How to Clean and Care for Leather Furniture

Leather Furniture: How to Clean and Care

Leather is a surprisingly low-maintenance yet durable material. However, leather furniture does require some upkeep every now and then. This upkeep may come in the form of regular cleaning and occasional emergency spill removal. Or, if your leather furniture is looking a little worn or tired, these suggestions may help breathe fresh life into it.

Leather Furniture Cleaning

Step 1: Vacuuming

This step allows you to remove any dust and other loose particles before you begin wiping down your furniture. You will want to use the brush attachment to get down in any seams and crevices. When you are done with the vacuuming, you will want to take a dry cloth and gently wipe across all the cushions. A microfiber cloth works exceptionally well for this part. Also, while you are doing this, you can inspect for any problem areas that may require special attention.

Step 2: Cleaning Problem Spots

For routine cleaning, just wiping down the leather furniture with a damp cloth will work. However, you want to be cautious during this step so that you do not oversaturate your leather. For any spots or problem areas, a simple mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water is all you need to do routine cleaning. Depending on how big the item is that you are cleaning, mix the appropriate amount in a small bucket. Take your cloth and dip a small portion of it into the mixture. Make sure the fabric you are using is wrung out so that it is only damp. You don’t want it to be sopping wet and dripping or anything. Wipe down the leather and make sure that you are rinsing the cloth out every few strokes. This action will keep from spreading any dirt that the vacuum may have missed.

Step 3: Drying Wipedown

Quickly after you have wiped down your leather furniture with water or the vinegar mixture, you will want to use a soft dry cloth to go back over the whole thing. You really want to avoid letting any liquid sit on your leather for much time at all. One of the worst things that can happen is for any liquid to soak into the leather and saturate it.

Leather Furniture Stain Removal

While leather can be resilient when it comes to stains, the greatest enemy is time. The quicker you notice a spill, the easier it will be to clean. We all know that life happens and sometimes you just don’t see something until it’s too late. When it comes to greasy stains, you can use baking soda to try and draw out the stain. Depending on how long it has set, you may need to leave the baking soda on there for a few hours. Just wipe the baking soda off with a cloth afterward.

For ink stains or pen marks, rubbing alcohol may do the trick. Dab a little bit on a cotton ball and wipe until the stain comes off. You may have to use several of the cotton balls if the stain is sizable. Alcohol evaporates much more quickly than water, but you still want to make sure you aren’t using too much.

When it comes to household cleaners and chemicals, you need to be cautious. Any cleaner with detergent or a solvent can do more harm than good. Of course, as with any cleaning, you should test what you are going to use on an inconspicuous spot before attempting to clean. Just in case, it isn't right for your leather, you don’t risk making the matter worse. If all else fails, it may be time to get professional help or to think about replacing the piece.

Moisturizing Leather

As seasons change, so can your leather furniture. Occasionally, you may need to moisturize your sofa or recliner. As leather dries out, it can start to crack and tear apart. While there are several methods that people claim are safe, Bob Vila recommends using lemon essential oil. Using a clean cloth, apply 10-15 drops of the oil and massage into the surface. Not only can it help to prevent cracks, but it leaves a fresh, clean scent.

Leather Furniture For Sale In Abilene, Texas

Even though leather is durable and lasts a long time, all good things come to an end, eventually. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to replace an item or two in your home, we can help you find that replacement. At Pierce Furniture Gallery, we understand that comfort is king, but style and affordability also play a vital role in selecting the right piece. Our staff is here to help you choose the furniture for your living room that looks and feels perfect!