How to Care for Leather

Most leather goods, including furniture and apparel, are finished. Finished leather has undergone a chemical process that protects it and gives it the desired appearance. Spot-clean finished leather with a manufacturer-recommended leather cleanser or by lathering a moisturizing soap such as Dove on a damp cloth, and gently rubbing out the spot. Blot with a damp cloth to remove the soap, then allow the leather to dry. Clean raw leather, such as the leather used to make baseball gloves, by rubbing saddle soap onto a damp cloth and into the leather.

Have especially fine or expensive leather goods professionally cleaned. For other leather goods, rub a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol to 1 part water into the leather to remove most stains. If leather becomes soaked in water, allow it to air dry completely, then apply a leather conditioner afterward. Remove salt or sweat stains by blotting the leather with a clean, damp cloth and letting it air dry.

Protect leather by storing it away from sunlight and extreme temperatures and out of plastic bags. To keep leather looking soft and supple, condition it with leather lotion 2–4 times per year, depending on how often the piece is used. You can buy leather lotion at furniture and hardware stores.

Leather repair kits, available at furniture and hardware stores, can help you repair scratches and small tears in leather upholstery and apparel. Results vary, and a perfect color match can be difficult to achieve. Professional leather repair technicians can repair most damage to leather goods. Contact a furniture store or dry cleaner for a referral to a local leather specialist.