Spot Cleaning Leather Sofas

Have you ever noticed how popular leather sofas really are today? While this type of furniture used to be relegated to the domain of bachelors, more and more leather furniture is cropping up in family homes across the country. As such, everyone who decides to purchase a leather sofa should really learn how to take care of it, at least with the minor types of cleaning like spot cleaning. Spot cleaning a leather sofa may sound like a complicated matter, but surprisingly it isn't. All you really need to do is use one of these simple methods to get the job done.

One word of warning before you actually start any cleaning. Make sure that you read the care instructions that came with the sofa. These instructions will usually tell you what type of cleaners, or procedures, that the manufacturer recommends for their furniture. At the very least it will help you get an idea of the basic care that is needed for the furniture.

• Automotive cleaning tools. Go to your local automotive store, and look around. Often you will be able to find leather cleaning towelettes available. While these towelettes are primarily designed for automotive upholstery, there is nothing that says you cannot use them for spot cleaning the leather couch. Simply make sure that the leather is the same type that is often found in a vehicle before you begin cleaning. Also, take the time to read the instructions on the cleaning towelettes as well to ensure that you are fully familiar with their use.
• Use a damp cloth. Often times using a simple damp cloth can be used to clean many of the simpler stains that you can find on a couch. Ideally, you should only use this method for a fresh stain. For any old or crusty stains you really should use one of the other methods first.
• Use specialized tools. Many furniture stores and department stores will carry specialized leather cleaning tools. If you cannot find any at such locations, you can often find some at your local professional cleaners. Before you use these cleaners, keep in mind that they will often be fairly expensive. If you do purchase some, make sure that you fully understand their use and their instructions before you apply them.
• Hire a professional. Easily the most expensive option, this is also the most effective. By hiring a professional to periodically clean your couches you will have them looking a lot nicer than simply spot cleaning. On the average you can usually get away with only having this type of cleaning done at most twice a year.