Leather furniture has been thought of as synonymous with style, luxury, and class, but did you know that leather is the strongest and most durable upholstery product known to man? Leather furniture, if taken care of properly, will outlive regular fabric upholstery 4 to 1. Regular maintenance is the key to longevity for leather furniture.
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Leather furniture is popular for its strength (it is not easily punctured), and softness to the touch. Because genuine leather is a natural product, it “breathes” with the seasons. You will never find yourself stuck to leather furniture during the summer, and when you sit on the couch during the winter months, you will not freeze your posterior like you do with a synthetic or vinyl fabric.
So, you have finally broken down and bought the furniture of your dreams—in 100% leather. How in the world do you keep it clean? The natural element of leather makes cleaning almost obsolete. With minimal care, leather can last for decades. As you know, however, life happens and sometimes a spot or spill will occur. But don’t throw in the towel! These simple cleaning tips for your furniture should help.
Stain Removal
- For Spots and Spills: Blot the excess liquid immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth, towel, or sponge. If necessary, use clear, lukewarm water and gently wipe the spill. Dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry.
- For More Stubborn Spots and Stains: Use a mild solution of Ivory soap and clear, lukewarm water. Apply the soap to a clean, wet sponge, then rinse well and let air dry naturally. Always try the cleaning method in a hidden area first to be sure it's colorfast.
- Butter, Oil, or Grease: Wipe excess butter, oil, or grease off the leather with a clean, dry cloth, then leave it alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water to try to wash a stain of butter, oil, or grease, because oil products and water do not mix, so you are deleting the purpose.
Do Not Use...
Saddle soap, abrasive cleanser, soap, furniture polish oil, varnish, or ammonia water. The leather has already been permanently preserved in the tanning process and it needs no maintenance other than the simple cleaning recommended by experts.
Most liquids will be initially repelled by the leather, but if left to stand over an extended period of time, they will be absorbed. This is why it's a good idea to wipe up spills immediately. If the spill is absorbed, it will dissipate over time; just as human skin will absorb and eventually diffuse stains, leather will do the same.
Some considerations you may have before purchasing leather furniture:
- Do you own a pet? If you do, your best defense for preserving your furniture is training your pet well, or keeping them out of the room altogether. Cats love to use furniture as a scratching post, and can destroy leather over time with frequent scratching attempts.
- Do you have small children? With small children, spills can happen at a blink of an eye, so you may want to consider holding off until the children are a bit older.
Leather furniture can be a wonderful addition to your home and can be a long lived part of your living room for years to come with the proper care.
By R. S. Wagner