Leather sofas and leather furniture in general considered classic additions that give the living room a special elegance. However, their owners may face problems related to cleaning, as using the wrong tools to clean leather furniture will lead to damage more quickly.
So here is a detailed explanation of how to clean this type of furniture:
How often do we need to clean leather furniture?
Fortunately, leather furniture is fairly easy to clean compared to furniture made of wood and upholstered in fabric, and one of its advantages is that it can last for decades if you clean it properly.
To keep leather sofas in their best condition, you should dust them weekly and clean them more deeply monthly.
Certainly, stains from mud, ink, grease, etc. must cleaned and treated immediately.
What will you need to clean leather furniture?
- Vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment
- A clean piece of cloth
- Small bowl or bucket
- Liquid Soap
- Cornstarch or talcum powder
- Leather conditioner
How to clean leather furniture
- Dust weekly to keep your leather sofa looking its best. To do this, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush to pick up unwanted dust, pet hair, and dirt.
- Don’t forget to use the heads attached to the vacuum, which help you clean tight spaces, to clean the areas between and under the pillows.
After completing the dust cleaning, it is possible to clean the sofa more deeply once a month by doing the following:
- You will need mild soap and some warm water along with a clean cloth. In a small bucket, pour the water with a few drops of liquid soap. Mix the water well to form the cleaning solution.
- Simply dampen a cloth with the solution. The cloth should be completely wet but not dripping, and start cleaning from the top of the sofa.
- While cleaning, rinse, wring out, and re-wet the cloth frequently.
Warning: Before using any cleaning product, test it on an inconspicuous part of the sofa to ensure that it does not cause a color change.
- After finishing, use a clean, dry cloth to polish the sofa again.
Note: While cleaning, do not use a lot of water as it may damage and stain the leather.
Remove tough stains from leather furniture
The method for removing stains from leather furniture varies depending on its type. This method removes the most common stains from leather furniture:
Grease Stains: Remove any solid residue and wipe the area with a dry towel to absorb as much oil and grease as possible. Sprinkle the area with a layer of cornstarch or talcum powder.
Leave the cornstarch in place for at least four hours or overnight to absorb the oil from the skin. Vacuum up the cornstarch and repeat the process as needed until the stain is gone.
Ink: Wipe away fresh ink stains with a towel, being careful not to smudge the ink further.
Rub a damp cloth over a bar of gentle soap and begin cleaning, rubbing in small circles.
Whenever part of the cloth is stained with ink, replace it with a clean part and repeat the rubbing process.
If you fail to remove the ink completely, use isopropyl alcohol to remove the ink stain as a last resort and only start using it when you are desperate as it may stain the skin.
Dry skin condition
If your leather sofa has lost its luster and feels stiff and dry, use a good leather conditioner to restore its suppleness and softness.
Follow the product instructions and buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth.
How to clean furniture according to its leather type
The quality of leather on sofas can vary depending on the type of leather used and how it is treated.
Aniline: Aniline leather is a luxurious type of full-grain leather treated with the chemical aniline. This enhances its natural beauty, preserving its texture and showcasing its unique characteristics. The result is a soft, supple leather with a vibrant appearance, highly sought-after for its quality.
This leather is distinguished by its high price and softness, but it is not treated with a protective layer.
Semi-Aniline: Treated with a thicker protective layer than aniline, it is more stain-resistant, more durable and less expensive than aniline.
Dyed or protected: Genuine leather is covered with a polymer that contains pigments and is one of the most durable and stain-resistant types of furniture leather.
Suede: This type of leather is often easy to stain, despite its high price.
What about the methods of cleaning each of these types?
Unlike suede, the cleaning methods for all types of leather sofas are the same.
But it’s still a good idea to check the furniture manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and test any cleaning products on an inconspicuous spot to make sure the leather dye has set.
Conclusion:
Leather furniture adds a touch of elegance to any living room, but their maintenance and cleaning are essential for keeping them looking great. By following these simple steps, you can keep your leather furniture in excellent condition for many years to come. Remember to use the right tools, clean regularly, and treat stains promptly to prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your beloved leather furniture.
