Leather is one of the most long- lasting and durable types of upholstery that looks good only when it well maintained. If you have a leather sofa or any other leather furniture in your home, learning how to clean and maintain your leather furniture will not only help keep your pricey investment looking attractive and new, but will also help it age gracefully. Take a look at some of the simple ways by which you can maintain leather sofa to keep it in the best condition.
7 Ways to Maintain Leather Sofa:
#1: Clean Regularly: Cleaning your sofa regularly is vital to help it look new and well maintained. To clean your sofa properly, you can-
, Wipe: Using a white moist cloth once a week is a great way to remove all the dust and debris from your sofa easily. The use of white cloth will not only help you see every speck of dust removed, but will also prevent the cloth leaving behind dyes like colored washcloths.
, Vacuum: Using a vacuum cleaner is another great way of cleaning leather sofa. Using this tool can be quite beneficial in removing debris and crumbs hidden in tiny crevices of your sofa.
, Dust: Dusting your sofa regularly is one of the simplest ways to get rid of dust into the creases or even hard to reach spots. Dusting is a great way to keep your sofa looking clean and vibrant.
#2: Nourish and Condition the Leather: Unlike fabric upholstery, leather upholstery needs to be nourished and conditioned regularly to stay in good condition. Conditioning your leather sofa once in every six to twelve months will prevent it from drying out or developing cracks. Although leather conditioners are available in most furniture store, you can make one at home too.
, To make a leather conditioner at home, combine one part white vinegar with two parts linseed oil and mix thoroughly. Pour a bit of it on a soft cloth and apply it on the leather in circular motion. Allow it to sit there for about 10- 15 minutes. Buff the leather with soft cloth, until shinny.
#3: Cover Your Sofa: If you do not use your leather sofa often, it is a good idea to cover them with lightweight sheets. This will not only help keep the dirt and dust at bay and require you to clean them less often, but will also prevent from drying and cracking due to heat or sunlight. In addition, using a slip cover on your sofa can be highly beneficial in keeping the grime and grease at bay, especially if you happen to live in high traffic areas.
#4: Prevent Stains: If you accidentally spill any liquid on your leather sofa, immediately use a dry cloth to blot and allow it to dry naturally. Always remember to blot and not wipe the spill to prevent it from spreading. Cleaning the spills immediately is essential to prevent stain on the leather. For oily or greasy stain, it is recommended that you take professional help.
#5: Watch out for Scratches: Leather is made of animal hide making it susceptible to scratches and cracks. To avoid scratches on your leather sofa, avoid using sharp objects in proximity. Although small scratches usually heal themselves, you can use a microfiber cloth to buff them gently until their appearance fades.
#6: Avoid using non leather cleaning products: Using harsh soaps, ammonia, detergents or cleaning solvents to maintain leather sofa can be harmful to the leather furniture. Do not use these products to either remove stains or clean the furniture.
#7: Spot test any potential Leather Maintenance Product: The fact that leather used for making sofas usually vary, not all leather cleaning or stain removal products will have the same effect. When using commercial leather maintenance, dab a small amount on the spot that is normally hidden from view. Doing the spot test will help you see the effects of the product without actually ruining the furniture.
Products for maintaining your leather sofa is easily available in many retail locations. Apart from super markets and grocery store, leather maintenance products are also found in departmental stores or in stores that exclusively sell leather goods. Buying online is also another great option of buying these products at economical rates. Caring and maintaining your leather furniture is one of the best ways to help them look better and better each year.