Can You Steam Clean a Leather Sofa?
Leave the steam for the sauna
Highlights
Steam cleaning can significantly damage a leather couch.
Light routine cleaning will keep your leather couch feeling fresher.
Hiring a professional upholstery cleaning surface is highly recommended for heavier stains.
Professional leather cleaning costs $200 to $500.
Anyone with a steam cleaner may be tempted to steam their dirty couch, no matter the material. However, leather and water don't mix well—especially when you add heat to the equation. So, before you grab your steamer, knowing if this is the best approach for your particular purpose is essential. And if not, no problem—we provide alternative ways to clean your sofa.
Why Steam Cleaning Isn’t Ideal for Leather Sofas
While many types of upholstered furniture can be steam cleaned, leather is an exception. As a natural material, leather is highly sensitive to heat and moisture—the key elements of steam cleaning.
When you steam leather, it can quickly shrink, warp, and even discolor. Worse, prolonged exposure will strip the leather of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to cracking instead of soft and supple. Also, since leather is porous, steam can push dirt deeper into the material, making cleaning even more challenging.
Ways to Clean Your Leather Couch Without Steam
Instead of using a steam cleaner, there are a few safer alternatives to keep your leather couch looking its best.
1. Regular Dusting and Vacuuming
Routine cleaning and regular maintenance will keep any home feeling fresh. A weekly dusting with a soft, dry cloth will remove surface dirt from your leather couch. To take it a step further, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to tackle crevices where dirt, crumbs, and pet hair tend to accumulate.
2. Wipe Down With a Slightly Damp Cloth
Another way to clean your leather couch is to lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water and then wipe the surface. Remember, unlike tap water, distilled water doesn't have chlorine, which can damage your sofa over time. After this step, grab a dry cloth and repeat the process to prevent water stains.
3. Use a Leather Upholstery Cleaner
You can find leather furniture cleaning products at most home improvement stores. They remove light dirt without stripping the leather's oils. Following the manufacturer's instructions, it's a good idea to test the solution in an inconspicuous area first. Typically, you’ll apply the cleaner using a soft cloth in circular motions and then immediately wipe it off with a clean, dry rag.
Professional Leather Furniture Cleaning Services
Hiring a local upholstery cleaning service is your best option for heavily soiled or stained sofas. These professionals have the specialized training, products, and tools to remove dirt, stains, and unpleasant odors effectively. Most importantly, they can restore your leather sofa’s natural beauty, keeping it soft and supple. While fabric upholstery cleaning typically costs around $175, leather cleaning can range from $200 to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
To remove odor from a leather couch, let's focus first on what not to do.
A quick Google search may suggest using vinegar to do the job—don't. The acid will dry out anything made of leather. A better DIY option is to sprinkle a little baking soda on your sofa and let it rest for a few hours. Afterward, vacuum it up with a soft-attachment brush. You can also try airing your sofa by opening windows or leaving it outside for a few hours in a clean, dry space.
You can use saddle soap to clean a leather sofa, but use it sparingly. Saddle soap cleans and conditions leather but can be too harsh for some types of furniture. Test it first on a small, unnoticeable part of the sofa to avoid accidentally damaging it. Apply a small amount with a damp cloth, gently work it into the leather, and wipe off the excess with a clean, dry cloth. Afterward, use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent drying.