Care · Leather
Removing a stain from a leather sofa: protected or open leather?
With a stain on leather, one question decides almost everything: is your leather protected or open? Protected leather — pigmented and semi-aniline — forgives a great deal; here you can usually do something yourself. Open leather — aniline, nubuck, suede, wax and bridle — absorbs quickly, and often irreversibly.
Not sure which leather you have? Read Caring for a leather sofa first — that is where you recognise the type. And remember: with open, natural leather a little ‘life’ — a light mark, some patina — is often valued rather than regretted. If you expect flawless and spotless, choose protected leather deliberately.
The basics
Always, with every stain
- Blot dry first with a clean, lightly absorbent cloth. Never scrub or wipe.
- Never rub — that works the stain into the top layer.
- No home remedies, no aggressive products, no alcohol.
- Test every cleaning product on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Let it dry naturally — no hairdryer.
- Cold water only for blood, and only on protected leather.
Stain by stain
What to do, and what to leave
Soft drinks, coffee & tea
Protected Blot at once; if needed go over it with a lightly damp cloth and lukewarm water — not too wet.
Open leather Blot gently only; avoid saturating with water. If a mark remains: professional advice.
Red wine & juice
All types Blot dry immediately — do not scrub, do not wipe.
Protected Then a suitable leather cleaner.
Open leather Better treated professionally; accept that some patina may remain.
Grease, oil & butter
All types Do not wet it. Carefully lift away any excess.
Open leather It can soak in; there is unfortunately little to be done about that. No home remedies.
Ink & ballpoint
All types No alcohol or loose solvent. Use a specialist ink remover suited to your leather type as soon as possible — and test it first. This is exacting work.
Food & chocolate
All types Remove the remains carefully with a spoon or a blunt knife.
Protected Follow with a good leather cleaner.
Open leather Hold back; when in doubt, professional advice.
Blood
Protected Blot as quickly as possible with cold water — never warm or hot.
Open leather Blot gently only, then professional advice.
Mud & general dirt
All types Let it dry completely, then brush gently away.
Protected Afterwards, wipe with a damp cloth if needed.
Chewing gum & candle wax
All types Do not pull it off and do not heat it. Let it harden and then remove it very carefully. Follow with a little leather cleaner or a thin wax if needed.
Craftsmanship
When to call us — or a specialist — in
With open leathers (aniline, nubuck, suede, wax, bridle) a stain quickly becomes a question for a craftsman: acting wrongly usually cannot be undone. A stubborn stain on protected leather, or a much-loved piece ready for repair, you are equally welcome to put to us. We look with knowledge of the material — and say honestly when restraint gives the finest result.
Care rather than stains? See Caring for a leather sofa.
Back to Furniture care and stains — the overview of all guides.