Leather is a natural product made from animal skin. It can be worked to a softer finish, such as suede or nubuck, or tanned to create a smooth finish, such as aniline or nappa leather. The white leather is created with an alum or chrome tanning process without dyes.
White leather items, whether upholstery, accessories, or clothing, are particularly prone to staining and discoloration. Pay special attention to white leather items to avoid yellowing caused by natural impurities and detergents.
How often to clean white skin
Whether you have a piece of furniture, handbag, shoes or jacket covered in white leather, you will clean it regularly to keep it pristine, intact and prevent cracking. Clean the leather with a dry microfiber cloth, depending on the frequency of use. Rubbing removes stains and light dirt. Here are some general recommendations about what “regularly” means for each item:
- Leather sofa – cleaned and dust free twice a week.
- Purse or handbag – clean it once a week.
- Shoes: after each use (when worn for a long time or exposed to dust or dirt) or at least once a week
- Coat: Dry clean and conditioner once a year (when used occasionally) or twice a year (when used daily or several times a week)
To minimize stains, treat spills and stains as soon as they occur.
What do you need
Mix the cleaning solution: You can buy commercially available soaps or leather cleaners, but it’s very easy to make your own. Mix the cleaning solution in a spray bottle and remember to label it clearly. Choose one of these formulas:
- One part Castilian soap and eight parts warm water.
- Two parts distilled white vinegar and one part flaxseed or olive oil.
Clean the leather with a damp cloth – Dampen the microfiber cloth with clean tap water and wipe the white leather. This removes dust and some of the surface.
Spray the cleaning solution on the fabric – Instead of spraying directly on the leather, spray the cleaning solution on a clean microfiber cloth. This prevents over wetting and possible watermarks.
Clean the Leather – Starting at the top of the piece and in small sections, clean the leather with a cloth sprayed with cleaning solution. Use gentle, circular motions and do not scrub. If dirt remains, use a little more cleaning solution.
Polishing the Leather – Once the white leather is clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently buff the leather. There is no need to rinse off the cleaning solution.
Remove oil stains from white skin
If oil or grease stains scratch the leather, sprinkle the area liberally with baby powder or cornstarch. Let the powder sit on the stain for at least four hours — the oil soaks into the powder. Brush or vacuum the dust and repeat until the stain is gone.
Remove ink stains from white skin
If an ink blot appears, wipe off the wet ink with a white paper towel or magic eraser. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (denatured alcohol) and use a cotton swab to rub the stain from the outer edge to the center so the ink doesn’t spread. When the ink transfers, switch to a clean stick. Work slowly until all the ink is used up. Leather may look dull after treatment, so you can use leather conditioner or a drizzle of olive oil to restore the surface.
Removing white skin worn spots
Signs of wear are common on white leather shoes. You can use a melamine eraser (like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) to gently polish the marks. Be careful not to scrub – this can strip the skin surface. If that doesn’t help, you can also make a homemade cleansing paste by mixing equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply the paste to the stained area and leave it on for 30 minutes. Remove the paste with a damp cloth and polish the leather with a micro fibre cloth. Repeat until the stain is removed, then use a leather conditioner to restore the leather’s surface and prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
Removing mold and mildew spots from white leather
If leather items are stored in a place with high humidity and high temperature, mold may form. Regular cleaning to remove food stains and dirt can help prevent mold growth. For small amounts of mold, follow these recommended removal steps. Extensive mold may require a professional fungicide.
