Leather furniture is a staple in every household. The upholstery dons a fruitful blend of luxury and sophistication – a timeless look! If you have just ordered a new leather piece to boost your indoor décor, it is a time to be exuberant – however, leather requires the right approach to maintain its appeal.
You can expect some eventual wear and tear like every other piece of furniture. Though, with proper care leather will age and bring out its natural patina, making it look more graceful over time. Owners of leather furniture can keep their pieces in fresh condition with consistent maintenance and cleaning.
Leather upholsteries have a range of different types, and you would need to identify if the leather used is protected or not. For unprotected leather, it is better to hire an expert for leather upholstery cleaning and upkeep. On the other hand, protected leather furniture can be cleaned and cared for through a simple maintenance routine. This guide will help you learn some basic steps that every leather furniture holder should know.
1. Tackling Spills and Stains
It is a common misconception to wipe off spills. Wiping will spread the moisture across the surface as moist leather does not end well. Instead of wiping, use a dry cloth to blot or conform to air-drying against any wet spots. Aggressively rubbing or wiping a damp cloth over leather will cause harm to the exterior and amplify the wear and tear.
If any spill leaves a stain, use minimal water if necessary but applying a leather cleaner-conditioner instead is always preferable. Other DIY methods to cure stains include using baking soda or corn starch to absorb any grease stain. Even alcohol can be used if the stain proves to be persistent. Using industrial solvents and strong chemicals is a no-go! These products will ruin the leather surface and you will ultimately regret using them.
2. Heat is NOT a Friend
The emphasis cannot be overstated as heat will result in leather drying, crack, and lose texture. Hence, never use a hairdryer or other heat equipment to dry leather. The placement of the furniture also requires consideration. The extended exposure to harsh sunlight or other heat sources will be the death of your leather pieces. Set your leather upholstery away from direct sunlight, fireplaces, air conditioning units, and radiators. It will help preserve the color and the softness of the leather.
3. Regular Cleaning and Conditioning
Leather breathes and removes moisture from its environment. The natural oil trapped in leather requires occasional replenishing. Keep your leather clean from dust and dirt. Administer a regular dusting and vacuuming routine, which covers the crevices too. You can use a microfiber cloth for dusting while trying to remove moisture off the exterior. You would need to keep the leather soft and supple by applying leather protection creams and conditioners. These help the furniture retain its softness and can also re-fortify the surface from any spills.
