How to Clean and Restore Leather Furniture 
If you’re wondering how to clean and restore leather furniture, you’re not alone. You’re probably wondering how to remove stains, protect it from the sun, and prevent the appearance of unsightly stains from recurring. Thankfully, there are several techniques that you can use to ensure that your leather furniture stays clean and beautiful.
Avoid DIY leather cleaning solutions
If you’re looking to clean your leather sofa or chair, you should avoid using DIY leather cleaning solutions. Instead, purchase a cleaning solution specially formulated for leather. Many household items, such as vinegar and cream of tartar, are too harsh for delicate leather. You can even end up bleaching your leather by using these products.
Before using a leather cleaning solution, it’s best to carefully inspect your furniture and determine the exact nature of the stain. If the staining is minor, you can try a diluted solution of vinegar. Use a cloth dampened with the solution, and wipe the leather thoroughly. Rinse the leather after every few strokes.
Avoid abrasive cleaners
When cleaning leather furniture, it is important not to use any abrasive cleaning agents. Saddle soap, cleaning solvents, furniture polish, and other substances should never be used. When cleaning stains, use a soft, white cloth to rub the stain from the outside inwards. After the stain has been removed, dry the cloth with a clean one.
Scratches and stains can be repaired using a variety of home remedies. However, deep scratches cannot be repaired by chamois cloth or abrasive paper. In addition, don’t forget to lubricate the leather. Using a chamois cloth or petroleum jelly can help minimize the effect of stains, but it’s not a replacement for professional cleaning. Make sure to use a chemical resistant glove to protect yourself while working with chemical products.
Remove ink-based stains from leather
If you have a leather sofa or chair, you may need to remove ink-based stains. However, you must be very careful when attempting to clean ink-based stains because leather reacts differently with different cleaning agents, dye treatments, and leather conditioners. Therefore, you should always test any cleaning solution or product on a small area first. This will ensure that you do not damage the leather.
When cleaning ink-based stains from leather, you can use a cotton swab to wipe the stain away. It is best to use a white cloth, so the color does not transfer to the leather. If you cannot get rid of the stain on your own, you may want to hire a professional technician.
Protect leather from sunlight
It’s important to protect leather from sunlight if you want to prolong its life. Exposure to sunlight deteriorates leather, which will lead to cracking and fading. Fortunately, you can use sunscreen products to prevent this damage. In addition to sunscreen, you should also avoid leaving your leather products in direct sunlight.
To protect your leather furniture from the sun, place it in shaded areas where it is protected from direct sunlight. Avoid covering it in dark colours, as dark colors absorb light. Another way to protect it from the sun is by installing window tinting films. However, if you cannot avoid direct sunlight, protect it from direct heat sources.
Another way to protect leather from sunlight is by using window coverings. Using window shields and sheer curtains can block a large portion of harmful UV rays from the sun. Window coverings can also help by preventing the heat and glare from reaching the leather.
Preparing leather for colorant application
Before you start dyeing your leather project, it is important to prepare the leather for dyeing. This can involve cutting and punching the leather, or it may simply require a little hydration to make the dye finish smooth and uniform. If possible, use oil to prepare the leather before applying the dye to it. We found that water tended to interfere with the dyeing process, but oil worked much better.
The best way to prepare the leather for dyeing is to clean the piece first. You should use a drop cloth to protect the back and the front of the piece. Then, use a small air brush to apply the colorant to the surface. You can also purchase an electric spray gun, but be sure to use it sparingly. This will prevent runs and ensure even coverage. When applying a colorant, you should avoid using brushes or rollers, which can make the process harder and risk damage to the furniture.
