Can you Use a steam cleaner on leather sofa? Does this give you confusion or hesitancy?
Well, leather interiors are not only eye soothing or have a classic look but are also cozy and glossy than other fabric-made upholsteries. Leather-made seat, couch, or sofa is always a popular option from your car’s interior to the corporate waiting room. Your room can’t alienate itself from the aesthetic feeling of a leather sofa.
But cleaning a leather sofa is challenging tusk though the glossy body has less trend to attract dust, dirt, or other allergic pollens. Leather and water have no friendly relation, and it’s a billion-dollar question— Can you use a steam cleaner on a leather sofa?
Let’s crack it!
Why Should You Use a Steam Cleaner on a Leather Sofa?
You may be in a dicey situation to use a steam cleaner on your sofa. But steam cleaning is the most powerful method for applying pressure and steam. Steam cleaning removes dirt, dust, pollen, allergens, and stains; it also helps to kill bacteria and viruses. Thus it increases the house’s air quality.
Though leather-specific products do not have a warm equation with pressure and water vapor— an experienced one can use them occasionally. It is good to apply leather-specific attachments or settings with optimum pressure and temperature. Always check the tag or manual instructions of products; it has some symbolic instructions to clean.
Genuine leather is a great fit for leather-specific steam cleaners. However, a newbie can create problems with the abrupt use of pressure and heat. An inexpert attempt could end with the sofa in a store room or basement!
Use Steam Cleaner on Leather Sofa: Know How You Can Do it
Preparation
There should be a good match between leather and leather-friendly cleaner/attachment. Check the sofa tag with WS (Water/Solvent) or S/P (for dry cleaning). Some people like vacuum first but you can avoid it as leather sofa has anti–dust layer.
Prepare the machine with proper attachments and liquid solutions( if any). Make a pretreatment compound with one cup of vinegar, one cup of linseed oil, and one bucket of warm water. The solution keeps the leather soft, make it disinfectant, removes grime, and prepares it for steaming. Rubbing alcohol is suitable for the old sofa.
Choosing the right Cleaning Solution
Avoid using powerful chemicals on the leather sofa. A ph-balanced and leather-specific cleaner can save your couch from damage. Before purchasing a steam cleaner, ensure it has an attachment or specific conditioner for leather. Check whether the sofa label has any washing solution-related information or not.
Before starting the cleaning, test the solution on a small inconspicuous area.
After filling the steam cleaner according to the instructions, perform a spot test to see if the hot steam or pressure will damage your leather item.
To observe the final results, use the steam cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the leather product and allow it to dry fully. If the steam cleaner cleans the test region of your leather object satisfactorily, you can steam clean the entire leather item.
Process of Steam Cleaning
After the pretreatment process, leave the sofa for 30 minutes. Begin by washing the couch’s back. Proceed to the next section after running the steam cleaner’s brush attachment over a part of the couch’s back. Remove the cushions and use the attachment to steam clean the inside of the sofa in circular motions; don’t forget the hidden parts. Proceed to the front of the couch, and remove the cushions for later cleaning.
Drying the Leather Sofa
After the steam cleaning part is over, remove any residue or moisture from the sofa. Please don’t leave it to air dry; it can soak the water and create dampness. Use a micro-fabric towel to dry. Then leave it under a dry, aerated place. You can also apply some leather-specific lubricants to bring back the shine of the leather.
Precautions to take while cleaning Leather Sofa with Steam Cleaner
Do not overheat the leather
You can apply steam wash for genuine leather products, but always follow the steam cleaner’s instructions and use the proper attachments on leather. If a cleaner overheats the sofa, it can decolorize the sofa or create permanent damage. Don’t panic after several warnings; once you cope with its application, it’s a cakewalk.
Avoid being around steam for too long.
If you need to steam clean the sofa, always make sure that the nozzle is at a safe distance from the leather. Use the steam for a short period, don’t apply it for a long time in a single part to remove stubborn stains.
Limit the amount of cleaning solution for use.
Using a leather-specific shampoo or conditioner helps to protect the sofa with cleaning. But avoid applying too many solutions or compounds. Dissolve the cleaning solution with an optimum ratio as per the user’s manual. Make sure you are not overcleaning and make your cleaning process simple. You can make a trial with old leather-made upholstery.
Conclusion
While steam cleaning is a popular and effective approach for cleaning many surfaces, it should not be used on leather sofas on a ‘regular basis’ by first-time users. The vapor’s heat and moisture can cause harm.
For these reasons, while cleaning a leather sofa, it is best to use leather-friendly steam cleaners or leather-specific liquids. These products are designed to be gentle on the material and will not damage or discolor it. Experts recommend a proper air circulation system (use a fan, open doors, and windows) during the process to avoid moisture. You can also seek help from professionals for a steam cleaning sofa service or follow the expert’s guidelines.
FAQ’s
Q: – Does Steam Cleaning damage Leather?
Despite not having an amicable relationship with water, a genuine leather sofa goes well with infrequent steam cleaning when used under optimum pressure and temperature. Professionals ask to avoid the old sofa if there are already cramps or cracks on the leather. A professional or user’s guide can help you out. You can ask for help from both sofa and steam cleaner manufacturers.
Some steam cleaners have regulators or special arrangements to control the steam for safety.
Q: What is the best thing to use to clean a leather sofa?
If you can’t afford a professional or have an advanced steam cleaner to clean the leather sofa, use these tips —
First, make a solution of water and vinegar with a 1:1 ratio. Spray the mixture on the sofa, and remember hidden areas. Use a soft cloth and start a clock and anti-clockwise rubbing softly. Don’t bathe the whole sofa with the compound at a time. Continue the operation by splitting the area into small parts; rubbing alcohol is suitable for old leather materials.
