Learn whether can you use castile soap on leather items for cleaning and maintaining their durability. Keep reading this informative article to know more.
Leather is one of the most popular materials infamous for making furniture, bags, boots, or jackets. It is known for its durability, strength, and style. This luxurious material can last a lifetime if properly maintained. Even though leather can withstand wear and tear to some extent, it is vital to keep it clean to avoid damage. Learn whether can you use castile soap on leather or not and what are some other options to use to clean your leather items.
Why is Cleaning Leather Essential?
Leather is a natural, breathable material that is porous in nature. Many people just let the leather absorb the stains and eventually let it disappear. But this property makes it prone to absorb oil and dirt with time which can cause cracks to appear on the surface. Hence, it is necessary to clean the leather to preserve it and keep the leather’s shine intact.
It also depends on what you want the leather to look like. Rugged boots do not require as much maintenance as a fine luxury bag. Similarly, leather upholstery furniture does not require frequent cleaning with cleaners if you regularly wipe the dust off and avoid any spillage. There are many commercial cleaners available for leather, but you can also use some homemade recipes for keeping it clean and new. You may use castile soap or other home ingredients to wipe dirt and dust off of your leather items.
Can You Use Castile Soap on Leather?
Castile soap is a versatile vegetable-based soap commonly used in many DIY household cleaners. It is natural, free of animal fats and synthetic ingredients, which makes it biodegradable and non-toxic.
Castile soap can be used for cleaning leather and is suitable for laundry soap, bathing soap, conditioner, hand soap, and floor cleaner. There are no harmful effects of using castile soap on leather, but it is always recommended to do a patch test on a side that is not visible. This is because leather can be of a lot of types and with different durability and properties.
How to Use Castile Soap for Cleaning Leather?
First, use a cloth to get rid of dirt and dust. You can use a vacuum too for the corners and crevices. Now, take two tablespoons of castile soap and mix it with 2 cups of water. You can either spray this on the leather and wipe with a soft cloth or take some mixture on scrub and lightly scrub. Clean with a dry cloth. You can use a soft brush for tough stains, but be careful to avoid flaking.
Tips for Cleaning with Castile Soap
- Avoid using hard water for cleaning. Boil the water and let it cool before using.
- Clean leather in small patches to avoid it from absorbing the soap and water.
- Do not use this method for suede or nubuck leather.
Other Homemade Cleaning DIYs for Leather
1. Olive Oil and Vinegar
Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz on the leather, let sit for five minutes and wipe. This method is recommended for dark – pigmented leather.
2. Toothpaste
You can also use non-gel toothpaste to remove stains from leather surfaces. Dab some toothpaste and gently scrub with a soft brush. Wipe with a cloth and finally clean the surface with a dry towel.
3. Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar
Mix lemon juice and cream of tartar in equal quantities to form a paste. Apply on the soiled area for 15-20 minutes and wipe off with a sponge. Clean with a dry cloth afterward. Since lemon has bleaching properties, this should be avoided on dark leather upholstery.
4. Nail Polish Remover or Rubbing Alcohol
Nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol is both an effective remedy for cleaning stains. Blot the stain with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover and clean with mild dish soap and warm water. Wipe off with a dry cloth. Always do a patch test on an inconspicuous part of the leather as these two ingredients can fade the color.
5. Baking Soda
You can use baking soda to get rid of oil or grease stains. Sprinkle on the stain and rub with a damp cloth. Let it sit for about an hour for it to absorb the oil. If the stain is large, you can let it sit overnight. Wipe off with a soft cloth or vacuum the area.
Tips
- Try wiping off the spills immediately as it will refrain the leather from absorbing it.
- Do not use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners as they can damage the leather.
- Dark leather can be cleaned twice a year, but any light upholstery should be cleaned every month.
Now that you know that you can use castile soap on leather along with some other home remedies, try it on your own and maintain the shine and luster of your leather all year long.
