Gentle, Effective Way to Clean Leather with Baby Shampoo

You may think you have to take leather clothing (real or faux) to a leather care expert or buy a lot of expensive leather products. But that’s not necessarily true. Most spot leather cleaning can be done at home with a product you may already have on hand.

Big cleaning jobs may still require the help of a leather care expert. Some heavy-duty stains may not come out from the method we’re talking about here. The sooner you clean after a spill, the better your chances of getting it out yourself – especially with leather furniture.

In the case of leather furniture pieces, it’s especially helpful to know how to take care of small stains and areas that collect hand oil, such as arms of chairs and sofas. For leather jackets, shoes, bags, etc., they collect dirt from outdoor pollutants as well as from your skin.

Different Types of Leather

Before you start cleaning, it’s a good idea to know what kind of leather you’re dealing with. There are several types, and each one may need slightly different care.

Top-Grain Leather: This is the most common type used in jackets and furniture. It’s durable and can handle gentle cleaning methods like one I’m going to show you here.
Full-Grain Leather: This is the highest quality leather and ages beautifully. It’s a bit tougher but still responds well to gentle cleaning and conditioning.
Suede and Nubuck: These have a soft, fuzzy surface and require special care. Avoid water and soap on these; instead, use a suede brush or cleaner made for suede.
Faux Leather: Made from synthetic materials, faux leather can usually be cleaned with mild soap and water, similar to real leather, but always test a small spot first.

Knowing what you have helps you avoid damage and get the best results.

My Favorite Way to Clean Leather

Here you see the collar of a leather jacket I’ve worn every winter for many years.

The collar goes against my neck and gets my natural oils, plus hair products and moisturizer on it. That leaves a nasty whitish film which was actually sticky to the touch. I know – gross, right?

And here’s a closeup of a shoulder with a similar white film from hair products:

Now, there are a lot of theories about how to clean leather (and faux leather), and most of them involve not getting the leather wet. They also talk about how delicate leather is, as if it’s not famous for holding up to decades of wear and tear.

But leather jackets get rained on all the time. As do leather shoes, purses, etc. It may not stand up well to being soaked for long periods, but it can definitely handle getting wet, especially if you dry it quickly.

I think it’s much more important to make sure you use a gentle solvent and make sure it’s fully removed than to worry about a little bit of water. If you’re concerned about water, use a leather conditioner to make it more waterproof. This affordable leather product will last for years.

So this is the way I’ve cleaned this jacket for years, and it works for me, and the jacket looks like new when I’m done. This method is also great for cleaning spills or dirt on leather furniture, purses, shoes, etc.

How to Clean Leather with Baby Shampoo

Put a teaspoon of baby shampoo into a cup of water and stir it up to make bubbles.
Take a cloth and dip it into the diluted baby shampoo mixture just enough to get it damp. Scrub the dirty area – I use circular motions and not a lot of pressure.
Take another cloth which is barely damp, and quickly buff over the areas where you used soap.
Take a towel, and quickly buff over the same area to remove some of the dampness.
Let it dry somewhere inside your home – not out in the sun.
Once it’s thoroughly dry – and leaving it overnight is preferable – you can apply leather conditioner if you want to use it.

Shoulder of leather jacket after cleaning

It’s that simple. And for really small spots that haven’t really ground into the leather, you can often just use a dry cloth. You don’t need to buy a lot of leather products or take every item of clothing to a leather cleaner.

Why Choose Baby Shampoo?

You might wonder why baby shampoo works so well on leather. Baby shampoo is very gentle and designed to clean without stripping natural oils or causing irritation.

Leather needs those oils to stay soft and flexible. Harsh detergents or household cleaners can dry out leather, causing cracks and stiffness over time. Using baby shampoo diluted with water creates a mild cleaning solution that removes dirt and oils without damaging the leather’s surface.

Plus, it’s easy to find and affordable, and you may already have it at home. It’s a great choice for regular maintenance.

How Often Should You Clean Leather?

Leather doesn’t need to be cleaned every day. Over-cleaning can strip away natural oils and cause damage. Here are some guidelines:

Light cleaning: Every 3-6 months for items like jackets and bags.
Spot cleaning: As soon as you notice stains or dirt buildup.
Leather furniture: Wipe down monthly to remove dust and oils, with deeper cleaning every 6 months.
Conditioning: At least twice a year or whenever the leather starts to feel dry.

What About Leather Conditioner?

Conditioners help replace oils lost during cleaning or through regular wear. They keep leather soft, supple, and less likely to crack. After your leather item is clean and completely dry, apply conditioner sparingly using a soft cloth.

Some tips for using conditioner:

Use products specifically made for leather.
Test on a small hidden area first to check for color changes.
Follow the instructions on the product label.
Don’t over-condition; too much can leave a sticky residue.

Applying conditioner regularly is especially important for leather items exposed to sun, heat, or dry air.

Handling Tough Stains

Sometimes, stains are stubborn and won’t come out with gentle cleaning. Here are some ideas for specific types of stains.

But keep in mind, for really tough stains, it’s often best to contact a professional leather cleaner rather than risk damaging it with a home cleaning method.

Ink stains: Dab (don’t rub) with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Test first in an inconspicuous spot.
Oil or grease: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain to absorb oil. Let it sit overnight, then brush off gently.
Water stains: Wipe the whole area with a damp cloth to even out the moisture, then let dry naturally.
Salt stains (common in winter): Use a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, dampen a cloth, and wipe the stain carefully.

Storing Leather Items Properly

Taking care of your leather isn’t just about cleaning – it’s also about storing it right. Good storage helps leather stay in better shape over time.

Keep leather away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying.
Store jackets on wide wooden hangers to maintain shape.
Avoid plastic bags; use breathable fabric covers instead.
For shoes or bags, stuff them with acid-free paper to hold their shape.
Keep items in cool, dry places to prevent mold and mildew.

Quick Tips for Everyday Care

Here are some easy habits that make a big difference:

Wipe down leather items regularly with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust.
Avoid placing leather near heat sources like radiators or fireplaces.
If you get caught in the rain, pat your leather dry immediately with a soft towel.
Don’t use harsh chemicals or household cleaners – stick to mild soap or products made for leather.
Rotate wearing leather shoes or jackets so they have time to air out between uses.

These simple steps keep your leather looking fresh without much effort.

When to Call a Professional

While many stains and dirt spots can be handled at home, sometimes it’s smart to get expert help:

Large stains covering significant areas.
Mold or mildew growth.
Tears or deep scratches needing repair.
Strong odors that don’t go away with cleaning.

Professional cleaners have special tools and products designed for tough jobs. Using their services when needed can save your item from permanent damage.