Cleaning Leather

Leather furniture has always been associated with wealth and luxury. Over the centuries, it was a preferred choice of Royalty and their Court for decorating the castles in medieval Europe.

Today, leather furniture is experiencing a rebirth as it is used to create new designs and its price is ever so affordable. The purpose of leather is universal: to create a pleasant atmosphere in a country house, an apartment, or an office.

Leather is durable and easy to maintain, its appearance depends highly on the quality of the handling. First, the animal’s fur and fat are removed, then the skin is cut into two layers: the upper, more valuable layer, and the lower, "split" layer, which is of a second-grade quality. Upper layer of skin retains its natural texture, while on the “split” layer the same texture can be created by embossing.

The first stage of processing leather is called tanning, which can be done in two ways: with plant acids or with chromium compounds. Today, manufacturers are trying to use plant acids to produce environmentally-friendly products. After tanning, the skin is treated with aniline dyes and is then dried and stretched mechanically. A layer of protective varnish is applied to create either a glossy or a matt finish. 

Quality leather furniture is beautiful and valuable, which is why it is sometimes passed on from one generation to another, so one should carefully choose the pieces. It’s preferable to go to the furniture store with the whole family and get personally acquainted with your future sofa, trying it out thoroughly before making a decision. One should examine the upholstery: good leather should be warm after touching. Don’t get distracted by the wrinkles; they are indicators of authenticity.

Sometimes customers who have bought quality leather furniture use harsh or unsuitable care products, which can destroy the leather (it can lose its luster, color, etc.). In order to take a good care of the leather piece, one must use the appropriate products, the same ones that furniture manufacturers use.  Retailers can always recommend the right product.

Here are a few simple guidelines for leather care that do not require special products:

1. Never clean leather furniture with chemical solvents, paint thinners, or any other corrosive substances, abrasive powders, or pastes.

2. Remove dirt from leather with water and natural soap: using wet cloth, rub the stain in a circular motion, then run a dry cloth over the wet spot. Avoid excessive rubbing; treat the leather gently.

3. Place your leather furniture at least a foot or two away from any heat sources. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight.

4. Regularly wipe the dust with a soft damp cloth.

5. Never use a hair dryer or heaters to dry leather furniture.

6. Do not use solvents to remove stains. Wipe the stain with a cloth and let it dry; it will get absorbed into the skin and become invisible.

7. To clean spills, immediately dab with a sponge or cloth soaked in warm neutral soapy water.