How to Clean Light Colored Leather

Co-authored by James Sears

Last Updated: April 1, 2021 References

Light colored leather is a popular choice for furniture, jackets, purses, and shoes. Although light colored leather is an excellent style choice, it can be difficult to maintain. For instance, light colored leather will show more dirt and stains than darker leather. In order to clean light colored leather, you should clean regularly with water and soap, wash with a homemade cleaner, and practice standard care techniques.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Doing General Cleaning

1
Vacuum or dust the leather. Prior to washing leather, you should vacuum or dust the surface to remove any loose crumbs or dirt. This should be done with a soft brush vacuum attachment or dusting cloth.
2
Mix together warm water and soap. In a small bowl, dilute regular hand soap or dishwashing detergent in warm water. Mix together 1 teaspoon of soap for every four cups (946 ml) of water.^{[1]
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3
Dampen the cloth and wipe surface. Dip a clean cloth into the soap and water mixture. Squeeze the cloth to remove any excess water. The cloth should be damp and not dripping wet. Wipe the leather surface with the damp cloth. Make sure to clean the entire surface.
- If you are cleaning a leather couch, it is best to start at the top and work your way down to the bottom.
4
Wipe with a clean damp cloth. Then, take a clean cloth and dip it into plain water. Wring out the cloth so that it is wet, but not dripping. Wipe the entire surface with plain water. This will help remove any soap that remains on the surface.
5
Dry the leather. Once you have rinsed the surface, take a dry towel and wipe the leather to remove all of the water. This will help dry the surface. You don’t want to leave the surface wet because it could reduce the lifespan of your leather.^{[2]
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6
Apply leather conditioner after cleaning. After washing the leather you should treat it with a conditioner. This will prevent the leather from drying out and cracking. Once cracks form it is much easier for dirt and oil to get trapped in the fabric, causing stains.
- You can use a commercial leather conditioner that can be purchased from a home store. Follow the directions to apply the conditioner.
- Alternatively, you could make your own conditioner by mixing together one part vinegar with one part linseed oil or flax oil. Apply the solution with a clean cloth and let sit overnight. Then, buff the surface using a dry cloth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Stains

1
Remove stains with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. If there are a few stains that won’t come off with regular cleaning, then you can try treating them with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Rub the stain with a cloth that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.^{[3]
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- Always test the fabric before applying to stains to ensure that it does not leave a mark.
2
Remove grease stains with baking soda. In order to do this, you will need to apply baking soda to the stain and let it sit over night. The baking soda will absorb any grease from the leather. The next day, simply wipe the surface with a clean cloth.
3
Use toothpaste to clean leather shoes. To do this, wipe off any loose dirt or dust, then wet your shoes using a damp cloth. Next, dab a small amount of toothpaste onto your shoes and rub in using your fingers. Pay close attention to any stains or scuff marks.
- Scrub any tough stains with an old toothbrush. Then, wipe away the toothpaste using a damp cloth.
- Let the shoes dry in a warm spot.
4
Make a lemon juice and cream of tartar cleaner. Combine lemon juice with cream of tartar. Mix together, adjusting the amounts, until a paste is formed. Rub the mixture onto the stain and let sit for approximately half an hour. Then, remove the mixture with a sponge and wipe with a clean cloth.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Light Colored Leather

1
Avoid spilling on and staining light colored leather. Because light colored leather shows all marks and stains, you want to make sure that you avoid staining the material. For example, if you own a white leather couch, you should avoid eating and drinking regularly on the couch. This will reduce the likelihood of stains.
- Alternatively, if you own a cream colored leather handbag, you should not touch the bag immediately after putting on hand cream. The oils in the cream can transfer to the bag causing stains.
2
Wipe spills immediately. As soon as a spill, smudge, or stain occurs on light colored leather, you should wipe it immediately with a microfiber cloth. If stains are left untreated they will become extremely difficult to remove. For example, you should wipe down light colored leather shoes after every use. This will keep them looking brand new.^{[4]
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3
Read any cleaning instructions that came with the product. If you have purchased a leather designer handbag or couch, it may come with a list of cleaning instructions. Always read the instructions carefully before cleaning. They may give you helpful cleaning tips and product recommendations.^{[5]
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4
Get your leather professionally cleaned. If you are unable to remove stains from your light colored leather products, then you should have them professionally cleaned. For example, a light colored leather couch will experience regular wear and tear from sweat or dirty hands. Have this leather professionally cleaned a few times each year.

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Question

How can I get stains out of light leather?

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
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.

James Sears

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

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You can try lifting the stain with some white vinegar. If that doesn't work, you should try a commercial leather cleaner.