How to Clean and Press Leather
Finished leather
If you want to keep your leather furniture looking its best, you should clean it regularly. You should avoid using harsh solvents or cleaners, which can damage the protective topcoat and finish of the leather. Instead, use a soft, clean cloth with warm water to remove stubborn soils. If the stain is especially difficult to remove, you can try using a mixture of mild soap and water. Make sure that you never rub or scrub the leather with a heavy motion.
Finished leather is the most popular type of leather and is often used for contract work and high traffic areas. It can be cleaned and conditioned by using a Finished Leather Cleaner, Conditioner and Protector. This product will remove the oils from the leather and provide a natural barrier to protect it from moisture.
When cleaning finished leather, it is best to use water-based products. This will prevent the finish from dissolving during cleaning and avoid discoloration. You can also use a special glue to repair torn or damaged leather.
Coated leather
To protect the color and finish of your coated leather, you can clean it using saddle soap or leather cream. Some soils are easily removed by using an eraser, but most stains need the help of a leather specialist. The best way to clean coated leather is to avoid using acidic cleaners, and use a neutral or basic pH cleaner. If you’re worried about the chemical composition of your cleaner, you can try using Natural Surface Cleaner, which is safe for use around the home. Moreover, you can test it on a small area before applying it all over your leather.
While cleaning coated leather, it is also important to keep the surface clean and free of dirt. Oil and dirt can damage the surface of coated leather, and they are the main causes of premature wear. This is especially true if you wear tank tops or shorts, or if you apply sunscreen or lotion.
Removing stains from leather
Whether you’ve spilled something on your leather sofa or you simply want to prevent stains from setting, there are a number of steps you can take to remove the stain. One of the first steps is to make sure you are using the right cleaning product for leather. Leather is extra-sensitive to stains and some can set in too deeply to be removed. To remove a stain from leather, blot the affected area from the outside inwards, making sure to wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth.
Another method is to use rubbing alcohol. Alcohol is generally considered safe to use, but it should be used very gently. You can use a microfiber cloth dipped in the alcohol and gently wipe the stain with it. You may have to repeat this process a few times before the stain disappears. Once the stain has been removed, condition the leather with the manufacturer’s recommended products.
You may also try mixing equal parts of lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply the mixture on the stain and leave it for at least 10 minutes before wiping it off with a clean, damp cloth.
Protecting leather from the environment
Protecting leather from the environment is vital for preserving its quality and durability. Leather production is a massively energy-intensive process, involving the use of vast amounts of pastureland and water. The water pollution that is caused by livestock farming is arguably the biggest environmental threat to humankind. Moreover, leather production contributes to the development of eutrophication, a global problem caused by the growth of plant life in water systems, which suffocates animals and depletes oxygen levels. Some manufacturers of leather may tout their product as “eco-friendly,” but the process of tanning and processing the skin requires huge quantities of energy and toxic chemicals. Furthermore, the majority of leather production in the U.S. is chrome-tanned, which means that all waste that contains this metal is considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA
When cleaning and pressing leather objects, it is essential to take precautions to prevent mould and fungi. These pests feed on the oils in leather and other decorative materials made of leather. A sign of an infestation is the presence of recent small holes or graze marks in the leather, a damaged surface due to insect grazing, or the presence of larvae casings and frass. If you are unsure whether your leather object is affected by these pests, consult with a conservator.
