Can you use Clorox wipes for synthetic leather?

If you’re like most people, you probably have a few pieces of synthetic leather items in your home.

One of the benefits of synthetic leather is that it is easy to care for. When it comes to cleaning, all you need is warm water, liquid soap, and a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can use wipes such as Clorox wipes to clean and disinfect faux leather.

In this article, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of using Clorox wipes for synthetic leather and the steps to follow when cleaning.

Can you use Clorox wipes for synthetic leather?

Clorox wipes are a great way to clean your synthetic or faux leather furniture and accessories. They remove dirt, dust, spills, light stains, and other smudges and also help seal the surface so that future messes are less likely to penetrate.

So, yes Clorox wipes are safe to use on faux or synthetic leather and we have explained the benefits below.

• Clorox wipes do not damage synthetic leather

Synthetic leather is also referred to as fake, faux, vegan, imitation, or PU leather.

It is made from synthetic or natural fibers and sealed with a plastic polymer which makes it non-porous. This means that synthetic leather does not absorb spills and stains the way real leather does.

For this reason, faux or PU leather furniture and accessories can be cleaned easily with Clorox wipes. Since there are no pores to soak up moisture, the wipes can be used to wipe and sanitize the leather surface.

• They clean spills, dirt, grime, and stains

As anyone who has ever dealt with a spill knows, cleaning up messes quickly is essential for preventing stains. And when it comes to spills on synthetic leather, Clorox wipes are an excellent option.

They are also effective when it comes to removing dirt, dust, and other debris on faux leather furniture.

• Effective against light stains

Clorox wipes are also a great option for removing light stains on synthetic leather. They are strong enough to scrub away the stains without damaging the synthetic leather surface.

Their sanitizing properties help to break down the stains while the alcohol content helps to remove them.

Additionally, the wipes contain a mild detergent that helps to loosen and get rid of the stains.

However, for stubborn and tough stains, you may need to scrub the area gently with a soft brush before wiping it clean with the wipes.

• Clorox wipes disinfect leatherette

Despite their name, Clorox wipes are not actually made of bleach. However, they are still very effective at disinfecting surfaces because they contain an antimicrobial agent.

When used on synthetic leather, these wipes help to kill most bacteria and viruses especially cold and flu germs.

They also help in eliminating common allergens, which makes them ideal for people with allergies.

• They prevent mold and mildew growth

Another key benefit of using Clorox wipes is that they help to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Mold and mildew can cause a number of problems, including reducing air quality, damaging surfaces, and causing respiratory problems.

The antibacterial properties of Clorox wipes kill mold and mildew spores preventing them from taking hold and growing on synthetic leather.

In addition, the wipes are effective at removing mold and mildew stains, which helps to keep surfaces looking clean and new.

• They get rid of odor on faux leather

Faux leather has a characteristic smell that some people don’t like. Also, it can easily absorb odors from cigarette smoke, pets, urine, or body sweat.

These unpleasant smells can be off-putting, especially for a person with a sensitive nose.  But luckily, Clorox wipes can help to eliminate the odor from faux leather furniture and clothing.

The anti-microbial properties of the wipes help to kill the odor-causing bacteria, which is what causes the bad smell in the first place.

Additionally, Clorox wipes contain hydrogen peroxide which breaks down the bad smells and gets rid of them.

• They add a protective layer on the faux leather

Clorox wipes are not just for cleaning up messes; they can also be used to protect synthetic leather surfaces from dirt, grime, and sun.

When used on leather, the wipes leave behind a protective layer that repels spills and stains and prevents future damage to the leather.

They also help to protect your furniture from sunlight damage and fading and restore the luster of dull leather.

Can you use Clorox wipes on real leather?

While it is okay to use Clorox disinfecting wipes on synthetic or fake leather, they are not suitable for use on real or genuine leather due to several reasons.

First, it’s important to point out that real leather is porous so it absorbs water and stains easily. This means that the chemicals in Clorox wipes can break down the protective coating on the leather, making it more susceptible to staining.

For instance, these disinfectant wipes contain isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) that helps to make them more effective at breaking down oils and dissolving grime and dirt.

However, if the alcohol gets absorbed through the pores, it can strip off the natural oils in the leather and cause it to become dry leading to cracking and peeling.

Another reason is that Clorox wipes contain ammonium compounds that are meant to make them more effective when it comes to sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces. These compounds are damaging to natural leather as they cause discoloration or break down the leather fibers over time.

Important tips when cleaning faux leather with Clorox wipes

• You should always test the wipes on a small and inconspicuous area of the leather before using them on the entire surface.

• When cleaning with Clorox wipes, be sure to use a light touch and avoid scrubbing, which can damage the leather.

• It is advisable to condition your leather items after cleaning with Clorox wipes to moisturize and prevent drying out

• For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the wipes effectively and avoid abrasive cleaners like magic erasers.

Conclusion 

As any homeowner knows, keeping a house clean can be a challenge. Not only do you have to contend with dirt and dust, but you also have to deal with stubborn stains and pesky odors.

That is why Clorox wipes are a great option for cleaning synthetic leather. The wipes clean spills, dirt, and light stains, disinfect the surface, prevent mold and mildew growth, get rid of odor, and add a protective layer.

However, you should not use Clorox wipes on real leather as they contain alcohol and ammonia compounds that can damage the surface.