Leather is a popular choice when choosing furniture, and for good reason. Leather is one of the more durable, low-maintenance finishes in a home, and if cared for properly it can last you a lifetime.
Leather can be used to upholster many household items, the more well-known being leather recliners, couches and ottomans. Because each hide is unique, leather has natural variations in the surface that can include scratches, wrinkles and healed scars. These surface marks are part of the charm and beauty of leather, and attest that it is genuine.
Different Types of Leather
To understand how to care for your leather furniture, you first need to know what type of leather it is. Leather can be grouped into the following categories:
- Unprotected leather: This is usually called aniline or unfinished leather, and can be quite pricey. This leather has a luxurious, soft finish that is closest to its natural state. Unprotected leather is the most vulnerable to stains, as well as the most sensitive to careless cleaning practices.
- Protected leather: This leather is called semianiline, aniline plus pigment, or pigmented leather. It is coated with a thick layer of pigment and polymer, making it stiffer and more resilient to damage. Protected leather is the most common choice for upholstery because it’s more durable and less expensive than aniline leather.
Here are some guidelines on how to ensure the longevity of your leather furniture.
Guidelines for Taking Care of Leather Furniture
To help keep your furniture looking good for longer, it is important to place it somewhere away from direct sunlight or heat sources, like furnaces and heaters. This will prevent discolouration, and preserve the leather’s protective finish.
To help your furniture look good for a long time, keep pets off, and don’t leave wet items on the leather. Avoid eating and drinking on your leather furniture, since oil and alcohol will leave stains. When an accident happens, treat the stains immediately.
The natural oils from people’s skin can cause staining over time, especially in high-contact areas like the headrest and armrests. This can’t be avoided, but regular cleaning and furniture covers can reduce the problem.
Leather scratches easily, especially unprotected leather, so be careful with hard items like buckles, metal, and rings that can snag the upholstery.
Over time, leather will dry out even in optimal environments, so one of the best ways to take care of it is to condition your leather furniture every 6 to 12 months. This is the only way to replace lost moisture and restore the vibrancy of the leather.
One of the remarkable qualities of leather is that it absorbs stains over time, so embrace the signs of a well-loved couch and accept it as part of its charm.
How to Clean Leather Furniture
Cleaning leather furniture is easy once you know how. An important part of cleaning is knowing what to steer clear of.
What Not to Do:
- Take care not to scratch the surface.
- Stay away from DIY cleaning staples, like white vinegar, baking soda, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.
- Avoid cleaners that contain alcohol, ammonia, or alkalis.
- Never use harsh chemicals on leather, like bleach, paint, nail polish remover, etc.
When it comes to cleaning your leather furniture, use gentle tools, like a soft microfibre cloth and a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Many professionals recommend using distilled water when you need a damp cloth.
Unprotected leather should not be cleaned with water if at all possible. If a damp cloth is necessary, never use soap, only a little bit of water.
Steps to Clean Your Leather Furniture:
- Vacuum and dust your furniture with a dry cloth to remove any loose dirt and crumbs.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the couch.
- If the dirt is beyond the scope of a damp cloth, you can use mild, nondetergent liquid soap or leather cleaner designed specifically for your type of leather.
- If the last step leaves wet areas behind, blot it dry with a towel.
When using leather cleaning products, always test it in an inconspicuous spot first—you never know what the exact outcome will be. So rather play it safe. Read the instructions carefully, since every product is different.
Conditioning
Conditioning is an important part of preserving the beauty of leather furniture. It replaces moisture and restores its lushness. It’s important to use a professional leather care conditioner made for your type of leather. Conditioning is recommended every 6 to 12 months.
Steps to Condition Your Leather Furniture:
- Clean your leather furniture and wait for it to dry.
- Put a small amount of conditioner on a lint-free cloth. Test it in an inconspicuous area first before proceeding.
- Gently massage conditioner into the leather in circular motions, little bits at a time.
- Repeat until you have covered the entire surface of the furniture.
These steps are a guide only; please make sure to read the instructions on your product first.
In Summary
Leather furniture can last a lifetime with a little bit of effort and maintenance. It is a beautiful addition to any home, and well worth the investment. It’s also worth taking proper care of it!
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