How to Clean a Leather Recliner: Step-by-Step Guide

A leather recliner is one of the most comfortable spots in your home—whether you’re relaxing, reading, breastfeeding, or rocking your baby to sleep. But everyday life brings spills, milk drips, diaper cream, dust, body oils, sweat, and tiny fingerprints.

That’s why learning how to clean a leather recliner (and faux leather recliners too) is essential for keeping your chair looking beautiful and lasting for years.

Leather, faux leather, silicone leather, and bonded leather all require different levels of care, but the cleaning process doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with the right techniques, your recliner can stay fresh, soft, and hygienic with minimal effort.

Throughout this guide, you’ll learn:

How to identify your recliner’s material
Step-by-step cleaning instructions
What to avoid (to prevent damage)
Deep-cleaning techniques for tough stains
Long-term maintenance tips
How easy-clean fabrics—like the removable, washable cover on the Mamazing Lullacloud Nursery Chair—simplify the entire process

If you’re a parent using your recliner for feeding or soothing your baby, keeping your chair clean becomes even more important. So let’s dive in!

Understanding Your Recliner Material: Leather vs Faux Leather vs Silicone Leather

Before cleaning, make sure you know what type of material your recliner is made from. Each one reacts differently to water, cleaners, and oils.

Genuine Leather

Soft, durable, and breathable.
Requires:

mild cleaning
occasional conditioning
strict avoidance of harsh chemicals

Leather naturally absorbs oils—so gentleness is key.

Faux Leather (PU or Vinyl)

A synthetic alternative.
Benefits:

easier to clean
more water-resistant
less sensitive to cleaners

Great for families with kids.

Silicone Leather (Mamazing’s Premium Material)

Used in high-end chairs like Lullapod Max.
Benefits:

waterproof
stain-resistant
breathable
ultra-soft
extremely durable
cleans with one wipe

Silicone leather is the easiest material to maintain, ideal for nurseries.

Removable Fabric Covers (Like Lullacloud Nursery Chair)

The Mamazing Lullacloud Nursery Chair comes with a removable, washable cover, making cleaning simple and convenient.

How to Clean a Leather Recliner (Step-by-Step)

These steps are safe for:

genuine leather recliners
faux leather recliners
silicone leather recliners
premium leather-like materials

Let’s keep your recliner looking (and smelling) brand new.

Step 1: Vacuum or Dust the Chair

Start by removing:

crumbs
dust
lint
dirt in creases
pet hair

Use a vacuum with a soft-brush attachment to avoid scratching the surface.

If you don’t have a vacuum, use:

a microfiber cloth
or a soft duster

This prevents dirt from rubbing into the leather during cleaning.

Step 2: Wipe Down with a Mild Soap Solution

Leather is delicate—avoid harsh wipes or strong detergents.
Instead, prepare a cleaning solution:

How to Clean

Dip a cloth into the solution
Wring it tightly (cloth should be damp, not wet)
Gently wipe the recliner in circular motions
Avoid soaking seams or edges

This removes everyday oils, dirt, milk drips, and toddler fingerprints.

Step 3: Rinse with a Clean Damp Cloth

After wiping:

use a second damp cloth with plain water
remove leftover soap
avoid oversaturating the leather

Soap residue left behind can dry out the material over time.

Step 4: Dry with a Soft Towel

Pat—don’t rub—the leather dry.

Drying helps:

prevent streaks
avoid watermarks
maintain finish

Let the recliner air-dry for 10–15 minutes before use.

Step 5: Condition the Leather (Genuine Leather Only)

If your chair is real leather, apply conditioner every 2–4 months.

Benefits:

prevents cracks
restores moisture
keeps leather supple
prolongs chair lifespan

Apply a small amount using a soft cloth and let it absorb fully.

Note: Do NOT condition faux leather or silicone leather.
These materials do not absorb oils and do not require conditioning.

How to Clean Faux Leather Recliners

Faux leather (PU, vinyl) is easier to maintain.

Here’s how:

Use mild soap + water

Wipe dry

Use baking soda paste for residue odors

Skip leather conditioner

Avoid bleach or alcohol

Faux leather can handle slightly more moisture than genuine leather, but still avoid heavy soaking.

How to Deep Clean a Leather Recliner

If you have stains from:

ink
food spills
milk
diaper ointment
sweat

Here are safe methods.

Food or Milk Stains

Use mild soap + water.
For greasy spills, sprinkle:

baking soda
let it sit 10 minutes
wipe clean

Ink Marks

Use rubbing alcohol sparingly on real leather:

dip a cotton swab
lightly tap stain
wipe immediately

Avoid using alcohol on faux leather—it can damage the surface.

Water Stains

Wipe the area evenly with a damp cloth, then dry with a towel.
Uneven drying causes rings—so moisten the entire area lightly.

Crayon or Marker

Use a baby wipe without alcohol, then rinse with mild soap solution.

Odor Removal

Use a mixture of:

water
vinegar (very diluted: 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water)

Wipe gently and dry.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Leather Recliner Looking New

Keep it away from direct sunlight

Prevents fading and cracking.

Avoid sharp objects (zippers, pet claws)

Use throws if you have pets.

Rotate seat usage

Reduces uneven wear.

Wipe spills immediately

Especially milk or juice.

Spotlight: Lullacloud Nursery Chair — The Easiest Recliner to Clean

Nursery recliners experience more mess than any other chair (milk spills, pacifier leaks, breastmilk, snacks, drool).

The Mamazing Lullacloud Nursery Chair simplifies cleaning with:

Removable & Washable Cover

Throw it in the washing machine—no fuss.

165° Recline

Comfortable for feeding, rocking, and resting.

360° Swivel + Rocking Motion

Quiet, smooth, perfect for soothing babies.

HugAssist™ Armrests

Ergonomic support for feeding.

Adjustable Headrest

Reduces neck strain during long sessions.

Soft, Durable Upholstery

Designed for busy parents.

This makes it one of the easiest-to-clean nursery rocking recliners on the market—especially for breastfeeding moms.

Leather vs Faux Leather vs Removable-Cover Recliners: Which Is Best?

Feature	Leather Recliner	Faux Leather Recliner	Lullacloud (Removable Cover)
Ease of Cleaning	Good	Excellent	Best
Durability	High	Moderate-High	High
Stain Resistance	Moderate	High	Very High
Comfort	Very soft	Soft	Soft & breathable
Ideal For	Living rooms	Families	Nurseries & feeding

For parents, the removable washable cover option is the top choice because of frequent spills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Leather Recliners

Using bleach or harsh chemicals

Causes cracking and discoloration.

Applying too much water

Oversoaking damages leather.

Using baby wipes with alcohol

Strips the finish over time.

Scrubbing aggressively

Can scratch leather and remove dye.

Not conditioning real leather

Leads to dryness and cracks.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Leather Recliner Fresh and Clean

Cleaning a leather or faux leather recliner doesn’t have to be stressful. With mild soap, warm water, and gentle techniques, you can keep your chair soft, fresh, and spotless for years.

And if you want the easiest cleaning experience—especially for nurseries—the Mamazing Lullaclo u d Nursery Chair with its removable, washable cover offers the best of both worlds: comfort and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a leather recliner?

Use warm water + mild soap, wipe with a damp cloth, dry gently, and condition genuine leather every few months.

Can I use baby wipes to clean a leather chair?

Only alcohol-free, fragrance-free wipes. Standard wipes may damage the finish.

How do I clean a faux leather recliner?

Use mild soap and water. Avoid conditioners—they can leave residue on faux leather.

Is vinegar safe on leather?

Only when very diluted (1:4 ratio). Test in an inconspicuous area first.

How do I remove milk or food spills from a recliner?

Wipe immediately with mild soap solution. For greasy spots, sprinkle baking soda and wipe after 10 minutes.

Do silicone leather recliners need conditioning?

No. Silicone leather (used in premium nursery chairs) is naturally waterproof and does not require conditioners.

Is a removable cover better for parents?

Yes. For nurseries, a washable removable cover—like the Lullacloud Chair—makes cleaning effortless and hygienic.