Give the leather an occasional once-over with a soft cloth lightly dampened with warm water; this will help take care of the buildup of body oils that can accumulate on leather’s surface.
Use a clean paintbrush, preferably one with medium to stiff bristles, to lift dust from pleats or tufted areas.
Keep your leather furniture out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Prolonged exposure to sun will cause it to fade and crack.
Leather furniture should also be kept a minimum of two feet away from radiators, vents, and any other heat sources.
Use products such as saddle soap sparingly, because they will break down the leather over time, taking years off of your furniture’s life.
If your furniture is made of suede, split cowhide or sherling, be sure to treat the whole piece with water repellant after purchase. These types of leather generally don’t have a protective finish, and stains can be impossible to remove. A coating of water repellant ensures easier stain removal.
Before you clean your leather, test out a small, hidden spot to make sure it’s washable. If the leather doesn’t absorb the water, it’s safe to wash; if it does absorb the leather, then don’t wash it. Just keep it frequently dusted and wipe it down with a barely-damp cloth from time to time.
To clean dirty leather, mix mild dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution lightly onto the leather, then buff with a soft cloth. You can also make a solution of mild soap flakes (such as Ivory Snow) and water; dab only the suds onto the leather, using a damp cloth, and then dry with a second cloth.
Use only real soap products on leather furniture. Don’t use waxes or detergents; neither of these is good for the finish.
To remove mildew from leather, mix one cup of rubbing alcohol with one cup of water; dampen a cloth with the mixture, rub the affected area, and leave it to dry.
To remove ink stains, spray the area with a little bit of hairspray and wipe it immediately with a clean cloth. Ink stains can be hard to remove, so if you’re wary of this technique, call in a professional.
To remove grease stains, sprinkle some talcum powder or cornstarch over the stain; let it sit for a few hours, then dust off the powder.
To remove gum, freeze it using a plastic bag full of ice cubes; when it has hardened, gently pry it loose from the surface. For any residual gum, heat the area briefly with a hair dryer, then wipe with a clean cloth.
To remove salt stains, such as those from sweat, mix a solution of three parts vinegar to one part water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe the stain away.