Leather Furniture Care: 5 Tips

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Leather Furniture Care: 5 Tips

Staff Writer · Jul 9, 2010

Leather furniture is durable and attractive and makes a versatile addition to most any style of apartment decor. However, if you want to protect your investment properly and make your furniture last longer, you need to practice regular proactive care:

1 – Check for Water Repellency

Many pieces of leather furniture are naturally water repellent, but if they’re not, even a few drops of water can permanently darken the material and leave what looks like a stain. Test for your furnishing’s water repellency by using an eyedropper to put a drop of water in a non-noticeable place. If the drop dries within a few hours, the material is water repellent. If not, spray the furniture with a water repellent made specifically for leather furnishings and allow to dry overnight before using it. This will give your furniture a layer of protection from liquids that only needs to be replaced every month or so.

2 – Vacuum Regularly

Stay proactive when it comes to getting rid of dust, hair and dander that accumulates on your leather furniture. At least once a week, use a vacuum equipped with a soft brush to remove all of the dust and dirt.

3 – Wipe Regularly

You should also clean the leather material itself once a week. Use a damp (not dripping wet) cloth to clean the material. Blot, don’t rub, the cloth across the surface of the material and allow to dry. If there’s a stain, you can use a small amount of detergent on the cloth and pat the material more vigorously, but don’t rub too hard.

4 – Attack Stains Immediately

The best way to keep stains from settling in permanently is to attack them as soon as they’re made. Have a stain remover on hand that’s made specifically for leather furniture. You may have to identify whether your leather is Aniline, Aniline Plus or Nubuck, as this can make a difference when it comes to selecting the proper cleaning solution. (Nubuck, which is pitted, is generally the hardest to clean.)

Use a damp cloth and the cleaner to attack the stain. Remember to blot and don’t rub. If the cleaner isn’t working or you don’t have any on hand, you can use corn starch or talcum powder. Sprinkle a liberal amount over the stain and use a soft bristle brush to work the powder into the stain. Allow to soak for a few minutes and then vacuum the excess away. Rinse the stained area with a damp cloth and allow to dry.

5 – Keep Away from Light and Heat

Sunlight can fade leather furniture fairly quickly and heat can warp the material permanently. That’s why it’s best to place leather furnishings out of the path of direct sunlight and away from furnace vents. If you want to keep leather furnishings in a  room with large windows, make sure the windows are outfitted with dark blinds or drapes.

Properly care for your leather furniture and it can last decades without need of replacement or repair. Try to avoid eating on furniture and don’t allow pets to sit on the furniture to prevent stains and rips so that it will last even longer.

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