Leather furniture is a popular choice for homes and offices because it is stylish and durable. However, leather furniture is certainly not the easiest to look after! Leather can be stubborn and difficult to keep in good shape and can become stained or soiled over time. In this blog post, we will discuss how to clean leather upholstery using common household items. We will also provide tips on how to protect your leather furniture from future stains.
The Different Types of Leather Upholstery
First, let’s cover the different kinds of leather you can get! Leather upholstery comes in many different colours and styles, making it a popular choice for furniture. There are four main types of leather upholstery: aniline, semi-aniline, protected, and vinyl.
- Aniline Leather – An aniline leather is the highest quality type of leather upholstery. It is a natural leather that has been treated with a dye and has no protective coating. This type of leather is very soft and delicate, so it is best suited for furniture that will not be used often or is only used for display purposes. This is also the same kind of leather used for many high-end leather jackets and needs regular conditioning to stop it from cracking and peeling.
- Semi-Aniline Leather – A semi-aniline leather is another natural leather that has been treated with a dye but it has a protective coating to help protect it from staining and fading. This type of leather is softer than protected leather and is best suited for furniture that will be used every once in a while. This type of leather is also used for jackets and coats and is more durable and hard-wearing but doesn’t feel as soft and supple.
- Protected Leather – Protected leather is the most common type of leather upholstery. It is a natural leather that has been treated with a dye and has a protective coating to help protect it from staining, fading, and scratches. This type of leather is stiffer than other types of leather upholstery and is best suited for furniture that will be used frequently and will be subjected to heavy use.
- Vinyl Leather – Vinyl leather is a man-made fabric that has been designed to look like real leather upholstery. It is durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for furniture that will be used frequently. As it’s not made from animal hide, this type of leather is also vegan-friendly but can be costly to the environment.
Now that we’ve covered the different types of leather upholstery, let’s move on to how to clean it!
Cleaning Leather Furniture – the Basics
Leather furniture should be vacuumed regularly using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This will help to remove any dirt or dust from the surface of the leather.
If you spill anything on leather furniture, you can spot clean the area using a damp cloth. Be sure to blot the stain, rather than rubbing it, as this can cause the stain to spread. If the stain is proving difficult to remove, you can try using a leather cleaner or conditioner on a soft cloth.
It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents on leather upholstery, as these can damage the surface of the leather. If you’re not sure about how to clean your leather furniture, it’s always best to consult a professional upholstery cleaning company. They will have the knowledge and expertise to safely and effectively clean your leather furniture without causing any damage.
Removing Stubborn Stains from Leather Furniture
If you didn’t manage to catch a spillage or dirt before it soaked in and dried, you may find that it’s more difficult to clean. If there are any stubborn stains on the leather, you can try spot cleaning them with a mild soap and water solution. Always test the soap and water solution on an inconspicuous area of the furniture first to make sure it doesn’t damage the leather. Once you’ve spot cleaned the stain, be sure to wipe away any soap residue with a damp cloth.
If the stain is still present after spot cleaning, you can try using a leather upholstery cleaner. These cleaners are specifically designed for use on leather upholstery and can safely and effectively remove stains. Always read the instructions on the cleaner before using it on your furniture.
For more difficult stains, you may need to call in a professional upholstery cleaning company that specialises in cleaning leather furniture. They will have the right equipment and cleaning solutions to safely and effectively remove any tough stains from your leather upholstery.
Finally, one thing that’s not often remembered is that direct sunlight can damage leather, causing it to fade and dry out. To help protect your leather upholstery from the sun’s rays, consider using blinds or curtains to shield your furniture from this.
Protecting Leather Upholstery from Stains
As well as regular cleaning, you can also protect your leather furniture from future stains by using a Leather Protection Cream. This type of cream creates a barrier on the surface of the leather that helps to repel water and stains. It’s important to apply the cream evenly to avoid any patchy areas, and you should always follow the instructions on the product closely.
If you have any light-coloured leather upholstery, you can also use a Leather Protection Spray. This spray creates an invisible barrier on the surface of the leather that helps to protect it from spills and stains. The spray is clear, so it won’t change the colour of your furniture, and it’s easy to apply evenly. As with the cream, you should always follow the instructions on the product label.
Finally, try to clean up any spillages or stains as soon as they happen, as this will make it much easier to remove them, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure after all- and leather can cost more than a few pounds!
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your leather upholstery looking its best for many years to come. And if you ever have any questions about how to clean or care for your leather furniture, you can always contact our team. They will have the knowledge and expertise to safely and effectively clean your leather upholstery without causing any damage. You can also check out some of the fantastic reviews and testimonials we have across the web!
