Leather is far and away the most durable type of upholstery available in furniture stores. We all know the tender care needed for fabric, such as being careful with dark beverages, since a spill will stain the fabric. Leather furniture care, on the other hand, is more of a mystery. This article will help identify the type of leather you own and provide proper care tips to help you maximize its life.
There are two types of leather found in furniture today ? treated (aniline dyed) and untreated (natural leather). Each type of leather requires a different method of care. Treated leather goes through a dyeing process where protecting chemicals are added along with possible color dyes and optional lacquers to add shine. The chemicals add protection which increases the life of the product and the amount of wear and tear it can withstand. Protected leather will not be darkened by liquid spilled on it unless it sits on the leather for longer than 12 hours. You should never use mink oil, saddle soap, or car leather care products on protected leather. These products are not designed for furniture. There are products on the market such as Leatherique and others that may be available at furniture stores that will be safe. There is not a requirement on how often to moisturize leather. The best thing that you can do is to dust it often, keep it out of sunlight (UV rays), and clean it with a soft damp cloth if needed. I would not suggest moisturizing more than once a year.
Natural leather on the other hand is not treated with any protecting chemicals. This leather may have unique color patterns and varying grain patterns upon close inspection. Usually high end furniture is made with natural leather due to its high costs and competition for it among products such as designer purses and shoes. Cleaning agents should never be used on this type of leather. The moisturizer/cleaner will soak into the leather and create a patina, which is a darkened area. Many pieces of furniture have been ruined by cleaning/moisturizing products causing leather to darken, and no longer match the decorating colors of the home. Natural leather should be dusted at least monthly. Avoid using a damp cloth at any time, but if you need to clean something up, do so by all means. Be very careful of liquids since natural leather is very porous and will absorb the liquid quickly. Natural leathers tend to darken a bit as they age due to sunlight and the natural oils found in human skin. Sunlight is very bad for natural leather as the exposed area will darken.
How To Repair Leather Furniture
Leather furniture is no longer only for the wealthy. Although leather furniture is stylish and fills your home with an air of opulence and luxury, it has become much more accessible and even affordable for families of various income levels. Now practically anyone can enjoy the comfort, style, and class of leather furniture.
Just like all other leather goods, leather furniture must be cared for properly to maintain its beauty and durability. Many mistakenly believe that leather furniture is high maintenance and expensive to care for. This is not the truth at all and this article will look at some of the simple tasks you can do to maintain care of your leather pieces.
Act quickly to clean spills. The great thing about leather is that it is stain resistant and very effortless to clean. Certain substances; however, can cause discoloration of the leather if left in contact for long periods of time. As soon as a spill happens, grab a damp cloth and wipe your furniture clean. It is okay to use some soap or liquid detergent if necessary.
As good as leather is, it still needs care and regular cleaning. You can help keep your leather in a like new shape by dusting it at least once a week. Thoroughly clean your leather furniture about every 3 months. Use a high quality respected brand of leather cleaner and follow that by applying leather conditioner. One must pay special attention to the areas of your furniture that get the most wear like arm rests and the seats. This will extend the existence of your furniture by keeping the leather soft and protecting it from breakdown.
Leather breathes like natural fibers, absorbs dampness, like sweat, and then releases it. Keep your leather furniture in climate controlled rooms and avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight, intense heat, and high humidity will shorten the life span of your leather furniture. In fact, being exposed to the elements such as rain, could actually damage the leather.
Upholstery is a major financial investment that should be protected and cleaned on regular basis. The care you give your leather furniture is much the same as you would give to your other fine leather goods. The goal is to protect the leather from damage and keep it supple and beautiful so you can enjoy it for years to come. All things considered, leather furniture may even be easier to maintain than upholstered furniture that stains easily and shows wear much sooner. Leather furniture has a beautiful appearance and is extremely comfortable since well maintained leather is silky and soft to the touch.
If you have been contemplating buying leather furniture pieces for your home but were afraid it would be time consuming and expensive to maintain, consider the return you will get for your efforts: good-looking, classy, and comfortable furniture that will last for years. The payback of protecting your furniture can notably add to your satisfaction by making the furniture easier to clean and longer lasting.
Both Robert Thomson & Ethan O. Tanner are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert Thomson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Desktop, Finances and Pets. John is owner of . You can find more information on his blog at. Robert Thomson's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Ethan O. Tanner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jewelry, Recreation and Sports and Trucks. leather craftsman and knowledgable Ethan O. Tanner shares his expertice for cleaning and maintaining your. Ethan O. Tanner's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.