Tips on Cleaning Leather Sofas and Chairs

Leather upholstery cloth on sofas and chairs is more durable than some chair cloth alternatives, but it becomes cluttered nonetheless. The identical cleaning technique doesn’t work on all types of leather. Aniline leather and nubuck or suede require aniline- or nubuck-specific leather cleaners to avoid harm to the material. Aniline leather typically has no protective coating, so it is subject to staining more easily than shielded leathers. Look for a care tag attached to the furniture to ascertain the leather type and recommended cleaning procedures specific to your furniture.

Busting Dust

Regardless of the form of leather to your favorite couch or chair, a gentle duvet on a weekly basis retains the furniture looking its very best. Take removable cushions outside and slap them with your hand a few times to assist release dust. Vacuum all regions of the chair or couch, such as the regions between cushions or under removable cushions using a soft upholstery brush tool. When the cushions have been glued to the furniture, use a crevice tool attachment to reach to the depths to remove dust and debris.

Spot Specifics

Gooey messes such as chewing gum, gum, maple syrup as well as Christmas tree sap create a sticky cleaning situation on leather. Freeze the difficulty in its tracks by placing a zippered sandwich bag full of ice cubes over the offending substance until it hardens. Scrape the hardened matter gently away with the edge of a plastic knife, scraping in the outside of the substance inward till it chips away. Be especially careful removing sticky substances from nubuck or suede to avoid pulling out leather fibers.

Aniline Leather

Aniline refers to the dyeing method used to tint the leather. This type of dye soaks to the leather itself, instead of a pigment-based protective coating that sits atop leather. Without protective coating onto the upholstery, it is important to catch food and drink spills as they occur. Blot spills as far as possible using a white cloth or folded paper towels with no rubbing, as massaging too hard may force down the liquid to the leather or spread it around. Clean a stubborn spot with an aniline leather cleaner applied to a white or sponge cloth. An all-over cleaning using an aniline-specific cleaner once or twice annually keeps the leather looking its best. An aniline leather conditioner applied after cleaning retains the furniture in prime form.

Nubuck and Suede Solutions

Both nubuck and suede possess a feel unlike smooth leathers. A specialty nubuck cleaning cloth and liquid cleaner assist remove dirt tucked between this leather’s brushed fibers. A soft-bristled brush increases the fibers, which helps release debris and dirt. Use a gentle touch, instead of a demanding scrubbing action, whilst cleaning, to avoid damaging the leather.

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