How To Clean A Leather Couch With Dove Soap

Leather furniture needs regular cleaning just like any other furniture in your home – although leather needs special care. Can you clean a leather couch with Dove soap?

Yes you can with some careful guidelines you’ll learn here.

How Do You Clean a Leather Couch With Dove Soap?

how do you clean a leather couch with dove soap

Dove soap has a mild pH level, similar to skin, making it ideal for cleaning leather furniture. The first thing to do when preparing to clean leather is to have all your supplies ready. To do this task successfully, you will need:

  • Vacuum with a soft brush attachment
  • Multiple microfiber cloths
  • Dove moisturizing soap (liquid dish soap or shavings from a bar soap)
  • Bucket with warm water
  • Leather conditioner

Cleaning leather upholstery is simple to do and does not require a lot of effort. You can have your leather furniture looking good as new in only five easy steps.

  • Step 1: Vacuum off the couch, making sure to remove any debris or particles from the crevices and corners
  • Step 2: Mix a cleaning solution with warm water and a small amount of Dove liquid soap or shavings from a Dove beauty bar until they dissolve
  • Step 3: Dip a microfiber cloth into the water and make sure to wring it out so it is damp and will not leave water sitting on your furniture
  • Step 4: Rub the surface gently in light circular motions to wipe the surface clean
  • Step 5: Dry the surface with a fresh, dry soft cloth

Of course, cleaning is just part of taking care of your leather furniture. You should also regularly condition it to keep it looking great and help it to last a long time.

Can You Clean a Leather Sofa With Soap and Water?

You can use soap and water on your leather sofa as long as it is a saddle soap product or other mild pH soap. Remember not to overdo it with the soap as you only need a small amount for an effective cleaning solution.

The soap can be liquid and mixed in with a bucket of warm water. You can also use a bar soap by using a grater to shave the bar into small flakes and dissolve them in water before using.

How Do You Clean a Leather Couch With Baking Soda?

how do you clean a leather couch with baking soda

Baking soda is a terrific product to use on your leather couch when there are stains from oil or moisture and unpleasant smells.

Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on the affected area of your leather furniture and let it sit for a few hours or until it absorbs the oil or moisture from the surface. For smells, you may have to leave baking soda on the couch for up to 24 hours to freshen your furniture fully.

After it works its magic, you can remove the baking soda by vacuuming it with a soft bristle attachment or using a soft cloth to wipe it away. Follow up with a leather cleaner solution of mild soap and water.

Treating Different Types Of Stains On a Leather Sofa

treating different types of stains on a leather sofa

Leather furniture is not immune to stains, unfortunately. But thankfully, there are ways to rid your couch of many troublesome issues.

1. Mold and mildew

Mold and mildew can happen in areas with high humidity. One of the best ways to treat mold and mildew on your leather sofa is to take it outside in the sun. This way, you will not spread mold spores in your home, and the sunlight will help dry out any affected areas.

You can use a spray bottle with a mixture of water and vinegar to help rid the surface of any mold or mildew. Next, wipe it clean with a separate cloth and repeat until the stain is gone.

2. Permanent marker stains

Vinegar is a terrific tool to help lift permanent marker stains from your leather couch. Spray a small amount of white vinegar onto the area to treat the stain and let it sit so it penetrates the leather and breaks up the stain.

The permanent marker should come off after cleaning with a mild soap and water solution and a soft cloth.

3. Ballpoint pen ink stains

Ballpoint pen ink stains can lift from your leather surfaces by using vinegar or a mild soap solution and a damp cloth. Remember to rub gently in a circular motion and do not scrub forcefully.

4. Food stains

Depending on the food stain, you may have to try one or two tactics to have your leather furniture looking great again. Some food stains will come off with a mild soap solution and gentle cleaning, while others may need you to pretreat a stain with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours or more.

5. Grease stains

Grease stains can be disheartening to see on your leather couch. You do not have to live with them, though. You can quickly rectify this type of damage by sprinkling baking soda or talcum powder on the affected area. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the grease before wiping it away. Some more significant or old stains may require overnight treatment for best results.

6. Hard to remove stains

Hard to remove stains can call for a few different treatment methods. Often these types of problems require you to use baking soda as the first step to lift grease, oils, and smells from the surface.

The next step in deep cleaning your leather couch would be to use vinegar to remove any residual stains. Once you finish with vinegar, you can use a mild soap solution and finish by drying your couch thoroughly.

Can I Use Liquid Detergent To Clean My Leather Couch?

can i use liquid detergent to clean my leather couch

You can use liquid detergent to clean your leather couch, as long as it contains a mild pH level. Mix a small amount with warm water and ensure it is not too soapy before applying to the surface.

What Should You Avoid Using On Leather?

what should you avoid using on leather

Leather can sustain damage easily when you use the wrong products for cleaning and maintenance. Avoid using acetone or alcohol-based products since these harsh items will harm the leather surfaces.

What Is The Difference Between Protected and Unprotected Leather?

what is the difference between protected and unprotected leather

Protected leather has a top pigmented coating on the outer surface, making it more durable against elements. Unprotected leather does not have this additional protection.

How Frequently Should I Condition My Leather Sofa?

how frequently should i condition my leather sofa

Leather furniture requires a conditioner every six months to a year, depending on the environment and use. For example, homeowners in extremely dry climates should condition their leather furniture every six months for optimal care.

James Marshall

About the author

James is a business management professional and consultant with a former background in maintenance, repair, and hands-on projects. He enjoys DIY tasks and maintenance around the home as well as part-time writing. Read more »