LEATHER CARE
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR LEATHER SOFA
If you’ve just ordered your new leather sofa, it’s a time to be excited — you’ve just invested in something that will last for a lifetime, looking better and better as the years go by. You can look forward to welcoming an elegant piece of furniture into your home that will only gain character with use.
To make sure that your sofa maintains its timeless looks, you will need to give it the care and attention it deserves. Leather is sometimes thought of as high maintenance, but with the right approach, you can keep your piece in great condition with little need for expensive cleaning or rejuvenation.
CLEAN YOUR LEATHER SOFA OR CHAIR REGULARLY
Leather is a hardy material that, if cared for, will only get better over time. However, without a regular cleaning routine, your sofa can soon begin to look a bit worn out.
You should put some time aside at least once a week to take care of your leather furniture, though you might need to up this to twice a week if your sofa sees a lot of use. Be sure to clean every part of your sofa or chair, as there will most likely be a slight alteration in the colour of your leather when it has been treated. This way you’ll avoid having furniture with mismatched upholstery.
Follow these steps:
1. With a soft cloth, go over your upholstery to brush off any dirt or dust that might have settled on the surface. To get into the nooks and crannies of your sofa, use a vacuum equipped with a soft brush attachment.
2. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe the upholstery of your sofa. It’s best to use distilled water if you can, as the chlorine in tap water can damage the finish on leather over time. Before you do this for the first time, test how your material takes to water on a part of the settee that is hidden from sight. Take great care not to soak your sofa, as leathers do not take kindly to large quantities of liquid.
3. At least once every two to four weeks, you should use a specialised cleaning product to treat and cleanse your sofa’s upholstery. Steer clear of using all-purpose wipes and sprays from the supermarket, as they can contain chemicals that can damage your sofa. Instead, use a soft cleaner that is proven and tested to work on leather — we recommend the Soft Cleaner for Leather included the Furniture by Lauren leather care kits which we provide free of charge to all our customers, which can be safely used on all leathers, including aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented.
4. Leave your sofa to dry naturally and avoid sitting on it until it is finished. This way, the material will stay shaped around the contours of your sofa with no creases. You can speed up this process by opening a few doors and windows to create a good flow of air through your home.
Please be aware that dye from none colour fast clothing and garments can transfer onto leather/fabric and is usually more noticeable on light leather/fabric colours such as whites, creams and ivory. We also recommend to always check your labels on your clothing and garments for further information.
REGULARLY CONDITION YOUR LEATHER SOFA
Leather contains oils that need to be replenished every so often. They help to keep the upholstery soft and supple to the touch, but regular use can diminish its natural properties. Therefore, it is important to use a specialised conditioner on your sofa, which will give it a new lease of life and help prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Our cleaning kit, which we’ve already mentioned, also contains Leather Protection Cream that will condition your upholstery and protect it during day-to-day use. Not only does this cream re-fortify the material, but it also applies an invisible coating that resists any spills that may happen. Thanks to this extra layer, stains will be easier to clean should they occur, while dye transfer will also be reduced. This specialist product is designed with all types of leather in mind, including aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented. This is especially important if your sofa is positioned in a sunny spot.
BUFF YOUR LEATHER SOFA TO PRESERVE ITS NATURAL SHINE
One of the best things about a brand-new leather sofa is its beautiful, natural shine. The most effective way of preserving this quality is to regularly buff its upholstery with a microfibre or soft cloth, which will make sure the leather keeps shining and doesn’t end up looking tired. Buffing is also a great way of reducing the appearance of scratches and scuffs that your sofa will pick up with regular use. The easiest way to remember to do this is to carry it out once your sofa is dried after cleaning.
PLUMP YOUR SOFA CUSHIONS EACH DAY
Keeping your sofa nice and clean is important, but so is maintaining its shape so it looks great and provides maximum support. Plumping your settee’s cushions up at the end of every day of use will go a long way towards keeping everything in its right place, and it doesn’t take long to do at all. Furthermore, carrying out this simple act will also keep unnatural creases from forming in the leather. If your sofa has a feather of fibre filling, plumping is essential, as they don’t have the inherent ability to bounce back like foam does. Remember to give your scatter cushions or wool throw a quick shake too.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OTHER DANGERS TO YOUR LEATHER SOFA
You should also be aware of any inconspicuous items that could scratch or scuff your leather upholstery. Things like keys, scissors, and even clothing studs, buckles, and buttons can all cause damage that you might not anticipate, so it’s best to keep a keen eye out if you want to preserve your beautiful new sofa.
You should also consider whether you will allow any pets to jump up onto the sofa, as they could accidentally scratch the surface with their claws. It all depends on your own judgement, but it may be worth investing in a special blanket or cover if you do encourage them up.