can bleach the leather, causing it to fade or become discolored. It is a powerful disinfectant that can remove mold and mildew, preventing them from growing on the leather in the future. You should use hydrogen peroxide diluted in warm water. But always remember to test the solution on a small patch of leather first to make sure it is safe.
Hydrogen peroxide doesn’t keep well in a typical spray bottle. It is composed of two parts hydrogen and two parts oxygen, and it reacts strongly with certain organic materials. It works as a bleach and antiseptic, and it breaks down quickly in the presence of water or oxygen.
Avoid baby wipes
If you want to extend the life of your light leather furniture, you should never use baby wipes to clean it. These wipes are often alkaline, which can damage leather. They can also contain chemicals that can make the leather peel or crack. Using baby wipes on leather is extremely dangerous. Many of us have seen them used for cleaning babies, but they are completely ineffective for cleaning light leather furniture.
Besides being ineffective in removing light stains from light leather, baby wipes can also leave residue behind. While these wipes won’t damage your leather sofa permanently, they can cause it to crack or peel, so they should be used sparingly. It is better to use specially made leather wipes, which will not only clean your leather sofa but will also condition it.
Avoid amyl acetate
Amyl acetate is a strong solvent that dissolves most plastics, adhesives, and paints. However, it can also damage flocked and bonded fabrics. Therefore, it is important to use caution when using it on light leather. It is also flammable.
To remove stains on light leather, you can use a mixture of cream of tartar and lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the stain and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then, rub the stain with a damp sponge. This will remove any traces of the stain.
