One of the most beautiful and comfortable furniture coverings in the world is leather. It not only wears well, it is also aesthetically pleasing and hardy. As a result, it can fit in with a variety of decors, but needs special care and cleaning in order to preserve its lustrous quality. Although leather furniture was once only affordable for the wealthiest customers, today it can be found in a variety of price ranges, colors and styles making it more affordable for everyone.
There are certain things that should be kept in mind when caring for and cleaning leather. It must be remembered that leather is a material that comes directly from cowhide or lambskin. In its natural form it would soon become dried up once removed from the animal, but with the processing and technology available today, as well as with proper care, it can last a lifetime.
Here are a few quick and easy tips to help care for your leather furniture:
- Keep away from windows and doors. Just like your skin, leather can burn, crack or change color when exposed to the sun too long.
- Vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust. Leather is a porous material, and if not vacuumed or at least wiped weekly, elements can work their way into the material and become almost impossible to remove.
- Clean up spills immediately. A spot cleaner might be needed depending on the ingredients of the food or liquid in the spot. Manufacturers recommend various cleaning products to use with their furniture so it is important to check labels in order to ensure that the cleaning supplies used will produce the best results.
- Blot the stain, do not rub it. Rubbing the spot may cause the stain to be engrained further into the leather and can even spread it. This could result in a permanent stain that can ruin the overall look of the furniture as well as devalue it.
- Add an application of preservative after deep cleaning. This will keep the leather soft and subtle and will help preserve the natural oils that diminish over time. Without this step, leather will crack.
- Watch what is in your pockets when sitting on leather. Leather is sensitive to sharp objects, so keys, pencils, pens or any other item that may puncture the material should be avoided.
Leather furniture is elegant, comfortable, and luxurious. It is suitable to a variety of decors and is well worth the price paid. If the proper care, cleaning, and protection are exercised on a regular basis, it will serve a family well for years to come.
Comments