Real leather furniture is expensive, but it's an investment. It’s durable, stylish and improves with age, but only if you look after it properly. Leather is an incredibly hard-wearing material but should be treated with care. Over the years, it will start to change in appearance. Its colour might become bolder and it may start to develop slight wrinkles, giving it a more distinguished look. However, it is important to attend to it regularly to keep it in the best possible condition. By following the tips in this guide, your leather with stay clean, supple and resistant to cracks and scuffs.
Don’t use the wrong cleaning products
Many people use the WRONG cleaning solutions on their leather furniture, reaching for common household cleaning products like furniture polish, washing up liquid or harsh antibacterial sprays. This is not a good idea. All leathers are different and as a result, cleaning products will have varying effects. Some will work fine, while others, particularly those that are bleach based could dry out the leather and cause it to crack. You should buy specialist leather cleaning products and test them on an inconspicuous area of the furniture first, just to make sure it has no negative effect.
Don’t neglect your leather
It’s so important to take the time to care for your leather furniture. Leather is a natural product and as such it has a natural lifespan that will be significantly shortened if you fail to give it the proper care and attention.
Tackle stains as soon as they occur
Leather is a hardy material. It’s naturally quite resistant to stains but that doesn’t mean it’s completely invincible. Alcohol, grease, chemical or acidic based spills will all have an effect if not dealt with quickly, so play close attention to fruit juices, wine, greasy food or cleaning product spillages. If a spill does occur, first blot the area to absorb most of the liquid. Then use a wet cloth to wipe the area clean. Grease spots need close attention and may need a specialist cleaner to deal with them properly.
Keep it clean and dust free
Keep your leather furniture free from dust and debris by giving it a regular hoover and dusting. This will avoid dirt from being worked into creases and wrinkles which cause your leather to look drab and worn.
Keep it conditioned
Because leather is a natural material made from animal hides, it requires moisturising and conditioning just like our own skin. Regularly applying a leather conditioner will help keep your leather soft and supple and prevent it from drying out. It will also give it an inviting and luxurious appearance. Conditioners can be bought from your local supermarket or DIY shop but olive oil works just as well, plus you’ll always have some in your kitchen so there’s no excuse not to regularly apply it.
Keep it covered
Keep your furniture covered when it’s not in use, particularly if you are leaving the house for long periods, such as while you are away on holiday. Covering your furniture will protect it from dirt and dust and avoid sun damage, which can dry it out causing cracks over time. You may feel that this tip is a bit over the top, but it really is effective at prolonging the lifespan of your leather.
Leather is an expensive material but one that adds a real touch of style to your home. By giving your leather furniture plenty of tender loving care, you will help to preserve it well into the future, keeping it from looking old and tired.
Written by Mike Pye
