How to Remove Dry Wall from a Leather Couch

When the ceiling or wall comes crashing down on your leather sofa, the combination of drywall, paint, and any moisture that may have precipitated the cave-in can look disastrous. But assuming your couch is made of finished leather (and most furniture is) and particularly if you’ve properly cleaned and conditioned your sofa prior to the collapse, the clean-up won’t be very difficult at all. The key is to get started as soon as possible.

• Soft clean cloths
• Mild dish detergent
• Warm water
• Bucket
• Soft brush (or broom head with the handle removed)
• Dust pan
• Leather conditioner

1. Use the broom head or brush to remove any loose debris from the sofa, sweeping it into the dust pan for disposal. Be sure to remove cushions if possible. If not, you might want to use a vacuum cleaner attachment to make sure you get all of the dirt out of the crevices. Follow up with a soft, clean cloth to wipe out these cracks to remove any moisture or hidden debris.
2. Add warm water to the bucket, then mix in a few drops of mild dish detergent. If you’re not sure that you can use it on your leather sofa, spot test first. You want enough dish detergent to make bubbles, but not so much that you’ll leave a soapy film on the leather.
3. Soak a soft clean cloth in the detergent and water, then wring it out thoroughly over the bucket. The cloth should not drip. If it does, there’s too much moisture and it may ruin your leather.
4. Use the cloth to wipe away any remaining dust or loose particles. Rinse it out in the bucket, squeeze dry, and repeat as necessary.
5. Once it looks clean, wipe it a final time with a clean moist cloth.
6. Wipe dry.
7. Apply a leather conditioner. Use one recommended by the manufacturer and apply as directed. If stubborn stains or marks persist, see the additional tips and advice section below.

• If any chunks of plaster or debris seem to have cemented themselves to the leather, they should pop right off with some gentle prodding. If not, simply get them wet and they will soften and wipe off.
• A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser might easily remove any lingering spots.
• Vinegar and (used separately) rubbing alcohol are often used to clean spots off leather. If you have a stubborn stain, you can dilute one or the other (NOT both) with water and rub it over the stain with a soft cloth, however, you should ALWAYS spot check before you do this. Both vinegar and rubbing alcohol can take the color off of leather, and the darker your furniture the more likely it is to fade with the use of either of these cleaners.
• Another homemade spot treatment is to mix equal amounts of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply the paste, allow to sit briefly, then wipe clean. Again, spot test on leather before using, as the acid in the lemon juice may fade the color.
• It’s easy to ruin leather furniture. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional cleaner!