How to Clean Leather So It Looks As Good As New

Leather is a timeless material that can add immediate sophistication and style to your home, vehicle or outfit. If properly cared for, leather can last a lifetime. Much like our skin, though, leather requires proper maintenance to preserve its appearance over the years. Learning how to clean leather is essential to keep it looking as good as new for as long as possible.

How to Clean Leather Safely

It is important to keep in mind that the type of leather determines the plan and difficulty of care. Some leathers, like suede or nubuck, are known to be harder to maintain because they stain easily. Leather type can also affect the cleaning method. For example, finished leather (treated leather) has a protective coating and can handle cleaners that sensitive leather cannot. As a rule, more natural leathers are more susceptible to absorbing substances like oil, even from our bodies, because they are less processed.

Leather can be incredibly durable if treated well, requiring a delicate hand and the highest quality products. When cleaning leather, keep in mind these general best practices to prevent damage and extend the material’s lifespan.

1. Dust Your Leather

The first step to properly cleaning leather is to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated atop it. Dust can be abrasive and, as a result, can damage the finish of leather furniture. 

Using a soft, dry cloth like the Guardsman® Dusting Cloth allows you to gently and effectively dust the crevices of your furniture or the interior of your car. This cloth has earned the Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Allergy Standards Ltd, meaning it is more suitable for people with asthma and allergies. Plus, it eliminates twice the amount of dust from your home.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove any loose debris. Regularly dusting your leather can also help combat allergens in your home or car.

2. Promptly Clean Up Spills

If you notice any new stains or spills on your leather, it's important to act quickly to avoid permanent damage. Blot the affected area with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much of the spill as possible. When cleaning spills, be sure to stay calm and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the leather. Doing so can cause the stain to spread or penetrate deeper into the material.

3. Use a Quality Leather Cleaner

Once you've removed any surface dirt or stains, it's now time to thoroughly clean your leather. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that may scratch or damage the leather. Instead, use a cleaner that is specifically designed for leather, such as Guardsman®’s Clean & Renew. Our leather-specific cleaner removes dirt, grime and soil while enhancing the leather’s overall appearance. Additionally, make sure your cleaner is pH-balanced and alkaline-free to help preserve the soft, supple feel.

When using the cleaner, apply it to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather, working in small sections at a time. Be sure to follow the product instructions and test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage. 

4. Protect Your Leather

After cleaning, it's important to protect your leather to prevent it from drying out or cracking. Apply a product like Protect & Preserve and gently wipe over the leather until it absorbs, paying extra attention to any areas that are prone to cracking or fading. 

Protect & Preserve was created exclusively for Guardsman by Fenice, the world’s most renowned leader in the protection of fine leather for the furniture, auto and fashion industries. As a family company founded in Northeast Italy in the early 1970s, Fenice seeks to care for and maintain products for their long-term functionality and beauty of leather.

After application, Protect & Preserve creates an invisible barrier that protects the leather’s topcoat against premature aging and irreversible stains. Make sure to allow the product to absorb completely before placing anything atop the leather.

5. Keep Your Leather Out of the Sun

Proper storage of your leather furniture and items is key to maintaining their beauty and longevity. Be sure to keep leather away from direct sunlight, heat sources and moisture when possible. Use a leather protector spray to add an extra layer of protection against stains, spills, and fading.

Protect Your Leather with Guardsman®

Cleaning leather requires the proper products and a bit of patience, but the results are well worth the effort. By following these tips and tricks, you can keep your leather looking as good as new for years to come. With Guardsman®, preserving your leather is efficient and affordable.

Check out The Granite Gold Company’s products today to learn more about our premium ingredients and formulations.