Leather Furniture Care: Tips & Tricks for a Lasting Look

Welcome to the Brumbaugh’s guide on leather furniture care! We know that investing in luxury leather furniture is a big decision, and we want to help you maintain its beauty and durability for years to come. With proper care and maintenance, your leather furniture can withstand daily wear and tear while retaining its luster and softness.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about leather furniture care. From understanding leather furniture maintenance to dealing with common issues, we’ll provide you with easy-to-follow tips and tricks to help you keep your leather furniture looking its best.

So, let’s get started and learn how to care for your leather furniture! 

Understanding Leather Furniture Maintenance

Maintaining your leather furniture is essential to preserving its beauty and durability. With proper care, your leather furniture can last for years to come. Here are some key factors to consider when thinking about leather furniture maintenance.

Regular Cleaning Routines

Keeping your leather furniture clean is critical to maintaining its appearance and lifespan. We recommend dusting your furniture weekly with a soft, dry cloth, and wiping it down with a slightly damp cloth every few months. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the leather. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire piece.

Avoiding Direct Sunlight Exposure

Direct sunlight can cause leather to fade and age prematurely, so it’s best to position your furniture away from windows if at all possible.

Maintaining a Safe Temperature

Leather can crack or fade if exposed to extreme temperatures, so avoid placing your furniture near radiators or fireplaces. Aim to maintain a consistent temperature in your home to prevent damage to the leather.

Cleaning Leather Furniture: Dos and Don'ts

When it comes to cleaning your leather furniture, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind to prevent damage and maintain its appearance. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Regularly clean your leather furniture with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.
  • Use a pH-neutral leather cleaner specifically designed for leather furniture to deep clean.
  • Test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture before applying it to the entire surface.
  • Blot any spills or stains immediately with a clean, dry cloth. For tougher stains, use a leather-specific stain remover.
  • Allow your leather furniture to air dry completely before using it again.

Don't:

  • Use any harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia, on your leather furniture.
  • Expose your leather furniture to direct sunlight or heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces.
  • Use any abrasive materials, including scrub brushes, to clean your leather furniture.
  • Allow any moisture to penetrate deep into the leather, as this may cause damage or discoloration.
  • Use any untested products or methods to clean your leather furniture.

TIP: Remember, prevention is key. Clean spills and stains as soon as possible!

Using Leather Conditioner: How and When

If you want to keep your leather furniture looking and feeling great, it’s important to use a high-quality leather conditioner regularly. Leather conditioner helps to maintain the natural oils in the leather, preventing it from drying out and cracking over time.

We recommend using leather conditioner every six to twelve months, depending on the wear and tear your furniture receives. If you have kids, pets, or frequently host guests, you may want to condition your furniture more often.

Choosing the Right Leather Conditioner

When selecting a leather conditioner, it’s important to choose a product that is specifically designed for your type of leather. Different leathers have different characteristics, and using the wrong type of conditioner can lead to discoloration and damage.

Read the label carefully before purchasing a leather conditioner, and make sure it’s compatible with your furniture’s type of leather.

Test Products in an Inconspicuous Area

Before using any new leather care products, we highly suggest always testing them in an inconspicuous area. This will help you ensure that the products won’t cause discoloration or damage to your furniture. If there are no adverse effects, proceed with using the product on the rest of the furniture. 

How to Apply Leather Conditioner

Before applying the conditioner, make sure your leather furniture is clean and dry. You don’t want to trap any dirt or dust under the conditioner, as this can lead to discoloration and damage over time.

Once your furniture is clean, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a soft, clean cloth. Gently rub the conditioner into the leather, using circular motions to cover the entire surface of the furniture.

Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to absorb into the leather. Then, wipe away any excess conditioner with another clean cloth.

Additional Tips and Tricks for Leather Furniture Care

At this point in our leather furniture care article, we’ve covered the essential tips and tricks to maintain the beauty and longevity of luxury leather furniture. However, we’ve got a few more ideas to share to help you keep your leather furniture in top condition.

Regular Inspections

It’s always a good idea to inspect your leather furniture regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Look out for any scratches, tears, or rips that need attention, and address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Maintain Proper Humidity Levels

Leather furniture is sensitive to changes in humidity levels, which can cause the leather to crack or dry out. Invest in a humidifier if you live in a dry climate or during winter months to keep the air moisturized and the leather furniture supple. 

Seek Professional Assistance for Complex Issues

If you’re dealing with complex issues, such as deep stains or extensive damage, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Professional leather cleaners have the necessary expertise and equipment to tackle even the toughest of problems, ensuring your furniture receives the care it deserves.

Use a Soft-Bristled Brush for Cleaning

When cleaning leather furniture, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the surface. Make sure to use gentle, circular motions to lift dirt and grime from the surface of the leather without damaging it.

TIP: Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or scouring pads, which can cause irreparable damage to your furniture. 

By implementing these additional ideas into your leather furniture maintenance routine, you’ll be able to keep your furniture looking and feeling great for years to come!

Questions About Leather Care? Ask A Brumbaugh’s Expert!

We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the world of leather furniture care. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your luxury leather furniture retains its stunning look and durability for years to come.

If you have any questions about caring for your leather furniture, reach out to us! We have over 50 years of experience with leather furniture and offer high-quality leather furniture that will stand up to years of daily use. If you’re looking to shop genuine leather furniture in classic styles, shop online or visit our Fort Worth store today!

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