Home decor · Leather sofa care

How to dust and spot-clean a leather sofa gently

Identify the leather finish, remove dust gently and follow the model's care instructions for spot cleaning.

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Leather-looking sofas may use genuine leather, coated leather or synthetic upholstery, each with different care needs. IKEA advises gentle dust removal, carefully wiping permitted light stains, drying the surface and avoiding strong direct sun. Do not assume alcohol wipes or leather conditioner are safe for every finish.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Identify the sofa model and determine whether it uses genuine, coated or synthetic leather.
Remove loose dust gently with a soft brush or a vacuum's soft-bristle attachment.
Blot spills with a clean dry cloth instead of rubbing; first test any approved cleaner in an inconspicuous area.
Only if the model permits, wipe light stains with a barely damp cloth or a mild soap solution and dry promptly.
Use leather conditioners only if approved for that particular finish. Do not apply genuine-leather creams to synthetic upholstery by default.
Keep the sofa away from strong direct sun and intense heater heat; consult the maker if cracking or discoloration appears.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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