Leather is a popular material for many things like furniture, car interiors, clothes, and shoes because it is durable and looks good. It is not a carefree fabric, though. Along with the cozy leather sofa comes the task of keeping it clean and supple.
Always keep leather out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Use drapes and shutters in the areas of your home where the leather furniture is used. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leather to dry out and crack.
To nourish the leather, feed it what is known as hide food. This can be bought pre-made or you can mix one part white vinegar with two parts linseed oil, shake well, and apply to the leather using a soft cloth. Work it in using a circular motion, covering the entire surface. Rub in thoroughly; let it sit for about ten minutes, then buff with a soft cloth to bring a shine to the leather surface. You may need to buff once more before sitting on the furniture.
To remove small stains, use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Dab the spot and dry it with a hair dryer. If the stain remains after drying, apply a thick coat of non-gel, non-oily cuticle remover. Leave it on overnight, and then wipe off with a damp cloth.
For general cleaning (this should be done at least once per month if your sofa is used regularly) use a moisturizing soap, such as Dove. Lather on with a soft cloth, and wash the item to remove dirt and grime. Do not over-wet the leather and do not rinse after washing, just buff with a soft cloth; this allows the moisturizing soap to condition the leather.
Not all leather is the same and they should not all be handled the same way. Before you decide to clean your sofa be sure you know what type of leather you’re working with. Usually this information can be found on the attached tags. The tags and other written information should provide tips for cleaning. It is recommended that, before attempting any of the suggestions offered in this article, you follow the cleaning procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
Most contemporary leather furniture is made with top-coat protected leather which can be cleaned safely using the methods outlined above. If you are unsure about how to clean your furniture or you have older pieces that need professional care, give us a call. We service all of the following areas in Ontario:
Scarborough
North York
Etobicoke
York
Toronto
Markham
Richmond Hill
Vaughan
King
Aurora
Whitchurch-Stoufville
Mississauga
Brampton
Pickering
Ajax
Uxbridge
