Home
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I Know About Cleaning Leather?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The first thing to know about cleaning leather is that there are several different types of leather, and what works on one type may not work on another. Finished leather such as that used in furniture, for example, can be cleaned with a mild soap and water, while unfinished leathers such as suede cannot be cleaned with water because they may stain and crack. Therefore, before you start cleaning leather, you should determine what kind of leather it is. If it has a high gloss, for example, it is probably finished, while leathers with a matte finish or a coarse texture are unfinished. Always spot test cleaners before use!

All sorts of leather should be wiped down regularly with a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt before they have a chance to become ingrained. If a spot does appear, rubbing it gently with an art gum eraser can sometimes remove the spot. In the case of suede, a suede brush can be used to brush out stubborn stains, sometimes in combination with a suede cleaner, a commercial product which is safe for use on suede.

A brush for cleaning suede shoes.
A brush for cleaning suede shoes.

If you have a more serious staining problem on finished leather, you need saddle soap. Saddle soap is a special type of soap which has been formulated for use on saddles, and in addition to being safe on finished leather, it can also be used on some types of unfinished leather as well, although you should always do a spot test to check for staining first. To use saddle soap, dampen a cloth, dip the cloth in the saddle soap, and work up a lather. Once you have a lather, rub the cloth in gentle circular motions on the leather, allow the lather to dry, and wipe it off with a clean dry cloth. Use another clean dry cloth to buff the leather, removing the last of the saddle soap and bringing out a natural shine.

Leather should be regularly wiped down with a soft cloth.
Leather should be regularly wiped down with a soft cloth.

In the case of cleaning leather which has not been finished, you can use saddle soap in a dry clean, using a dry cloth instead of a damp one in the first step, but the soap may stain the leather. Saddle soap should also never be used on suede. If a spot test on a hidden part of the leather reveals a stain, you need a leather cleaning solution. Many shoe stores and furniture stores sell products for cleaning leather, and you should specify the need for a product suitable for unfinished leather. Cleaning solutions are typically applied with a soft dry cloth and then buffed away, and they are sometimes sold in kits which include everything you will need.

Suede cannot be cleaned with water.
Suede cannot be cleaned with water.

After cleaning leather, it can be a good idea to work in a leather conditioner. Leather is basically skin, and skin needs to be moisturized to prevent cracking. In fact, some people use a plain unscented moisturizer on leather products, although you can also use moisturizers specifically designed for leather. Mink oil is a popular leather moisturizing product, and for shoes, it's possible to buy a moisturizer/waterproofer which keeps the shoes in good condition while also ensuring that your feet stay dry.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon207422

Saddle soap should only ever be used on saddles or unfinished leather. It should never be used on upholstery, auto or finished leathers as it will damage the finish. Likewise, finished leather does not require 'conditioning' with anything other than moisture (water) as this will keep it correctly hydrated. While leather was once skin, it is not anymore, having gone through a highly complex tanning process and generally speaking, it is the type of finish we are dealing with rather than the leather itself. It is therefore crucial to make sure you identify the type of leather you have before tackling any cleaning process and this will enable you to select the correct product for the purpose. Hope this helps. --Judyb

claire24

I learned the hard way that all leather cleaner is not for all leather products. I completely ruined my husbands suede leather jacket when I tried to clean it with the wrong thing.

I figured that leather is leather, suede or not, and if a solution worked for cleaning our leather furniture, then it would work on his jacket also. I have learned my lesson.

write79

I never thought of leather as being skin, in that it needs moisturizing, before. It makes a lot of sense, though, and now I understand why my leather boots look the way they do -- all cracked and worn looking. I suppose I should have put some of that moisturizer on them, that also makes leather waterproof.

At least I know what to do for my next pair of boots.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A brush for cleaning suede shoes.
      By: Africa Studio
      A brush for cleaning suede shoes.
    • Leather should be regularly wiped down with a soft cloth.
      By: Kurhan
      Leather should be regularly wiped down with a soft cloth.
    • Suede cannot be cleaned with water.
      By: PRILL Mediendesign
      Suede cannot be cleaned with water.
    • Saddle soap is a good choice for cleaning leather.
      By: Paul Maguire
      Saddle soap is a good choice for cleaning leather.