Nappa leather is a type of soft, delicate leather that is often used in the manufacturing of high-end furniture and clothing.
If you own something made with Nappa leather, it’s important to know what you can use to clean it and how to clean it properly so that it retains its luxurious look and feel.
House Hold Items You Can Clean Nappa Leather With
There are a lot of household items you can use to clean Nappa leather, but we’ll focus on the ones that are most likely to be in your home.
1. Mild Dish Soap
One of the most common items you can use to clean Nappa leather is mild dish soap. Mild dish soap is effective at removing dirt and grime from the Nappa leather, and it won’t damage the surface as some harsher cleaning products can.
Just make sure you dilute the soap in water before applying it to the Nappa leather, and be gentle when scrubbing.
Be careful not to get the soap on any of the stitching or hardware as it could cause them to rust. To clean Nappa leather with dish soap;
Step 1:
- Simply mix a small amount of the soap into a bowl of warm water.
Step 2:
- Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring out any excess liquid before wiping down the Nappa leather.
Step 3:
- Be sure to clean in the direction of the Nappa leather’s grain.
- Repeat as necessary.
Step 4:
- Once the Nappa leather is clean, use a damp clean cloth to clean soap residue.
- Use a dry clean cloth to remove any excess moisture from the leather surface.
Step 5:
- Once you have thoroughly cleaned the soap residue, apply a leather conditioner to the Nappa leather surface and use a dry clean cloth to buff the Nappa leather to remove any excess conditioner or residue.
2. White Vinegar
The next item you can use to clean Nappa leather is white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural cleaner and disinfectant, so it’s great for removing tough stains and dirt from the Nappa leather.
This is because white vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down the dirt and grime on the surface of the Nappa leather.
Just make sure you test a small area of the Nappa leather with white vinegar before applying it to the entire surface, as some Nappa leather will react differently. To clean Nappa leather with white vinegar;
Step 1:
- Mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
Step 2:
- Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wring out any excess.
- Wipe the leather in a circular motion until it is clean.
- Make sure to avoid getting the mixture on any of the other materials nearby, as it could cause damage.
- Continue to rub the mixture on the Nappa leather until you’re satisfied with the results.
Step 3:
- Once you have removes all of the stains from the surface of your Nappa leather, use a damp cloth to remove any of the cleaning mixtures that may have been left behind.
- Follow up with a dry clean cloth to make sure the leather is completely dry.
Step 4:
- Apply your regular leather conditioner to the surface of the Nappa leather.
- Leather conditioner will help to protect the leather from future staining and keep it looking new.
- Make sure to read the instructions on your particular brand of conditioner, as each one is different.
If there are any tough stains or dirt that won’t come off with the mixture, you can try using a toothbrush to scrub at them. Be very careful not to damage the leather while doing this.
3. Baking Soda
Another item you can use to clean Nappa leather is baking soda. Baking soda is a natural abrasive, so it’s great for removing tough dirt and stains from the surface of the Nappa leather.
Baking soda is also a great deodorizer, so it can help get rid of any unpleasant smells that may be lingering on your Nappa leather.
The best part is that Nappa leather is a natural material, so it won’t be harmed by baking soda. Baking soda is perfect for removing tough stains and smells from your Nappa leather.
Just make sure you test a small area of the Nappa leather before applying it to the entire surface. To clean Nappa leather with baking soda;
Step 1:
- Sprinkle some baking soda on the surface of the Nappa leather. where the stain or smell is and lets it sit on the surface of the leather overnight.
Step 2:
- Use a dry cloth or brush to brush aside the baking soda to see if the stain is gone.
- If the stain is not gone, brush it over the stain again and leave it on for another night.
- If the stain is still there, you can also try mixing baking soda and some water into a paste and apply it to the surface of the stain overnight.
Step 3:
- Once the stain or dirt is gone, use a vacuum cleaner, a damp clean cloth, or a brush to remove the baking soda residue from the surface of the Nappa leather.
- If you used the baking soda paste, you can use a scraper or any blunt tool to scrape off the residue and then use a vacuum cleaning or brush to remove the baking soda residue.
Step 4:
- Once all of the residues is gone, use a damp cloth to wipe the entire surface of the Nappa leather and then dry it with a clean cloth.
Step 5:
- Apply your leather conditioner and leave the leather to air-dry.
Products You Can Clean Nappa Leather With
Apart from the household items you can use to clean Nappa leather, there are also specific products that you can purchase to help clean and protect your Nappa leather. Some of these products include:
1. Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
This product is great for cleaning and conditioning all types of leather, including Nappa leather.
It comes with a spray bottle and a cloth, so it’s easy to use. You just need to spray the leather cleaner onto the surface of the Nappa leather and then wipe it off with the cloth.
The conditioner will help protect your Nappa leather from future staining and keep it looking new.
You can find the Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner on Amazon and at most auto stores or other online stores.
2. Leather Honey Leather Cleaner
The Leather Honey leather cleaner is a great all-natural product that can be used to clean Nappa leather. Leather Honey is one of the most common leather cleaners on the market and has been around for over 50 years.
It comes in a liquid form and you just need to apply it to a cloth and then wipe the leather surface. It is not only effective but it is very gentle and will not cause any damage to the surface of your Nappa leather.
Leather Honey is available on Amazon and other online stores. You can also find a Leather Honey kit that includes the cleaner, conditioner, and sponge.
3. Meguiar’s Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioning Spray
This is a two-in-one product that not only cleans the leather but also conditions it. The Meguiar’s Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioning Spray is available at most auto stores or online stores.
Just spray it onto the surface of the Nappa leather and wipe it off with a clean cloth. It’s that easy! This product will help protect your Nappa leather from future staining and keep it looking new.
4. Leatherique
Leatherique is a cleaner that you can use to clean your Nappa leather. It is designed to remove dirt, oil, and other contaminants from the surface of the leather. It also helps to restore the natural oils that are lost over time. You can purchase it online or at some automotive stores.
To use it, you just need to wet a cloth with the Leatherique cleaner and then wipe the surface of the leather. It is safe to use on all types of leather, including Nappa leather.
After using Leatherique, your Nappa leather will look new again and will be protected from future staining.
5. Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner is another two-in-one product that is designed to clean and condition leather.
It is safe to use on Nappa leather and comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle. Just like the other products, it is also pH balanced and contains no harsh chemicals.
After using Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, your Nappa leather will look and feel softer. It will also be protected from future dirt, dust, and stains. Weiman Leather Cleaner and Conditioner is available on Amazon.
6. Lexol Leather Cleaner
Lexol Leather Cleaner is a pH-balanced cleaner that is safe to use on all types of leather, including Nappa leather.
It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle and Lexol recommends using it every six months to keep your leather looking new.
After using Lexol Leather Cleaner, your Nappa leather will feel soft and smooth to the touch.
Non-Chemical Product You Can Clean Nappa Leather With
If you’re very sensitive to chemicals and you do not want to use any of the products listed above, you can try a non-chemical product to clean your Nappa leather.
1. Steam Cleaner
You can use a steam cleaner to clean the surface of your Nappa leather. A steam clean does not need any chemicals to use. All you need is clean distilled water and a steam cleaner.
Start by filling up your steam cleaner with water and turning on the heat. Then, hold the steam cleaner over the surface of the leather and use it to clean the dirt and dust.
Be sure to keep the steam cleaner moving so that you don’t cause any damage to the leather. After cleaning, allow the Nappa leather to dry completely before using a conditioner.
2. Warm Water
If you do not have a steam cleaner, you can also use warm water to clean your Nappa leather. Just soak a cloth in the warm water and then wipe down the surface of the leather.
Be sure to wring out the excess water before using it so that you don’t damage the leather. After cleaning, allow the Nappa leather to dry completely before using a conditioner.
