How to Clean Leather Couch with Baking soda
We’ve all heard of using baking soda to freshen up our homes, but did you know that it can also be used on leather furniture?
Yes, you can use baking soda on leather couch to help remove stains, dirt, grime, and odors because it is a natural cleanser. Also, it is gentle enough to use on leather and won’t damage the couch.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of using baking soda on leather furniture. We’ll also provide some tips for how to use it safely and effectively to clean your leather couch.
Can you use baking soda on a leather couch?
Yes, baking soda can be used on leather because it is a gentle abrasive with a suitable PH that can help to remove dirt and grime from the leather couches without damaging the surface. All you need to do is mix a little baking soda with water, sprinkle on the couch, and wait for about 20 minutes before wiping it off with a clean damp cloth and buffing the leather sofa.
Here are some of the reasons why baking soda is safe for leather furniture.
1. It’s a gentle cleanser
Baking soda is a natural household product that can be used on leather.
It has a PH that ranges between 8 and 9 so it’s a mild alkali and its mildness makes it perfect and gentle enough to use on leather seats to remove slipperiness caused by a build-up of dirt, oil, and grease without causing any damage.
Thus, it’s a good alternative to harsh leather cleaners that contain harsh chemicals and can damage leather if not used carefully.
2. An effective cleaner
Another benefit is that baking soda is effective in dissolving dirt, grime, and buildup on leather surfaces.
Although it’s a gentle cleaner, it is mildly abrasive so it’s able to effectively clean and remove stains and greasy build-up on various surfaces.
3. Does not stain leather
Baking soda is not known to stain leather. However, since it’s mildly abrasive it is important not to leave it for an extended period of time on your furniture as it can cause light staining.
Some people argue that whether or not baking soda will stain your couch depends on the type of leather used.
So if you are not sure about the type of leather used on your sofa, it’s best to test the baking soda on a small and inconspicuous area first.
4. It gets rid of odor on leather furniture
Baking soda is a great way to eliminate bad odors on leather furniture as a deodorizer. It works by absorbing the odor from the furniture and neutralizing it.
Although leather is pet-friendly compared to fabric couches, it does absorb pet odors. So if you have pets that love to sleep or pee on your couch, baking soda can help to get rid of the stinky smell on your leather furniture.
Apart from furniture, you can also use it to absorb bad smells in your refrigerator, freezer, pantry, trash can, car, or shoes.
5. Readily available and affordable
Another benefit of baking soda as a cleaner is that it’s affordable compared to most leather cleaners, so it’s a great option for those on a budget.
Additionally, you can find it in your local grocery store and it hardly runs out of stock.
6. It is not toxic
Baking soda is not toxic and does not contain harmful chemicals like chlorine and phosphates that are usually present in leather cleaners.
Actually, most leather cleaners are considered bad for the environment due to the presence of phosphates.
Baking soda on the other hand is a totally natural substance that occurs in mineral form. In fact, it has been used as a leavening agent in baking for centuries and for other practical applications at home.
How to clean leather with baking soda
Do you have a leather couch that could use a little TLC?
Before you go out and buy a pricey leather cleaning product, follow these simple steps to get your couch clean using baking soda instead.
Step 1: Vacuum the sofa
The first step is to vacuum the seat to remove any dirt and debris. Use the attachments to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 2: Mix baking soda with water
Mix ½ a cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of water to form a thick paste.
Step 3: Apply the paste to the leather sofa
Apply the paste to the couch using a soft cloth while rubbing in circular motions. Then let it sit for about 15 minutes
Step 4: Wipe the paste
After 15 minutes, wipe off the paste from the couch using a soft damp cloth.
Step 5: Buff the sofa
Finally, buff the leather dry with a soft, clean cloth; preferably a microfiber cloth.
In cases of tough stains and odors, you may need to repeat this process several times.
FAQs about using cleaning a leather sofa with baking soda
Will baking soda damage or ruin leather?
Baking soda is generally safe to use on leather but it can cause damage or ruin leather if it is not applied evenly or if too much pressure is applied during cleaning.
How long to leave baking soda on the leather couch?
Since baking soda is abrasive, you should not leave it on for an extended period. Leave the baking soda for about 10 to 15 minutes so that it can absorb the smell and then clean it off using a soft-bristled brush or a soft damp and clean cloth.
Can you use baking soda on the leather couch for smell?
Yes, baking soda can be used on a leather couch to eliminate unwanted odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the couch, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and then remove it using a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment.
Will baking soda whiten leather?
Baking soda can help to remove some stains from leather, but it’s not a guaranteed method for whitening leather. The effectiveness of baking soda on leather depends on various factors such as the type of leather, the nature of the stain, and how old the stain is.
Does baking soda stain a leather couch?
Baking soda, when used in moderation and properly cleaned off, should not stain a leather couch. However, if left on for too long or not fully removed, baking soda can potentially leave a white residue or discoloration on the leather surface.
Conclusion
In our previous article, we talked about using dove soap to clean leather and I’m sure you’ve also heard a lot about the effectiveness of baking soda.
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that’s gentle on various surfaces. Thus, you can also use it on your leather couch without worrying about damaging the furniture.
Actually, it’s a simple and affordable way to get rid of built-up grime and oils on leather surfaces around your home.
All you need to do to clean your couch is simply make a paste with baking soda and water, and use a soft cloth to rub it into the leather in a circular motion. Once the entire sofa is covered, let the paste sit for 15 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. Finally, buff it dry with a clean towel.
As you already know, remember to test the baking soda on an inconspicuous area of the couch first to make sure it doesn’t damage the leather.
