Leather cleaner
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Mild soap, vinegar and alcohol mixes for spots and mildew. Test on a hidden spot first.
What You’ll Need
- Basic cleanser and conditioner: ¼ cup olive oil; ½ cup white vinegar; 10 drops lemon or eucalyptus essential oil (optional); clean jar; two clean cloths
- Protein spots (blood, mud, food): ¼ cup lemon juice; ¼ cup cream of tartar
- Mould and mildew: ½ cup rubbing alcohol; ½ cup water
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Directions
- Basic: shake the olive oil and vinegar (and oil, if using) together in a jar. Dampen a cloth, wipe down the whole piece, and use a second cloth to dry off any extra. Do not soak the leather.
- Protein stains: stir the lemon juice and cream of tartar into a paste, rub it on, wait 10 minutes, wipe off with a damp cloth (mild castile soap and water), and dry.
- Mildew: mix the alcohol and water, rub gently with a damp cloth, wipe with a cloth dampened with water, and dry.
- Ballpoint ink: dab with rubbing alcohol (or hairspray or non-acetone remover), wait a few minutes, then wipe, rinse with gentle soap and water, and dry; repeat as needed.
Notes
Olive oil can go rancid — make small batches.
Safety: always test a hidden spot; not for unfinished leather or suede; lemon juice may bleach leather, test first. Also: olive oil can darken some leathers; alcohol is flammable; eucalyptus oil is toxic to pets.