Asked on Aug 08, 2015

How do I clean a leather top on a table?

Renee Seeling
by Renee Seeling
I recently picked up a small side table with a leather top. It looks just like my Duncan Phyfe drum table so it's a great match in the room but, it has a milky stain on part of the leather. Any ideas how to clean that off? I have only dusted it and wiped it with a damp cloth so far but, it needs to be cleaner. I don't want to damage the surface....just get rid of this milky looking stain. Here it is.
  10 answers
  • Barbara Valenti Barbara Valenti on Aug 08, 2015
    Why not try saddle soap? You can buy it almost anywhere really. May help?
  • Cindy wilson Cindy wilson on Aug 08, 2015
    I would also try some gel type toothpaste to see if it may lift the stain use an old tshirt to rub tho and gently and the good thing is if it doesn't then I would use saddle soap
    • Renee Seeling Renee Seeling on Aug 08, 2015
      @Cindy wilson Am a little concerned about using a toothbrush...might be too abrasive. It's an older table, made around 1930....in very good shape but....am just worried about damaging the top. Maybe a soft bristle toothbrush.... Thanks.
  • Cindy wilson Cindy wilson on Aug 08, 2015
    Dr. Jackson's Hide Rejuvenator if you can find it works also on all kinds of leather, however the main ingredient is Cod Liver Oil so I would try that before I'd buy it!
    • Renee Seeling Renee Seeling on Aug 08, 2015
      @Cindy wilson Just try Cod Liver Oil???? Never thought of that on any kind of furniture. I take it you have used it this way....good results? thanks
  • I tried tooth paste and it worked...........looks great
  • Denise Denise on Aug 08, 2015
    Try saddlesoap from a shoe dept, clean, then mink oil. See if that works. B o th products meant for leather, as in cowboy boots, so it should work.
  • Maryjack Maryjack on Aug 09, 2015
    My husband and I had a saddle shop for 2 decades and the best cleaner we used is Murphy's Oil Soap. It is an oil based and won't dry the leather like some other cleaners. Don't get too wet or it might pucker then shrink when it dries.
    • Renee Seeling Renee Seeling on Aug 09, 2015
      @Maryjack Thanks. Have used Murphy's before on saddles and tack and loved how it turned out. Will have to go get a bottle again and try it on this table. If it cleans it like I hope it will, I can also use it on my big drum table top too. Been only dry dusting it.
  • Maryjack Maryjack on Aug 09, 2015
    Mink oil will darken it way too much and leave it too oily.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Aug 13, 2015
    This product is AMAZING...I use it on almost everything that is leather. You can find it on Amazon.com It comes in 8 oz & 16 oz. sizes. but will last you awhile Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner
  • Barbara Valenti Barbara Valenti on Aug 15, 2015
    I also thought of another great life saver. My father-in-law, antique dealer, on many occasions would use shoe polish to restore a dull finish. Choose a color close to what you need. Apply, allow to dry, then buff to a nice shine and finish! This works on many tables and items with scratch's. Will fill in the marks.
    • See 1 previous
    • Barbara Valenti Barbara Valenti on Aug 16, 2015
      You're welcome! I just hope you can get it looking like new. Let us know how it turns out, please?
  • Roula Tamer Fadel Roula Tamer Fadel on Aug 24, 2017

    hi i have the same issue. Can u pls advise which product worked? Thanks!!!