Disposable cleaning supplies and baby wipes are so handy that people have started using them to clean everything, leather upholstery included.  I urge you not to use them because, though you may not be able to see the damage immediately, these disposable cleaning supplies typically cause damage to the surface of your leather, often leaving them discolored and more susceptible to damage in the long run.

Almost all of these supplies contain alcohol, and alcohol is a big “no no” when it comes to leather.  Alcohol breaks down the surface of leather and especially breaks down the protective coat put on most upholstery leather (called fully-finished leather).  Once this protective coating has been broken down, leather is far more easily damaged by water, scratches, etc.

This couch has a slightly discolored mark because the owner used a cleaner with alcohol in it.

This footrest has been slightly discolored with an orange hue because of an alcohol cleaner.

There are a number of other home remedies and wives’ tales about using home products on leather.  We discourage the use of:

• Olive oil
• Beeswax
• Hair spray
• Markers
• Window cleaner
• Finger nail polish remover
• Shoe polish

Questions or experiences with disposable cleaning supplies and leather?  Post them in the comments!

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