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Many families choose not to purchase leather furniture because they believe it is too expensive or too hard to maintain. While it’s true that leather pieces of furniture may cost a bit more than their fabric counterparts, with the proper attention they can last much longer. And caring for leather furniture doesn’t have to be a hassle! Consult the list below for a few simple tips on cleaning, repairing and preserving the beauty of your furniture.
1.) Be diligent in caring for your leather furniture.
Light maintenance and a little TLC are vital to the health of your leather furniture. Dust your furniture with microfiber and lint-free rags often and apply conditioning treatments as needed (every 6 to 12 months is recommended). Leather maintenance products can be purchased at most supermarkets or online. Be sure to test these products on an inconspicuous corner of the furniture first. If possible, keep leather furniture covered with a lightweight sheet when not in use. Proactively caring for your furniture can prevent the time, money and stress of having to repair it later.
2.) Be prepared to tackle spills.
It’s bound to happen. Despite your best intentions, your leather couch or chair will almost certainly be subjected to spills throughout its lifetime. Treat spills as soon as possible. Begin by using a soft, dry cloth to remove any excess liquid. Most spills will wipe up easily if you catch it before it soaks through. Never use dish soaps, nail polish removers or household cleaners to treat stains on leather. For harder-to-remove stains such as ink and nail polish, use a soft sponge or cloth and specialized leather cleaner, available at most leather retailers. Again, products should first be tested on an inconspicuous corner of the furniture.
3.) If possible, keep animals off of the furniture.
Ideally, leather furniture should be an animal-free zone. If you’re like us, however, your pets are part of the family. If an overzealous dog or cat scratches up your leather sofa, begin by snipping off the cotton interior threads that are poking through. Then, use a hair dryer and leather cleaner to massage the scratches. If there are large holes or scratches, call a professional.
4.) While you’re at it, ban cigars and cigarettes too.
Dropped ashes and burns are a huge problem for leather furniture. Carefully wipe up spilled ashes, being careful not to rub them into the surface of the furniture. This can cause major discoloration. Burns must be treated by professional leather specialists. It’s best not to attempt to repair them on your own.
5.) Do not place leather furniture in direct sunlight.
Leather may fade or dry out when exposed to sunlight over a long period of time. To preserve furniture, position it away from windows.
