Fabric & Leather Cleaners

Fabric and Leather Cleaners for Upholstery Care

Shop fabric and leather cleaners for upholstered furniture, vehicle interiors, restoration work and routine maintenance. Livedale supplies fabric care kits, upholstery stain removers, leather cleaning foam, leather protection cream, conditioning products and leather recolouring balm for professional upholsterers, furniture retailers, automotive trimmers and domestic customers.

Fabric and leather require different cleaning and care methods. A cleaner intended for woven upholstery should not automatically be used on leather, while a leather cream or recolouring product may be unsuitable for fabric, suede, nubuck, vinyl or artificial leather.

Before applying any cleaner or treatment, identify the upholstery material and check the individual product instructions. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area and allow the test section to dry fully before treating the complete item.

Shop Fabric and Leather Care Products

The category contains three principal product groups:

• Fabric cleaning and stain-removal kits
• Leather cleaners and care kits
• Leather conditioning and colour-restoration products

There are no further subcategories beneath this page, so these sections organise the available products by their intended purpose.

Fabric Cleaning and Stain-Removal Kits

The Fabric Care Kit provides a selection of products for cleaning and treating suitable upholstery fabrics.

The current kit includes:

• Mild fabric foam cleaner
• Fresh stain remover
• Grease and oil stain remover
• Old and resistant stain remover
• Fabric deodoriser
• Microfibre cloth
• Cotton cloth
• Cleaning sponges

Using separate products for general cleaning and different stain types is more sensible than expecting one aggressive cleaner to solve every upholstery problem.

Fresh water-based marks, oily contamination and older dried stains can behave differently and may require different treatments.

Mild Fabric Foam Cleaner

A mild foaming cleaner can be used for general cleaning on compatible upholstery fabrics.

The foam helps place the cleaning product onto the surface without immediately saturating the material with large quantities of liquid.

Before cleaning:

• Vacuum loose dust and debris
• Check the furniture manufacturer’s care instructions
• Identify the fabric where possible
• Test for colourfastness
• Test on a concealed section
• Avoid excessive wetting
• Work gently
• Remove residue as directed
• Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly

Do not assume that a mild cleaner is suitable for every textile.

Velvet, silk, viscose, brushed fabrics, unstable dyes and specialist performance materials may require different cleaning methods or professional treatment.

Fresh Stain Remover

Fresh stains are generally easier to treat before they dry or spread deeply into the fabric.

Blot liquid spills using a clean absorbent cloth rather than rubbing them further into the upholstery.

Work from the outside edge of the mark towards the centre to reduce unnecessary spreading.

Do not scrub aggressively. Vigorous rubbing can:

• Distort the fabric surface
• Damage the pile
• Spread the contamination
• Remove colour
• Create a permanently lighter patch
• Push the stain deeper into the upholstery

Apply the stain remover according to its instructions and allow enough time to judge the result before repeating the treatment.

Grease and Oil Stain Remover

Grease, body oils, food oils and other oily marks can require a different treatment from water-based spills.

Before applying a grease or oil stain remover, remove any loose or solid contamination carefully without spreading it across the fabric.

Test the cleaner thoroughly because solvent-based or specialist stain treatments can affect:

• Colour
• Printed patterns
• Fabric backing
• Surface treatments
• Pile direction
• Adhesives beneath the covering
• The feel of the textile

Avoid flooding the area. Cleaner and dissolved grease can spread beyond the original mark and create a wider ring if too much product is applied.

Old and Resistant Stain Remover

An older stain may have dried, oxidised, bonded with the fibres or previously been treated with another product.

This can make removal less predictable.

A resistant-stain treatment may reduce or remove a suitable mark, but no responsible category page should promise that every old stain will disappear completely.

The result depends on:

• Type of contamination
• Fabric fibre
• Dye stability
• Length of time the stain has been present
• Previous cleaning attempts
• Heat exposure
• Existing fabric treatments
• Whether the contamination has reached the filling beneath

Repeated aggressive treatment can cause more visible damage than the original mark.

Where a stain does not respond after careful testing and treatment, specialist upholstery cleaning or professional assessment may be the safer option.

Fabric Deodoriser

A fabric deodoriser can help reduce suitable unwanted odours within compatible upholstery textiles.

It should not be used as a substitute for identifying and correcting the source of the smell.

Persistent odours may come from:

• Spilled food or drink
• Pet contamination
• Smoke
• Damp
• Mould
• Body oils
• Contaminated cushion fillings
• Material trapped beneath the furniture
• Previous cleaning products

Where contamination has passed through the cover and into foam, fibre or feather, treating the visible fabric alone may not resolve the problem.

The filling may require separate cleaning, replacement or professional treatment.

Cleaning Upholstery Fabric Safely

Before treating a sofa, chair or cushion, inspect the complete item.

Check for:

• Loose seams
• Worn fabric
• Fading
• Existing water marks
• Unstable colour
• Damaged pile
• Previous repairs
• Removable covers
• Cleaning labels
• Feather, fibre or foam interiors
• Electrical or mechanical furniture components

A cleaner cannot distinguish between dirt and loose dye. Testing is therefore essential.

Use a clean white cloth where possible. This makes it easier to see whether colour is transferring from the upholstery.

If significant colour transfers during the test, stop and reconsider the cleaning method.

Avoiding Water Marks and Cleaning Rings

Spot cleaning one small section can occasionally leave a visible boundary between the cleaned and uncleaned fabric.

Where the material and product instructions allow it, treating the complete defined panel may create a more even result than cleaning only the centre of the mark.

A defined panel could be:

• One cushion face
• One chair arm
• One outside back
• One seat section
• A complete door-card insert

Do not automatically clean the entire piece of furniture merely because one small mark is present. The extent of treatment should depend on the fabric, contamination and tested result.

Avoiding Excessive Wetting

Upholstered furniture contains more than the visible outer cover.

Too much liquid can pass through the fabric and into:

• Foam cushions
• Polyester wadding
• Fibre interiors
• Feather fillings
• Hessian
• Timber
• Metal springs
• Adhesive-bonded components

Excess moisture can increase drying time and may contribute to odours, staining, corrosion or deterioration of the internal upholstery.

Use the minimum amount of cleaner required and provide suitable ventilation while the furniture dries.

Do not use the furniture until the treated section is completely dry.

Leather Cleaning Products

The category includes individual leather-cleaning products and a complete care kit.

The current range contains:

• Tableau Foam Leather Cleaner
• Leather Care Kit

Leather varies considerably in its surface finish and cleaning requirements.

A product suitable for protected or finished leather may not be suitable for:

• Suede
• Nubuck
• Aniline leather
• Unfinished leather
• Artificial leather
• Vinyl
• Bonded or coated materials
• Cracked or peeling surfaces

Where the leather type is unknown, check the furniture manufacturer’s information or obtain specialist advice before applying a cleaner.

Tableau Foam Leather Cleaner

Tableau Foam Leather Cleaner is a creamy cleaning foam intended to lift dirt and grime from suitable leather and hide.

Potential applications include compatible:

• Leather sofas
• Leather chairs
• Furniture upholstery
• Vehicle seats
• Car interiors
• Luggage
• Handbags
• Shoes

The foam is intended to work into the grain of the leather, but it should still be applied carefully and tested before treating the full surface.

Begin by removing loose dust with a soft cloth or suitable vacuum attachment.

Apply the cleaner using the method stated on the product. Avoid pouring or spraying excessive product directly into seams, perforations or damaged areas.

Work on manageable sections and use a clean cloth so lifted dirt is removed rather than spread around the furniture.

Allow the leather to dry naturally away from excessive heat.

Leather Care Kit

The Leather Care Kit combines a soft leather cleaner with protection cream and disposable application cloths.

Using products designed to form one care system can reduce the risk of combining unrelated cleaners and conditioners.

A typical process is:

1. Remove loose dust and debris.
2. Test the cleaner on a concealed area.
3. Clean the surface in controlled sections.
4. Remove loosened dirt.
5. Allow the leather to dry.
6. Apply the protection cream as instructed.
7. Allow the treatment to settle before use.

Follow the instructions supplied with the kit rather than treating this sequence as a universal method for every leather type.

The kit should not be used on suede, nubuck or another specialist leather unless its instructions specifically confirm suitability.

Identifying Leather Before Cleaning

Understanding the material helps prevent expensive mistakes.

Protected or Pigmented Leather

Protected leather generally has a pigmented surface coating that provides colour and a degree of resistance to staining and wear.

It is commonly used on sofas, chairs and vehicle interiors.

Suitable leather cleaners and protection creams are often intended for this type of finished leather, but product compatibility should still be confirmed.

Aniline and Semi-Aniline Leather

Aniline leather has a more natural and absorbent surface, while semi-aniline leather has a lighter protective treatment.

These leathers may show natural markings and can absorb moisture or cleaning products more readily than heavily protected leather.

General leather cleaners can darken, mark or alter them if used incorrectly.

Where the material is identified as aniline or semi-aniline, follow the furniture manufacturer’s care guidance or use a specialist product intended for that leather.

Suede and Nubuck

Suede and nubuck have a raised or brushed surface and should not be treated like smooth finished leather.

Ordinary leather cream, polish and recolouring balm can flatten, darken or permanently mark the nap.

Use only products intended specifically for suede or nubuck.

The Antiquax recolouring balm within this category is expressly unsuitable for suede and nubuck.

Faux Leather and Vinyl

Artificial leather, faux leather and vinyl may resemble real leather but have a different surface construction.

Leather cream and conditioner may not penetrate or benefit a synthetic coating and could leave an unwanted residue.

Use cleaning guidance and products suitable for the exact vinyl or artificial-leather material.

For replacement coverings and current maintenance information, browse our upholstery vinyl and fabric range.

Leather Cream and Conditioning Products

Tableau Leather Cream contains lanolin and waxes and is intended to clean, feed, protect and preserve suitable leather finishes.

A leather cream can help maintain the appearance and flexibility of compatible leather, particularly where the surface has become dry or dull.

It may help:

• Refresh suitable finished leather
• Restore a soft lustre
• Reduce a dry appearance
• Provide routine surface care
• Condition compatible furniture leather
• Maintain suitable leather vehicle interiors

Apply a small amount and spread it evenly.

Using too much leather cream can leave the surface greasy, sticky or prone to attracting dust.

Allow the product to settle and buff the surface where directed.

What Leather Cream Cannot Repair

Leather cream is a maintenance product, not a structural repair.

It cannot restore:

• Torn leather
• Split seams
• Deep cracks
• Missing surface material
• Peeling faux leather
• Failed coatings
• Severely stretched panels
• Burn holes
• Damage to the foam beneath
• Broken furniture frames

A cream may make damaged leather look temporarily richer, but it does not replace missing material or rebuild a failing surface.

Where the leather is badly cracked, peeling or torn, repair or replacement may be required.

How Often Should Leather Be Conditioned?

The correct maintenance frequency depends on:

• Leather type
• Manufacturer’s instructions
• Amount of use
• Heat and sunlight exposure
• Indoor conditions
• Previous treatments
• Cleaning frequency
• Condition of the surface

More frequent application is not automatically better.

Excess product can build up on the surface and attract dirt. Follow the instructions for the chosen cream and assess the leather rather than applying conditioner according to an arbitrary calendar.

Leather Recolouring Balm

Antiquax Leather Re-Colouring Balm is intended to restore colour to suitable faded and worn leather.

The live product is currently available in:

• Black
• Cream
• Dark brown

The balm can be considered for compatible leather affected by:

• General surface wear
• Faded colour
• Dry-looking areas
• Light scratches
• Cat scratches
• Sunlight exposure
• Heat-related fading
• Worn furniture edges
• Colour loss on vehicle seats

The product is not suitable for suede or nubuck.

Choosing a Recolouring Balm

Colour names are only a starting point.

Existing furniture may have changed shade through:

• Sunlight
• Cleaning
• Body oils
• Wear
• Previous conditioner
• Age
• Heat
• Repairs
• Differences between leather sections

Test the balm on a concealed area before applying it across a visible panel.

Allow the test area to dry and inspect it in both natural and artificial light.

A shade that appears correct while wet may look different after drying and buffing.

Applying Leather Recolouring Balm

Clean the compatible leather first using an appropriate product and allow it to dry.

Apply the recolouring balm sparingly with a soft cloth according to its instructions.

Work in controlled sections and blend the product beyond the most visibly worn point where appropriate.

Avoid leaving a sharp boundary between treated and untreated areas.

Several light applications may produce a more controllable result than one heavy coat.

Allow each application to dry as instructed before deciding whether further colour is required.

What Recolouring Balm Can and Cannot Do

Recolouring balm is primarily a cosmetic restoration product.

It may reduce the appearance of fading and superficial wear, but it will not repair:

• Deep tears
• Missing leather
• Structural cracking
• Loose grain
• Peeling coatings
• Failed faux leather
• Damaged seams
• Collapsed cushion fillings
• Broken seat supports

Surface damage should be assessed before recolouring.

Where the leather coating is actively peeling away, adding balm over it will not restore the bond between the coating and the material beneath.

Cleaning Leather Furniture

A careful leather-cleaning process should be gradual.

Before beginning:

• Vacuum creases and seams gently
• Remove loose dirt
• Identify the leather
• Check the manufacturer’s instructions
• Test the chosen cleaner
• Protect surrounding fabric and timber
• Use clean cloths
• Work on small sections
• Avoid saturation
• Allow natural drying

Pay attention to high-contact areas such as:

• Arm fronts
• Headrests
• Seat fronts
• Cushion piping
• Recliner controls
• Vehicle-seat bolsters

These areas often contain more body oil and ingrained dirt than the surrounding panel.

Repeatedly wiping dirty product across the leather merely redistributes the contamination, so change or turn the cleaning cloth regularly.

Cleaning Leather Car Seats

Vehicle leather can be exposed to heat, sunlight, clothing dye, dust and repeated abrasion.

Before cleaning a vehicle seat:

• Vacuum around seams
• Check perforated sections
• Protect electrical controls
• Avoid flooding heating or ventilation holes
• Test the cleaner
• Work away from direct hot sunlight
• Allow the seat to dry before use
• Check that the finish is not becoming slippery

Do not allow liquid to collect around seat controls, wiring, airbags, occupancy sensors or electrical connectors.

Modern vehicle seats can contain safety and electronic components beneath the upholstery. Cleaning should remain a controlled surface process.

Cleaning Removable Cushion Covers

Do not assume that a removable cover is machine washable.

A zip may have been fitted to allow the cushion interior to be inserted during manufacture rather than to indicate that the cover can be washed domestically.

Before removing or washing a cover, check:

• Care label
• Fabric composition
• Cleaning code
• Colourfastness
• Whether the cover has piping
• Whether different materials are combined
• Whether shrinkage could prevent refitting
• Condition of the zip
• Foam, fibre or feather interior
• Manufacturer’s instructions

A cover that shrinks slightly may become extremely difficult to refit over a full-size foam cushion.

Where in doubt, clean the cover using the recommended upholstery method or obtain professional advice.

Common Upholstery-Cleaning Mistakes

Avoid:

• Treating every material with the same cleaner
• Skipping the test area
• Scrubbing aggressively
• Using excessive water
• Mixing cleaning products
• Applying leather cream to fabric
• Applying leather balm to suede or nubuck
• Using household polish on upholstery
• Using bleach without confirmed compatibility
• Drying leather with strong direct heat
• Repeatedly treating an unsuccessful stain
• Sitting on damp furniture
• Assuming synthetic leather needs leather conditioner

More cleaner does not necessarily mean more cleaning. It often means more residue and a longer drying time.

Cleaning Product Compatibility

Before applying any product, consider all the materials it may contact.

An upholstered item can contain:

• Outer fabric or leather
• Piping
• Sewing thread
• Zip tape
• Foam
• Polyester wadding
• Fibre
• Feather
• Timber
• Adhesive
• Metal mechanisms
• Decorative finishes

A cleaner safe for the visible cover might still damage an adjoining trim, timber finish or internal filling if overapplied.

Control the product and protect surrounding surfaces.

Handling Cleaning Cloths and Sponges

Use clean cloths and sponges to prevent transferring contamination between furniture sections.

A white cloth is useful for checking colour transfer and lifted dirt.

Do not use the same cloth for:

• Fabric cleaner
• Leather cream
• Recolouring balm
• Grease remover
• Timber polish

Keep each application cloth separate and label reusable items where necessary.

Dispose of contaminated materials in accordance with the product instructions.

Fabric Protector After Cleaning

Where the cleaned fabric is suitable, a fabric protector may help provide additional resistance to future staining.

The fabric must be fully clean and dry before the protector is applied.

Browse upholstery aerosols for fabric protector and other specialist workroom sprays.

Fabric protector does not make upholstery completely stain-proof or waterproof. Spills should still be treated promptly and according to the fabric-care instructions.

Related Upholstery Supplies

Fabric and leather cleaners are part of a wider upholstery-care and restoration process.

Browse upholstery vinyl and fabric for contract vinyl, automotive materials and replacement upholstery coverings.

Explore woodcare products for suitable timber cleaning, polishing and furniture-restoration products.

Our cloths and woodcare sundries include wiping cloths, tack rags and related workshop materials.

Browse upholstery aerosols for fabric protector, foaming cleaner and specialist workshop sprays.

Explore the parent Adhesives, Aerosols & Cleaners category for spray adhesives, PVA, fabric glue and hot-melt products.

Browse the complete Workroom Supplies hub for upholstery threads, piping cord, zips, tapes, fixings and other furniture-making essentials.

Trade Fabric and Leather Care Products

Livedale supplies upholstery cleaning products, leather care kits, conditioning cream and colour-restoration treatments to professional upholsterers, furniture retailers, automotive trimmers, restoration businesses and other trade customers throughout the UK.

Approved trade customers can access preferential trade pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Browse the products above to find the appropriate fabric cleaner, leather cleaner or care treatment for your furniture, vehicle interior or restoration project.