Genuine leather and bonded (faux) leather sofas are cleaned differently. Genuine leather is durable and responds well to conditioning; bonded leather is a layered material that peels if treated harshly or allowed to dry out. Always identify what you have before cleaning.
Identifying Your Sofa
- Genuine leather: Check tags for "100% genuine leather," "top-grain," or "full-grain." It has natural grain variation and a distinctive smell
- Bonded/faux leather: Tags say "PU," "PVC," "bonded leather," or "bicast." Uniform grain pattern throughout. More affordable
Genuine Leather — Regular Clean
- Vacuum all surfaces and crevices first to remove crumbs and dust
- Mix a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of warm water and stir to create a light foam
- Dip a soft cloth in the foam only — not the soapy water itself — and wring out thoroughly
- Wipe the leather in circular motions
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean dry cloth immediately
- Allow to dry fully, then apply a leather conditioner — this prevents the leather from drying and cracking
Genuine Leather — Conditioning
Condition 2–4 times per year:
- Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a cloth
- Work into the leather in circular motions over the entire surface
- Buff with a clean dry cloth to remove any excess
Bonded/Faux Leather
More delicate than genuine leather — avoid excess moisture and conditioning oils, which can cause the layers to separate:
- Wipe with a barely damp cloth and mild soap solution
- Dry immediately and thoroughly
- Do not use leather conditioners — they can accelerate peeling on bonded leather
Stain Removal
- Grease stains: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let sit 20 minutes to absorb the oil, then brush off and wipe clean
- Ink: Dab (don't rub) with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball — test on an inconspicuous spot first
- Water marks: Wipe the entire panel with a barely damp cloth to blend the mark evenly, then dry immediately
What to Avoid
- Direct sunlight — fades and dries leather; position away from windows or use UV-blocking window film
- Harsh cleaners, bleach, or ammonia-based products
- Soaking or over-wetting