To clean leather furniture, vacuum the crevices, then wipe each cushion and panel with Angelus Easy Cleaner on a microfiber towel, cleaning whole panels so they dry evenly. Treat leftover stains with Angelus Spot Remover after a spot test, condition with Angelus Leather Balm, and protect against spills with Angelus Water & Stain Repellent. Do it every few months, and dust weekly in between.
Angelus has been family owned since 1907, and Leather Balm is still made with the formula we created that year. It conditions upholstery without leaving it slick or greasy, so your couch stays comfortable to sit on.
Quick answer: leather furniture care
- Vacuum seams and crevices.
- Clean whole panels with Easy Cleaner on a towel.
- Spot treat ink and stains with Spot Remover (spot test first).
- Condition with Leather Balm.
- Protect with Water & Stain Repellent.
Shop This Guide
Clean
Easy Cleaner Kit
Cleaner, brush, and towel. Safe on leather, suede, and faux leather.
Shop the kitAlso handy: the Detail Cleaning Brush Set for tufting and piping, Microfiber Towels, the Nubuck & Suede Kit for suede pieces, and Deodorizer for pet and musty smells.
Real reviews from Angelus customers
4.9 stars from 430+ reviews of the Angelus Easy Cleaner Kit
★★★★★
"This did an amazing job on our suede chairs that we got 6 years ago (prior to having children). I thought we were going to have to replace or use chair covers. This stuff has our chairs looking beautiful again!"
Witt · Verified buyer · Easy Cleaner Kit
★★★★★
"Leather Balm made my leather feel like butter! Not tacky but nice and soft."
Carrie B. · Verified buyer · Leather Balm
★★★★★
"I love this product. It worked really well. It didn't change the color of my leather. I tested it after it dried by pouring water on my shoes and the water literally balled up and rolled off."
Shelly H. · Verified buyer · Water & Stain Repellent
How to Clean Leather Furniture, Step by Step
Vacuum and Dust
Remove cushions and vacuum every crevice, seam, and tuft with a soft brush attachment. Crumbs and grit act like sandpaper on leather when you sit down. Wipe the surface with a dry microfiber towel.
Spot Test
Test Easy Cleaner on a hidden spot, like the back of the sofa or the underside of a cushion, and let it dry before cleaning visible areas.
Clean Whole Panels With Easy Cleaner
Apply Angelus Easy Cleaner to a microfiber towel, not directly onto the leather, and work it over one full cushion or panel at a time in small circles. Use the soft brush from the Detail Cleaning Brush Set on tufting, piping, and stitching. Wipe away the lifted dirt with a clean towel.
Pro tip: clean the whole cushion edge to edge, never just the spot. Spot cleaning leaves rings when the leather dries.
Give Arms and Headrests Extra Attention
These areas collect body oils, hair products, and lotion, which darken and stiffen leather over time. Go over them twice with Easy Cleaner. For darkening that won't lift, spot test Spot Remover and dab it on with a cotton swab.
Let It Dry
Let the leather air dry at room temperature, away from heat vents, fireplaces, and direct sun.
Condition With Leather Balm
Apply a thin layer of Angelus Leather Balm with a clean cloth, one panel at a time, focusing on seat cushions and arms where leather flexes most. Let it dry, then buff with a clean towel so the surface isn't slick.
Protect Against Spills
Apply 2 to 3 light coats of Angelus Water & Stain Repellent, about 30 minutes apart, testing on a hidden spot first. Let it cure 12 hours before use. Coffee, wine, and kid spills will bead up long enough to blot away.
How to Remove Common Furniture Stains
| Stain | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Ink & marker | Spot Remover on a cotton swab, after a test. Ink guide |
| Coffee, wine & food | Blot right away, Easy Cleaner on the full cushion, Spot Remover for what's left. |
| Oil, lotion & hair products | Easy Cleaner, then Spot Remover. Oil guide |
| Water rings | Evenly dampen the whole panel and let it dry so the ring blends in. |
| Denim dye | Easy Cleaner, then Spot Remover for stubborn blue. |
| Pet accidents & smells | Blot, clean with Easy Cleaner, let dry, then Deodorizer. |
For every other stain: how to get stains out of leather.
Different Types of Leather Furniture
Coated (pigmented) leather
Most sofas and recliners. Follow every step above; it handles regular cleaning well.
Aniline & semi-aniline
Soft and absorbent. Use minimal moisture, test everything, blot spills fast, and protect with Water & Stain Repellent.
Suede & nubuck
Brush and erase with the Suede Kit, then Easy Cleaner on a barely damp brush or Foam-Tex. No Leather Balm.
Faux & bonded leather
Easy Cleaner and a towel only. No Spot Remover; it can damage the coating.
Cracked, faded, or scratched?
Cleaning won't fix damage. Fill cracks and pet scratches with Repair Filler and bring back the color with Angelus Leather Paint or Dye. Full steps: how to restore leather furniture. Want a new color entirely? How to dye leather furniture.
A Simple Care Schedule
- Weekly: dust and vacuum crevices.
- Monthly: wipe arms and headrests with Easy Cleaner.
- Every 3 to 6 months: full clean and Leather Balm, more often in dry climates or sunny rooms.
- Every 6 to 12 months: reapply Water & Stain Repellent.
- Always: blot spills right away and keep furniture out of direct sun and away from heat vents.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Household products. Vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, baby wipes, and all-purpose sprays dry leather, strip finish, or leave residue.
- DIY conditioners. Olive oil and coconut oil darken leather unevenly and can go rancid.
- Spot cleaning. Clean whole panels to avoid rings.
- Spraying cleaner directly on leather. Apply to a towel first.
- Skipping the spot test before Spot Remover.
- Placing furniture in direct sun or next to a heat vent.
Leather Furniture Care FAQ
What is the best way to clean a leather couch?
Vacuum, then clean whole cushions and panels with Angelus Easy Cleaner on a microfiber towel, condition with Leather Balm, and protect with Water & Stain Repellent.
What is the best conditioner for leather furniture?
Angelus Leather Balm. It restores natural oils and keeps upholstery soft without leaving it slick or greasy.
How do you get stains out of a leather couch?
Blot fresh spills, clean the full cushion with Easy Cleaner, then spot test Spot Remover and dab it on any remaining stain.
Can I use vinegar or baby wipes on leather furniture?
We don't recommend it. Vinegar is acidic and dries leather out, and many wipes contain alcohol or soap that strip the finish over time. Angelus Easy Cleaner is made for leather.
How often should you clean and condition leather furniture?
Dust weekly, do a full clean and Leather Balm every 3 to 6 months, and reapply Water & Stain Repellent every 6 to 12 months.
How do you protect leather furniture from kids and pets?
Apply Water & Stain Repellent so spills bead up, keep Easy Cleaner handy for quick wipe-downs, and fill any claw marks early with Repair Filler.
