How to DIY Leather Cleaner

Cracks and wears will appear on leather furnishings after prolonged use. Proper maintenance is important to keep your leather furnishings in optimal condition. In this post, we are going to introduce a few inexpensive homemade leather cleaner recipes by using ingredients you already have in your kitchen to help effectively clean and refresh your leather furnishings.

In addition to leather furnishings, these homemade leather cleaners can also be applied on leather auto upholstery, leather saddlery, leather boots, leather luggage, leather shoes, leather bags, and leather clothing.  Always test these cleaners on an inconspicuous area of the leather item, and let it dry for 20 minutes. Then check for discoloration before applying it to the entire leather item. Do not use these cleaners on unfinished leather or suede.

All Purpose Leather Cleaner

Ingredients:

• Paper towels
• Small bowl
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 10 drops of lemon or orange essential oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Clean the leather item with a damp paper towel to remove dust and dirt.
2. Mix together 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of olive oil in the bowl. It is optional to add a few drops of essential oil to give the cleaner a nice scent.
3. Dip a clean paper towel into the homemade cleaner and test it on an inconspicuous area of the leather item. Let it dry for 20 minutes and check for discoloration.
4. Dip a clean paper towel into the homemade cleaner and apply it to the entire leather item in a circular motion to rub the cleaner into the leather.
5. Use a clean paper towel to dry the leather item and remove excess oil.

Protein-Based Stain Cleaner (blood, mud, food):

Ingredients:

• Paper towels
• Small bowl
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup cream of tartar

Directions:

1. Clean the leather item with a damp paper towel to remove dust and dirt.
2. Mix ¼ cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of cream of tartar in a bowl.
3. Dip a clean paper towel into the homemade cleaner and test it on an inconspicuous area of the leather item. Let dry for 20 minutes and check for discoloration.
4. Dip a clean paper towel into the homemade cleaner and apply it to the protein-based stains in a circular motion to rub the cleaner into the leather.
5. Let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes and wash it off with a damp paper towel.
6. Use a clean paper towel to dry the leather item.

Ballpoint Pen Stain Cleaner:

Ingredients:

• Paper towels
• Gentle soap
• Clean water
• Rubbing alcohol, hairspray, non-acetone nail polish remover or cuticle remover

Directions:

1. Clean the leather item with a damp paper towel to remove dust and dirt.
2. Dip a clean paper towel into rubbing alcohol or other ingredients listed on the last bullet point and teston an inconspicuous area of the leather item. Let dry for 20 minutes and check for discoloration.
3. Dip a clean paper towel into rubbing alcohol or other ingredients listed on the last bullet point and dab it on the ink stain.
4. Let it sit for 5 minutes and wipe it off with a clean paper towel.
5. Rinse with water and gentle soap. Then dry it with a clean paper towel.
6. For stubborn ink stains, repeat the steps until the ink has dissolved.

Mold and Mildew Cleaner:

Ingredients:

• Paper towels
• Small bowl
• ½ cup rubbing alcohol
• ½ cup water

Directions:

1. Clean the leather item with a damp paper towel to remove dust and dirt.
2. Mix ½ cup of rubbing alcohol and ½ cup of water in the small bowl.
3. Dip a clean paper towel into the homemade cleaner and test it on an inconspicuous area of the leather item. Let it dry for 20 minutes and check for discoloration.
4. Dip a clean paper towel into the homemade cleaner and apply it to the mold or mildew stainsin a circular motion to rub the cleaner into the leather.
5. Wash the cleaner off with a damp paper towel and dry the leather item with a lean paper towel.

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