How to Clean and Restore Leather Sofas
Natural leather is the most durable
Natural leather is the most durable material for a sofa and is the easiest to clean and restore. However, you should still learn how to properly care for this material. Firstly, understand the different types of leather. There are three main types of leather: aniline, pigmented and full-grain. Full-grain leather has a natural color that stays true over time, but it has a higher price tag.
Another thing you should remember is that the longevity of a leather sofa depends on the quality of its materials and construction. A high-quality leather sofa should last for about 25 years, while a lower-quality leather sofa is only likely to last five or six years. That’s why it’s essential to learn about the types of materials used in making a sofa before buying one. Full-grain leather is the most durable material and will take up to 10 years to completely break down. It’s made from the outermost layer of the hide and contains the natural imperfections that make it so durable.
To clean and restore a leather sofa, you need to use a mild cleaning product made especially for leather. You can buy a spray or bottle that contains natural oils that will keep your sofa looking and smelling new. It will also help keep it moisturized. You should allow the conditioner to dry for about an hour after applying it. This will prevent the oil from being absorbed into your clothes.
It is scuff-resistant
You’ll need to take proper care of your leather sofa if you want to maintain its appearance. Untreated spills and stains will damage the leather. When cleaning, make sure to use minimal water. Avoid blow dryers or space heaters as they can damage the surface. Avoid dyes such as blue. Blue dyes can ruin the white color of your couch. It’s also possible for someone to transfer blue dye from their jeans onto it.
The first step is to clean the leather with an old cloth or a microfiber cloth. Then, you can apply a genuine leather re-colouring balm. This can be applied with a sponge or a palette knife. After applying it, you need to allow it to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, lightly sand the surface. Once the area has completely dried, you can apply a genuine leather colourant.
The next step in cleaning leather is to remove scratches and abrasions. These are caused by hard objects rubbing against the leather. In most cases, these abrasions can be repaired with a dab of leather filler or oil. Then, wipe off the residue using a clean lint-free cloth. Alternatively, you can apply a mixture of mink oil and vinegar.
It is most susceptible to stains
When it comes to cleaning your leather sofa, the first step is avoiding spills. Although spills are inevitable, you can easily deal with them by following some simple steps. First, blot up any spills using a clean absorbent cloth. Don’t rub the spill hard as this could make it worse. Second, moisten a soft cloth with lukewarm water and clean the area gently. Finally, let the sofa dry naturally.
In addition to avoiding spills, you should also clean your leather sofa with a dry microfiber cloth to avoid further stains. If the stain is very stubborn, you can always hire a professional leather cleaner. This service will not only make your sofa look new again, but will also save you the cost of replacing the sofa.
You should also avoid placing your sofa in direct sunlight or near a furnace or fireplace. The leather sofa may fade when exposed to harsh heat or sunlight. Alternatively, you can reposition the furniture or cover the windows to prevent fading.
It is most susceptible to sun damage
Whether your leather sofa is white or dark, the sun will eventually cause it to fade. Overexposure to the sun also causes it to lose its original shine and start cracking. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect your leather sofa from damage. Keep it out of direct sunlight and make sure you condition it regularly.
If you live in a sunny climate, the best way to protect your leather sofa from damage caused by the sun is to keep it out of the sun. It’s also important to keep your leather sofa covered during the hottest part of the day. It’s best to keep it in the garage or under a shelter if you can.
Sun damage to leather can be avoided by placing it in a shaded area or a room with lots of windows. However, if you’re unable to find a shade, you can cover your leather sofa with a decorative blanket to protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Using a commercial leather cleaner on your sofa at least once every three months is recommended. Avoid using ammonia-based products or abrasive cleaners on it. Also, you should use a commercial leather conditioner on it twice a year.
