How to Clean Baby Spit Up from Leather Furniture

Table of Contents:

You Will Need
Steps to Remove the Stain
Additional Tips and Advice

Nicole asked: I have old baby spit up stains on a leather chair, either from breastmilk or formula. They disappear when I use a wet cloth and reappear when the leather is dry. Any help?

When stains keep coming back, it’s often because a residue remains. Removing this residue is easy with a few simple steps that will remove the stain for good. This quick cleaning method is safe for use on most finished leather and deodorizes, too! Before you begin, make sure to spot test for color fastness.

You Will Need:

White vinegar
Soft towels or cloths

Steps to Remove the Stain:

Pour a small amount of vinegar on the soft cloth or towel.
Wipe the stain with the wet cloth. Rub firmly to ensure liquid gets into the texture of the leather. If needed, make the cloth wetter, but try not to saturate the leather too much.
Wipe the area dry with a second clean towel or cloth.
Though the smell of the vinegar may linger for a day or two, it will dissipate with a little time.

Additional Tips and Advice

For a deeper clean and conditioning, see our guide How to Remove Sour Milk from Leather.
Don’t let vinegar “soak” on the leather for long. It will require little time to “work” to remove the stain, so wipe on and wipe off as efficiently as possible to reduce the risk of color fade.