How to care for leather furniture
Buying leather furniture is a wise long-term investment. Its natural beauty will enhance any room. It is available in a variety of rich colors and textures to blend with your decor. Leather is a natural product and is comfortable. It feels cool in summer and warm in winter.
But as with any piece of furniture, it is subject to hazards. Pets, active children, and spills all take their toll. Even sunlight, dry climate, and common household chemicals can sap the natural oils from the fabric. And, of course, the buildup of dirt and grime will take away from its appearance. These factors will also cause the value of your investment to decrease unless you provide proper cleaning and conditioning.
What is leather?
Leather is a processed material made from the skins of animals. It is cured to prevent decay and make it more durable. The most popular type of leather is cowhide. It is rugged, yet soft, and keeps its shape. Leathers are identified by processing type, not by brand. Reputable manufacturers use high quality leathers in their products.
Chemicals used in processing leather have changed over the years. Environmental concerns and cost factors have caused these changes. Because of the new processing, old methods of care no longer work. Mink oil and saddle soap are no longer appropriate for the newer leathers.
Follow the steps below and you’ll learn how to care for leather furniture:
- Determine the type of leather
- Determine cleaning needs
- Obtain suitable products
- Apply, using the appropriate process
Judging Quality of Leather
Knowing the type of leather you are working with is important. Good quality leathers will wear better and are easy to care for. Plus, they will look and feel better. A poor quality leather known as By-Cast is becoming popular in the industry. It is inexpensive to produce, but is not long-lasting. Don’t be fooled by vinyl products. Vinyl has a leather look and is easy to keep clean, but does not share the desirable characteristics of leather.
The quickest way to determine the grade of leather is to try the water test. A droplet of water on the fabric will behave differently depending on the grade. Study the chart to learn the differences.
The most commonly used type for furniture is Top Coated. It is also called Pigmented or Protected. Due to the protective coating, it is more durable and easier to care for. The coatings, however, tend to hide the natural grain and markings. As a result, the leather has a polished and less natural look.
For a more natural appearance and softer feel, choose the Aniline or NuBuck finishes. These have only a light coating applied. They are treated with products that allow them to “breathe.” The tradeoff is that items are more prone to staining. Furniture made with this grade leather is less durable and more difficult to maintain.
Maintenance
Caring for leather involves removing build up of dirt and replacing natural oils. This should be done every four to six months. On chairs and sofas, the most critical areas are the arm and head rests and the front of the cushions.
Items in heavy traffic areas should be cleaned every three months. Avoid placing furniture where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or direct heat. Consider applying a protective coating for additional protection.
Cautions
Certain conditions and chemicals can be harmful to your leather. Common household products such as suntan oil, detergents, hair spray, moisturizers, and air freshener can break down the surface coating. Even some products sold for leather care contain ingredients that may actually harm the leather. Watch out for silicone and beeswax and certain surfactants. Avoid solvents like mineral spirits and alcohol. These may dry out the leather and damage the surface. Make sure the product you choose is appropriate for the type of leather you are working with.
Cleaning
Check the ingredient label when purchasing products. Before using, test the product on an inconspicuous part of the furniture. Apply the product evenly. Spray on or use a lint free cloth or applicator sponge, depending on the product. Rub with a soft brush. Use gentle, circular motions. Do not allow cleaner to dry during the process. Wipe off all remaining solution with a clean cloth. Allow to dry thoroughly before conditioning.
Conditioning
Once your leather is thoroughly cleaned and dried, it’s time to restore the natural oils.(Don’t skip the cleaning step or you will trap dirt and contamination under the conditioner. This will eventually destroy the fabric.) Work on only a small section of the leather at a time. Apply product evenly by spraying on or applying with a soft cloth. Allow it to dry. You may need a second or third application for high use areas. Buff with a towel for a nice sheen.
Repair
Gouges, burns, and scuffing happen. Major tears and gouges require professional help. But you can make minor repairs on leather yourself. You will need a good quality leather glue or specially prepared color matched resins. Purchase a leather repair kit for best results. You will need something to hold the edges in place while the glue dries. Trim off any frayed edges before beginning. Before beginning, clean the area to be repaired.
The end result
Knowing how to care for leather furniture will help you protect your prized pieces of furniture. Investing your time in these simple procedures will be well worth the effort. The result will be clean, supple fabrics that will make your possessions a thing of pride.
