Inexpensive and Effective Homemade Leather Cleaner Recipe (2024)

Modified: Jun 10, 2015 by Vanessa Goodpaster-Beaty · This post may contain affiliate links · 27 Comments

If you have leather furniture you probably already know how difficult it can be to keep it clean and shining. While there are many leather cleaners and wipes on the market to help you, these can get pretty expensive, particularly if you have a lot of leather to clean.

There is a great homemade recipe for leather cleaner that not only cleans but also conditions your leather to keep it healthier. This is a great recipe for those of you who use wood heat or have forced heat air in your homes and it works really well on leather car seats and even those great leather jackets that you have hanging in the closet.

The recipe is simple. You just need:

¼ cup of olive oil
½ cup of regular vinegar
A spray bottle

Just mix the two ingredients together in your spray bottle and shake it well. Now you just have to spray the leather down and wipe it clean with a cotton cloth. Note that you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or your favorite essential oil if you want to give it a better smell than vinegar although the vinegar smell really doesn’t last long.

Please note that this recipe is perfectly safe for regular leather but is it not designed to be used on suede.

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Comments

Nicole
August 31, 2015 at 12:20 am
eorks very well. Added eucalyptus oil and made the house smell awesome. I also used this on my wood floors and it worked well for that too!
Reply
- Richell Herman
  April 18, 2019 at 3:45 pm
  Let me guess, the overspray got on your floor. Yup me too!
  Reply
Laurie
September 20, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Didn't clean it but made it nice and soft.
Reply
Nora Ryan
September 23, 2015 at 9:17 am
I'm so happy I landed on your website! I like making my own cleaning products! But there is something I like more... I like my homemade products to be effective as well as commercial products are!!! And thanks to you I brought a life to my old leather coach! Thank you so much for sharing! Keep the great work!
Reply
Deb
October 05, 2015 at 5:06 pm
Can I substitute coconut oil for olive?
Reply
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Frank
October 29, 2015 at 5:25 pm
I really appreciate knowinjackets of You have saved my Leather jackets of which I have spent a colossal amount with the dry clear outlets.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Reply
Frank
October 29, 2015 at 5:36 pm
I really appreciate knowing You for you have saved my Leather jackets of which I have spent a colossal amount with the dry clear outlets.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Reply
beverly
November 21, 2015 at 12:46 pm
A word of caution;
The self-proclaimed leather-restoration experts over at Fibrenew argue that you're headed for disaster if you do. Sir Fibrenew, the Fibrenew mascot, explains:
Although leather does indeed become a little suppler after applying olive oil, this instant gratification comes with a price. Olive oil, and every oily substance for that matter, will not "nourish" your leather, but actually accelerate its deterioration. Leather is extremely permeable, and will soak up any oils you put on it. When oil first saturates leather, it seeps to the back-to the part you can't see. Eventually, the oil ends up spreading throughout the leather and naturally resurfaces. Once this happens, your leather will have unsightly oil spots.
Reply
- pEG
  January 15, 2016 at 11:05 pm
  So what is the alternative to this?
  Reply
  - Anonymous
    May 25, 2016 at 4:07 am
    Bee wax is best for nourishing leather
    Reply
    - Paula
      October 03, 2018 at 2:11 am
      How do you make it?
      I have the pellets?
      Thanks!
      Reply
    - Elle Buckle
      February 24, 2020 at 12:51 am
      I have used beeswax on my leather furniture for over 30yrs now.
      I have replaced the the rubber cushion twice, having them custom cut to fit and using quality inserts. The two lounge suites and chairs have seen a family of 4 , 8 grandchildren and visitors without a mark or damage (luckily). A wash over any spills with warm soapy water has proven to remove wine, soft drinks and ice cream.
      Reply
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- Brandi
  February 05, 2016 at 3:21 am
  So then what do they suggest that is all natural?
  Reply
LASH
December 02, 2015 at 2:36 pm
How about cooking oil? It will be able to use it?
Reply
ZEKA
December 21, 2015 at 2:47 pm
How about mineral oil? Like using it on wood and will not turn ranside. (Smell and spoil)
Reply
Chris
February 21, 2016 at 2:56 pm
How long can I keep the mix stored ?
Reply
boomdog02
June 23, 2016 at 2:39 pm
It's a good base for a nice vinaigrette!
Reply
Shadykay
April 22, 2017 at 7:10 pm
My new blue jeans bled onto my beige leather car seats. This worked a charm on the seats. It removed the blue better than I expected. I hope it's not true about eventually ruining and staining the leather.
Reply
susan jassim
May 17, 2017 at 9:52 pm
i use petroleum jelly to condition my leather but i've got a purse made of crocodile skin which has become very dirty it's ingrained. Does anyone know what i can use to clean ingrained dirt? thank you, Sue
Reply
- Roky
  September 20, 2019 at 12:17 am
  I use good quality pre moistened make up remover wipes for all my leather goods. I spent my 25+ year career in high end speciality retail. I was very fortunate to work for a retailer who offered a generous employee discount, a major purchase house account card, and who also awarded and rewarded employees with additional discounts that could be combined ( even with sale merchandise). Needless to say, I have a large collection of leather goods. As a retailer, we sent out all leather goods to a very well known, long time established, and respected Chicago family business who specialized in cleaning and repairing high end leather goods. I never felt when I picked up ( especially ) my limited edition Dior bags and wallets which are of which are made out of very delicate finely grained buttery textured calf skin, that they looked much better than when I dropped them off for cleaning. One evening over 20 years ago, I was hurriedly getting ready for a dinner date in the car when I dropped a wet mascara wand that rolled over my cheek, landed on my jeans then continued to roll over my Dior bag, my leather car seat, then finished it's journey on my tan car mat. Panicked, I used a makeup wipe on my face first, then out of desperation , I was shocked that the wipe removed the makeup from my jeans, the leather car seat.. And my bag. I loved the shine and the way my bag looked after using the wipe. I then tried a wipe on my wallet - looked amazing and got off some black tar like goo that remained despite the $30 I just dished out to have cleaned. I shares my discovery with colleagues at work and also with the folks who own the leather repair and cleaning business. Everyone was shocked at not just the dirt and ick that the wipes removed, but more than anything the appearance, and feel of the leather item after using the wipe. I recommend the regular or nighttime neutrogena wipes or the regular or nighttime WALMART house brand wipes over all others I have tried.
  Reply
Rudy
June 08, 2017 at 2:41 pm
I have tried your formula it does not work,should I increase the vinegar
Reply
Rudy
June 08, 2017 at 2:44 pm
It doesn't work for my leather car seats or my wife's purse should I increase the vinaiger.
Reply
Sol Man
January 07, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Is balsamic or white wine vinegar from Modena better?
Reply
Anonymous
November 06, 2018 at 1:59 pm
For household use I just keep a gallon jug of white distilled vinegar for laundry and cleaning. Cheap, non staining and environmentally friendly. Save the nice stuff for cooking and consumption.
Reply
Anonymous
November 06, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Please don't use vinegar on handbags. I ruined a gorgeous designer handbag when the vinegar etched the hardware finish right off.
Reply
Anonymous
April 15, 2021 at 6:40 am
Thanks for the info I have been paying ridiculous prices for spray leather cleaner. I guess your simple recipe is why they don’t try to make a generic to compete, but who knows? For a good price you just be the next billionaire! Good Luck!
Reply

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[…] can buy leather cleaning solutions in your local automotive goods store. Better yet, you can make one yourself at home. If you’re only doing a superficial cleaning, simple house cleaning products or vinegar can get […]
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FAQs

Inexpensive and Effective Homemade Leather Cleaner Recipe? ›

Oil + Vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz on the stain, let sit for five minutes and wipe. Whatever you do, avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners as they can damage the leather.

Read On ›

What is the best homemade leather cleaner? ›

White vinegar and olive oil are the two ingredients that can be used to clean leather furniture. All you need to do is to dab the vinegar directly on the affected area. It works better to remove deep-soiled areas.

Get More Info ›

How do you clean leather cheaply? ›

The fastest and one of the best ways to clean leather is also the cheapest, or free for many. Use a very nice cloth, ideally a high quality microfiber cloth and water with a little Dove soap.

Learn More ›

What household products can you clean leather with? ›

The easiest homemade leather cleaner can be made from two natural ingredients: equal parts white vinegar and warm water. If you have a stubborn stain, blotting a mixture of water and mild dish soap can help. (Don't aggressively scrub a stain though—that could damage the leather.)

Learn More Now ›

What can I use instead of leather cleaner? ›

Mild soap and water.

If you can, use saddle soap to give your leather a deeper clean. But if you can't get your hands on it, dilute mild unscented hand soap or dish soap in water as a replacement. You can then dampen a washcloth with the soapy solution to gently remove stains.

Get More Info Here ›

What is a homemade leather cleaner solution? ›

An excellent home remedy for cleaning leather car seats is a solution made of a quarter cup of olive oil and half a cup of distilled white vinegar. No water base is needed for this concoction; just pour the two ingredients into a spray bottle and mix them together by shaking the bottle thoroughly.

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Is Dawn dish soap good for leather? ›

If the stain persists, try blotting with a towel dipped in a mixture of water and a mild dish soap (like Palmolive or Dawn). Be sure to blot gently; scrubbing rigorously can cause permanent damage to the leather. When you're done, thoroughly dry the spot with a fresh cloth.

Know More ›

How do you clean old dirty leather? ›

1. How to Clean DIRTY Leather? General DIRT and FILTH

With distilled water, rub it down with a soft cloth. Spray inside and outside evenly and then let it dry.
Maybe a dab of baby shampoo. Baby shampoo is gentle and nicely PH balanced. ...
Condition with Chamberlain's Leather Milk Conditioner to restore the moisture.

What's the best oil to use on leather? ›

Out of all the leather oils we sampled, mink oil showed the best result, removing surface scratches and subtly darkening the tone of the leather for a uniform finish. In addition, mink oil is a natural leather softener, provides temporary waterproof resistance and improves flexibility by lubricating cracked fibres.

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How do you clean untreated leather? ›

Wipe unfinished leather with a soft cloth or dry soft- brush only. IF you must use a leather cleaner, clean the entire piece seam to seam and accept that it may darken a shade even after it's dry. One of the best things about unfinished leather furniture is the patina that it develops over time.

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What is the best cleaner for old leather? ›

Methylated spirits is a common cleaner used to restore antique leather. Saddle soap or a cellulose-based cleaner like Cellugel can help you clean your old leather books without damaging them. For leather jackets and handbags, a solution of mild dish soap and water or leather wipes will work.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the best household item to clean a leather sofa? ›

If you prefer to use a homemade product, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a small bucket. Apply with a clean cloth. The cloth must be damp, not soaking wet. Wipe down all areas of your leather sofa, but focus on the spots, that are most soiled.

Is olive oil good for leather? ›

While olive oil softens leather and promotes supplety, its use engenders an array of problems. Firstly, olive oil is known to resurface and stain leather after it has been applied and left to dry. This leads to unsightly spots and blemishes that will ruin the appearance of any leather product.

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Is apple cider vinegar good for cleaning leather? ›

One of the most common and most effective options is plain old white or apple cider vinegar. We recommend using white vinegar for light-colored leather, and apple cider vinegar for dark leather. You'll want to dilute the vinegar with water, using a 1 to 4 ratio of vinegar to water.

Can you use Murphy's oil soap on leather? ›