As you know, furniture is an investment, so of course you want it looking brand new for as long as you can! If you are purchasing leather, keep in mind it’s a more delicate material and requires regular upkeeping.
A few simple ways to keep up good maintenance is to wipe it down with a clean and dry cloth regularly. Micro-fiber material is best, you never want to use abrasive material or scrubbers. When it’s time to vacuum, don’t forget about your furniture. Sometimes we forget about what we can’t see so make sure to get between the creases and under the cushions!
You should avoid oil-based soap cleaners. It can stain and alter the color of the leather. Also avoid mild soaps and detergents because they will strip away the oils in the leather, leaving it brittle and cracked. You might think to just add oil back on after to “fix” it, but that may cause more stain to the leather. Stick to cleaners specifically designed for leather.
While it’s easy to say to be mindful of messes, we all know accidents can happen, but when they do, you should be prepared! It’s key to blot instead of swipe spills. Even if it’s spill-resistant, this will minimize the mess. If you like to take extra precautions, it may be worth it to keep talcum or baking powder around for grease and oil spills.
When placing the furniture in your home, be conscious not to place it in direct sunlight. While this is true for all furniture, it is especially true for leather. Constant sunlight will cause it to dry out and crack and can cause sun bleaching, permanently lightening the color of the furniture. Try to avoid exposing it to any type of extreme temperatures, even the cold can cause it to freeze and crack.
If you have recently purchased or are thinking of purchasing a new piece of leather furniture, there are precautions you can take to help make the material last. We are all guilty of tucking the care instructions into a drawer, never to be seen again, but every piece of material is different and any information about its specific care instructions will be beneficial to your furniture in the long run. You can also take the time to get a professionally applied leather protectant.