There are many DIY articles on the web we all resort to when we can’t make heads or tails how to clean the dirty leather on the couch. Olive oil is listed as a treatment against dry and stained leather, you may find hundreds of articles citing it as cure for dryness and even eliminating odours. But as professional cleaners say this is a myth.
It is true that oiling horse saddles, gloves and other leather items is an old practice. Professional upholstery cleaners informed Cleanerconfessions of the risk of treating fine leather with olive oil.
Here is why they strongly advise against it.
Olive oil does restore the elasticity of leather but this immediate effect actually is a mixed blessing. Oily substances enhance ruining the leather. Leather is like human skin, its soaks up water and oil. Oil soaked up spreads deeper through the leather and some oil spots form, although not visible yet, but coming out soon. And they can get really horrid.
Saturating leather with oil results in oil getting deep in it. Removing it afterwards would be hard. Even professionals may find it hard to remove all deep seated oil from your fine leather couch.
Unsightly stains do not come alone, a salad-like scent accompanies them. So do not trade the long-term health of your leather couch for instant but temporary amelioration.
