You will need to clean the leather surface before adding a protector. Use a washcloth and leather cleaner for this purpose. Never use harsh chemicals, detergents or cleaners for cleaning leather, as it may damage the surface and rob it of valuable moisture. Work in small areas in a circular motion. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly. Weekly dusting is also recommended with a slightly damp washcloth to prevent dust build-up. You can also use leather wipes to clean the surface safely and effectively.
Spills should always be cleaned up immediately from a leather surface to avoid the liquid from soaking into the porous surface and becoming a stain. If stains have already set in, use a leather cream or leather cleaner to remove the stain. Use a clean washcloth, working in circles with gentle pressure until the stain is removed.
After cleaning the leather surface, you will want to add a leather conditioner. This will add a layer of moisture to the leather and further prepare the surface for the protective layer. Use a clean washcloth to work a leather conditioner into the surface. Apply this in small circles until it has absorbed into the surface. Filling the porous surface with a conditioner discourages spills to soak in as readily.
After you have cleaned and conditioned your leather surface, you will want to add a leather protector. There are several products on the market to choose from for this purpose. You will want to read the product's instructions thoroughly to get optimal protection. Work the product into the leather in the same fashion as you did with the leather conditioner, working in small areas at a time. You should condition your sofa every 6 to 12 months for best results.
You can protect leather sofas from stains by throwing a sheet, blanket or couch cover over the sofa. This will hide the beauty of the sofa but it will definitely help protect the surface. Keep the sofa out of direct sunlight or away from heaters and air conditioning units to prevent fading caused by the heat or climate changes.