Can You Clean Your Leather Sofa with Baby Wipes?

I’ve been there… grabbed the baby wipes and cleaned before googling “Can you clean your leather sofa with baby wipes?”. But, however tempting it may be to grab those wipes, I think you should read this first. I’m here to guide you through the dos and don’ts of cleaning your beloved leather sofa.

Before I jump into it, I know we all have busy lives. If you would prefer to watch or listen to the interview on this subject so we can all learn, then check it out below:

Understanding Your Leather

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, let’s take a moment to understand the two main types of leather commonly found on furniture: pigmented leather and aniline leather.

• Pigmented Leather: This type of leather boasts a clear polyurethane coating that acts as a protective shield against spills & stains. Its smooth surface is simple to clean, making it a popular choice for most leather furniture enthusiasts.
• Aniline Leather: Unlike pigmented leather, aniline leather doesn’t have that protective coating. Instead, its natural beauty shines through, showcasing the texture and imperfections of the hide. It’s a bit like a canvas that absorbs both colours and cleaning agents.

The Temptation of Baby Wipes

Ah, those convenient baby wipes! They seem like the perfect solution for cleaning up your leather sofa mishaps, but here’s where the sticky situation arises. Baby wipes contain cleaning solutions and sanitisers that can gradually break down the protective coating on your pigmented leather. Over time, you might find your once-pristine sofa feeling sticky and less luxurious.

The Better Alternatives

So, how should you clean your leather sofa without risking its lustre? Here are a couple of safe and effective methods:

• Use Dedicated Leather Cleaner: Invest in a dedicated leather cleaner specifically formulated to nourish and clean leather furniture. They design these products to gently remove dirt and stains without compromising the protective coating.
• Gentle Use a Damp Cloth: For an easy DIY solution, dampen a soft cloth with water and gently wipe down your leather sofa. This method is especially suitable for aniline leather, as it won’t harm the natural finish. Just remember to follow up with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
• Speak To The Manufacturer That Sold You The Sofa: Very often, they will know the best way to clean it and advise you on recommended products.

Dos and Don’ts Recap

Do:

• Use a dedicated leather cleaner for pigmented leather.
• opt for a gentle damp cloth and water for aniline leather.
• Test any new cleaning product in a hidden area first.

Don’t:

• Use baby wipes or harsh chemicals on your leather sofa.
• Scrub vigorously, as it can damage the protective coating.
• Overuse cleaning products, as excessive moisture can harm the leather.

Your leather sofa is a statement piece that adds elegance and comfort to your home. To keep it looking its best, it’s essential to clean it properly and avoid the temptation of quick fixes like baby wipes. By understanding your leather type and using the right cleaning methods, you can enjoy your beautiful sofa for years to come, free from sticky mishaps and unnecessary wear and tear. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving the timeless beauty of your leather furniture.

Need to know about Draylon sofas, check out this blog:

Upholstery Cleaning – How do you clean Dralon sofas?

Learn about Faux-Suede:

Can I get my faux suede sofa clean?

Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.

For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge