How to Clean Bonded and Blended Leather
When it comes to cleaning your leather furniture, you should be aware of the different types of bonded leather. Bicast leather, for example, is made of feather fibers that are glued together to form a durable structure. While it has a uniform color and texture, you still have to clean it properly to keep it looking new. Luckily, there are a few ways you can go about cleaning it.
Bicast leather is a type of bonded leather
Bicast leather is a hybrid of natural leather and a synthetic polyurethane layer. While it may be more stylish than natural leather, it doesn’t last nearly as long. It tends to lose its glossy appearance and develop surface scratches and cracks after several months of use. This makes it unsuitable for furniture made to last a couple of decades.
The two main differences between bicast and top grain leather are the process used. First, raw hide is split into layers. The top layer is sanded down to reduce imperfections. Next, the remaining layers are split into smaller pieces and the bicast leather is formed. This process results in a thin, flat surface that lacks the natural markings of top-grain leather. Once the bicast leather is complete, it is embossed with a pattern that makes it look like leather. This material is also known as reconstituted or laminated leather, and in some countries, it is referred to as leatherette.
It is a structure of feather fibers
Blended leather is a type of leather that consists of feather fibers blended together with leather fibers. Its structure is a result of chemical modification of feather fibers with Na2S2O5. Na2S2O5 is a denaturant that is often used to modify protein. Na2S2O5 was added to feather fiber to increase the adsorption capacity. After this chemical modification, feather fibers had a much slimmer surface and increased Pb2+ adsorption capacity.
Carbonized feather fibers were prepared by heating them to 225 oC. These fibers exhibited a high stiffness and high strength. In addition, they lost 80% of their weight, which is close to the theoretical value for C-content in keratin. Carbonized feather fibers can increase their stiffness and strength to 100 GPa, a much higher than normal fiber modulus.
It is homogeneous in texture and color
Leather is a term that describes fully tanned skin products. The color and texture of these products vary, and there are many different types. However, in general, the best choice is clean blended leather because it is homogeneous in texture and color.
It requires regular cleaning
Cleaning bonded leather requires the use of a microfiber cloth and a mild soap solution. You can mix this solution in lukewarm water and use it to wipe away soil, stains and other contaminants from bonded leather. When you are finished cleaning the leather, be sure to dry it thoroughly. If you do not want to use a microfiber cloth, you can apply a drop of soap directly on the leather.
Using harsh chemicals to clean bonded leather can cause it to crack and fade. It’s better to use a soft cloth to clean bonded leather sofas. If you’re heavy-duty, you should clean it once a week and use a conditioner to help preserve the surface. Always avoid direct sunlight and heat as these can dry the leather and promote peeling.
It is not as elastic as top grain leather
When it comes to cleaning leather, there are two types: top grain and blended. Top grain is made from the uppermost part of the hide, while blended is the lower layer. The difference between top grain and blended leather is the type of processing used to create it. Top grain leather is soft and pliable, while semi-aniline leather is protected with a protective coating. In addition, top grain leather is more elastic, and is not as susceptible to stains as its counterpart.
Top grain leather is made from a thinner layer of hide, making it more pliable than blended leather. It can also be treated with a finish coat to make it more durable. It is cheaper and does not look as natural as top grain leather, but is more resistant to stains than blended leather. However, top grain leather should be cleaned by following the care instructions for this type of leather to prevent damage.
Cleaning methods
There are a number of different cleaning methods for blended leather. In many cases, you can use simple household products to keep your furniture looking new. First, dust the surface of your furniture with a soft cloth. After that, you should use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution on a microfiber cloth. Use this cloth to clean the surface, and remember to return it to the bowl often to wring out the excess liquid.
You can also use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to clean your leather. Although the latter is not as effective, it can kill up to 90% of germs and bacteria. Simply apply a small amount to the area to be cleaned, and leave for at least 10 minutes. Some people also dilute the vinegar with essential oils to make it more effective. Regardless of the method you use, you should keep in mind that leather is a porous material and will be damaged by any liquid that penetrates it.
Solvents
Several solvents are effective for cleaning blended leather, but there are some precautions that should be kept in mind. The best way to choose the right solvent is to try it out first on a small area. You should shake the bottle well before applying it to the surface. Then, rub it onto the soiled area with a clean cloth. Rotate the cloth as it becomes soiled, and use a clean cotton bud to remove small residues.
Leather cleaners are available in the market that are aimed at cleaning all types of leather, including blended leather. While some of them may work well, they weaken the fibers of leather over time. Moreover, you should never apply these products too often, because repeated use will cause the leather to lose moisture.
