Special care should be taken when cleaning white leather goods to prevent yellowing from natural pollutants and cleaning products.

Below, learn how to clean white leather and restore its finish.

Tip

Read the manufacturer’s label for specific instructions on cleaning sofas specifically.

White leather chair with brown stains next to houseplant

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

You don’t want to do anything that might void the warranty.

White leather should be wiped down weekly with a damp microfiber cloth to remove smudges and light soil.

Here are some general recommendations on how often to clean different white leather items.

Materials and tools to clean white leather

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Mix your cleaning solution in a spray bottle and be sure to label it clearly.

This will remove dust and some surface soil.

This will prevent over-wetting and possible watermarks.

Solution mixed to clean white leather with vinegar and oil or castile soap and water

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Use a gentle, circular motion, and do not scrub.

If soil remains, use a bit more cleaning solution.

The material oxidizes, and the leather fibers start to break down.

Damp microfiber cloth rubbing stains on chair with white leather

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Use a gentle touch, it can remove the surface finish of the leather.

Harsh cleaners like chlorine bleach or ammonia will permanently damage leather.

Even milder oxygen-based bleach should be avoided because it dries out the leather and can lead to cracking.

Cleaning solution sprayed on pink and clean microfiber cloth

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Pink microfiber cloth with solution wiping down stain on white leather chair

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

Gray and dry microfiber cloth buffing white leather chair

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu