How to Clean A Leather Phone Case (3 Best Cleaning Solutions Revealed)

Leather phone cases offer protection against scratches, scuff marks, stains, and other types of damage that can occur during everyday use. They come in different styles, colors, sizes, and designs.

With constant use, leather phone cases are particularly susceptible to getting dirty due to the porous nature of the material and the way we use our phones. Therefore, cleaning your leather phone case should be an important part of your maintenance routine.

This helps remove dirt, oils, and other grime that can accumulate over time and cause damage to the leather. The best way to clean your leather phone case is to prepare an effective cleaning solution, then thoroughly clean and condition it. We’ll explore all this and more in this article!

1. Remove Your Phone From the Leather Case

Before cleaning your leather phone case, you’ll have to first remove it from your phone. This step is crucial because cleaning solutions can seep into your phone, causing permanent damage.  

Start by gently sliding your phone out of the case, being careful not to damage the leather material. You can also use a credit card or similar object to carefully pry the phone out of the case.

2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution

When it comes to cleaning a leather phone case, there are several cleaning solutions that are effective. Depending on the type of leather you’re cleaning and how soiled your phone case is, you may need to choose the appropriate solution and adjust the concentration accordingly.

Option 1: Using a Dedicated Leather Cleaner

Using a leather cleaning product is the safest option for your leather phone case, but it’s also the priciest. Dedicated leather cleaners are designed to not only clean leather but also restore its natural oils.

They’re gentle and ensure that the leather material of your phone case remains supple and well-maintained. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Select a cleaning product: You’ll have the option of selecting your preferred leather cleaning product (we recommend Leather Honey for leather phone cases due to its versatility)
2. Apply the cleaning solution: Apply a small amount of product to a soft microfiber cloth. It’s also important to apply an even layer so that all areas of the phone case are cleaned.
3. Wipe the phone case: Then, thoroughly wipe down the phone case using circular motions with gentle pressure.
4. Dry with a clean cloth: Lastly, use a clean cloth to wipe your phone case down. Ensure that all excess product is removed.

Option 2: White Vinegar & Water Solution

Using a white vinegar and water solution is another effective and affordable way to clean a leather phone case. It also happens to be a good general cleaner and can be used for regular maintenance of your phone case. 

Moreover, white vinegar has acetic properties that can help to break down dirt and grime on the leather surface. It also has antibacterial properties that can help to get rid of bacteria that may be present on the material’s surface.

Here’s how you can use this homemade solution to clean your leather phone case:

1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water: To prepare the solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl or spray bottle. A 50/50 mixture is usually sufficient.
2. Apply the solution to a cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with the vinegar and water solution. Make sure the cloth is not too wet, as excessive moisture can damage the leather.
3. Wipe down the phone case: Gently wipe down the phone case with a damp cloth, making sure to cover all areas. Be careful not to use too much pressure or rub too vigorously, as this can cause damage to the leather.
4. Dry with a clean cloth: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the phone case and remove any excess moisture. Be sure to dry the case thoroughly, as any remaining moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth.

Option 3: Dishwashing Soap & Water

Dishwashing soap and water can be another effective solution to clean leather phone cases. Dishwashing soap is designed to cut through grease and grime, which makes it an effective cleaning agent for leather phone cases. 

Since cell phones are often exposed to grease from food, especially when handling them with greasy hands after eating, dishwashing soap can help to remove this grease and leave the leather phone case looking pristine.

However, it’s important to mention that you should only use mild dishwashing soap, made of natural ingredients.

Here’s how to use this solution for cleaning purposes:

1. Mix dishwashing soap with water: Start by mixing a small amount of dishwashing soap with water in a bowl or container. Use a 20/80 ratio (meaning 20% soap and 80% water).
2. Apply the solution to a soft cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with the soap and water solution. Be careful not to use too much water, as excessive moisture can damage the leather.
3. Gently wipe the phone case: Use the damp cloth to gently wipe down the phone case, making sure to cover all areas. Focus on any areas with visible dirt or stains. Avoid applying too much pressure and use gentle strokes.
4. Rinse the cloth: Rinse the cloth thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
5. Wipe down the phone case: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the phone case with clean water. Be sure to remove any excess soap residue and dry the phone case with a dry cloth.

3. Condition Your Leather Phone Case

After cleaning your leather phone case, it’s important to condition it, as this helps prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. Take note that certain leather cleaning solutions (typically homemade ones) can strip away some of the natural oils in the leather, leaving it more susceptible to drying out.

Additionally, leather phone cases are often exposed to sunlight, which can also cause them to become dry and brittle. Conditioning helps to replenish the oils and protect the leather from further damage.

To condition your leather phone case, use a dedicated leather conditioner and a microfiber cloth to apply it. Apply a small amount of conditioner to the cloth and rub it gently onto the phone case, making sure to cover all areas.

Leave the conditioner on for a minute or two, and then wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and do your own research to find the best conditioner for your specific phone case.

Remember to condition your leather phone case at least once every few months or more frequently if it’s regularly exposed to sunlight or other harsh conditions.

Wiping off the excess conditioner after application and leaving it on for a minute or two helps to ensure that it’s absorbed properly and doesn’t leave any residue on your phone case.

4. Clean Your Phone

Now that you have a clean leather phone case, it’s important to also keep your phone clean to prevent any dirt or grime from transferring back onto the case. Here are two methods that you can use:

Microfiber Cloth & Hand Soap

One way to clean your phone is to use a microfiber cloth and hand soap. Microfiber cloths are gentle on phone surfaces and can help to remove dirt and smudges effectively.

Start by dampening the cloth with water and a small amount of hand soap. Gently rub the entire surfaces of your phone (back, sides, and front), being careful not to let water enter any openings, even if your phone is water-resistant.

Then, use the dry portion of the cloth to wipe away any excess soap and moisture. 

Alcohol Wipes

You can also clean your phone with alcohol wipes as these are effective at sterilizing your phone and can be a quick and convenient cleaning option. 

Make sure to use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes that can be found at most convenience stores or supermarkets. Here is how you can use them to clean your phone:

1. Power off your phone and unplug any accessories.
2. Take an alcohol wipe and gently wipe down the entire surface of your phone, being careful to avoid any openings, such as ports and buttons.
3. Use additional wipes if necessary to ensure the entire surface is thoroughly cleaned.
4. Allow the phone to air dry completely before using it again.
5. Once dry, power on your phone and reattach any accessories that you have unplugged.

5. Insert Your Phone Back Into The Leather Case

Now, simply insert the phone back into the leather casing. At this step, make sure both the phone and the case are completely dry and clean to avoid any residue or damage.