Leather Furniture Care
by Toni Farrell-Higgins, Rooms ReNew Stylist
at Discovery Furniture in Topeka, KS
There's no mystery to caring for leather furniture. If leather furniture
is well cared for it can last for 15-20 years instead of the 4-5 years many
other furniture coverings average. That's a great incentive for both purchasing
and learning how to care for this beautiful furniture, isn't it?
To know how to care for leather depends upon how the leather was prepared.
The qualities of leather vary depending upon production methods. Leather
is often classified as "corrected" and "uncorrected." If the original animal
hide contained imperfections then it may have been "corrected" by sanding
or buffing. This leather is often dyed or pigmented, then embossed to produce
a uniform grain. A urethane finish is then applied to protect it. While
these leathers aren't considered premium, they are the most stain resistant
and therefore are more family friendly.
"Uncorrected" leather is in good enough condition that it is not buffed
or sanded. Because hide is a natural product, each piece of leather will
have its own unique patina. A single hide may in fact have color variations
or minor markings which add to its unique character.
Leather
products are actually quite simple to care for. First, leather should not
be placed in direct sunlight. Like wood, leather can fade and could possibly
stiffen from heat exposure. Secondly, because of leather's tendency to absorb
other dyes, avoid placing printed materials on leather as the ink can transfer
and leave a stain. Third, simple care will keep your leather looking wonderful.
Use a clean white cloth to dust every week or two to prevent buildup of
regular household soil. If any soil does accumulate, use a damp, soft white
cloth to wipe the leather surface clean. But before you apply any moisture
to the leather, be sure to place a few drops of water in an inconspicuous
spot to make sure the leather doesn't absorb it. If the leather does absorb
water use only dry cloths. The final step in caring for your leather furniture
is to clean every 5-6 months with a mild leather cleaner. After cleaning
apply a protective leather cream to keep it soft and supple.
To insure your leather furniture's long life, consider purchasing a protection
plan. Protection 1st, an excellent furniture care program, picks up where
the manufacturer's warranty stops. Often manufacturers' warranties cover
construction defects, but Protection 1st covers accidental stains and damage
caused by food, pets, cosmetics or ink. Puncture damage, tears or burns
can also be repaired under this plan. Some exclusions may apply, but a protection
plan will help ensure the value of your new beautiful leather furniture
for years to come.