Care Guide: Leather Sofas

Unlike fabric sofas, leather sofas can require a little more maintenance despite being a hardier material. Without regular cleaning and care, your leather sofa can begin to look worn. You should put some time aside at least once a week to take care of your leather furniture, though you might need to up this to twice a week if your sofa sees a lot of use.

To keep your leather sofa looking as good as possible we recommend that you follow these Dos and Don'ts:

DOs:

• Plump it up: 

  Keeping your sofa nice and clean is important, but so is maintaining its shape so it looks great and provides maximum support. Plumping your settee’s cushions up at the end of every day of use will go a long way towards keeping everything in its right place, and it doesn’t take long to do at all. Furthermore, carrying out this simple act will also keep unnatural creases from forming in the leather. If your sofa has a feather of fibre filling, plumping is absolutely essential, as they don’t have the inherent ability to bounce back as foam does. Remember to give your scatter cushions or wool throw a quick shake too.

• Dust & Vacuum It: 

  Vacuum your leather sofa to draw out any loose dust and dirt that may have embedded itself both under and above the surface. it is important that this is done using the vacuum's soft brush attachment and using gentle movements to avoid scratching or marking the leather.

• Test Before Cleaning: 

  If you are facing a tougher stain and turning to a leather cleaner etc for assistance, we highly recommend that you test any new products or methods on an inconspicuous area of your sofa first as this will avoid your ruining your whole sofa.

• Conditioning Your Leather: 

  Leather contains oils that need to be replenished every so often. They help to keep the upholstery soft and supple to the touch, but regular use can diminish its natural properties. Using a specialised leather conditioner or protector will give it a new lease of life and help prevent it from drying out and cracking.

  It is important to note that you should always pay attention to the instructions on the product you are using and if you have any deep or stubborn stains then consult an upholstery expert.
   

  DON'Ts:

  • Keep Your Leather Sofa In Direct Sunlight or Heat:

    Many people don’t realise that extended exposure to sunlight and other heat sources is one of the root causes of dryness and cracking. Positioning your new suite in a spot away from windows that get a lot of sunlight, fireplaces, air conditioning units or radiators can preserve the look and condition of its upholstery. If this is not possible then using a throw or blanket to cover the areas of the sofa in the sunlight will add a layer of protection.

  • Watch Out For Sharp Objects & Colour Fast Clothing:

    You should be wary of clothes, throws, and cushions that are not colour-fast. This means that the material they are made from does not hold its dye very well, becoming prone to transferring markings to everything you sit on or brush up against. This can be problematic when these materials are wet or damp. Should you own any items like this, you should keep them well away from your new leather settee. We also recommend always checking the labels on your clothing and garments for further information.

    You should also be aware of any inconspicuous items that could scratch or scuff your leather upholstery. Things like keys, scissors, and even clothing studs, buckles, and buttons can all cause damage that you might not anticipate, so it’s best to keep a keen eye out if you want to preserve your beautiful new sofa. 

  • Treat Tough Stains Yourself 

    If a stain occurs, treating it as quickly as possible will always be beneficial as this will help to avoid staining. Remove any excess liquid by blotting (do not rub) it with a clean cloth, mix up a solution of water with a mild soap so there are plenty of suds and use a clean sponge to apply just the foam to the spillage area, dab away the access with a clean cloth and leave to dry. Where possible you should always avoid treating stains with water as this can spread the further or replace it with a water stain.

    

    If you are facing a tougher stain then we always recommend consulting an expert about removing it. 

    To sum it up - the best things you can do to keep your leather sofa looking great are:

    • Plumping your settee’s cushions up at the end of every day.
    • Dust & Vacuum your sofa regularly using the soft burst attachment.
    • Condition the leather to keep it looking healthy.
    • Keep your leather sofa out of direct sunlight if possible to avoid the colour from fading.
    • Watch out for sharp objects and colour-fast clothing.
    • Where possible tackle tough stains and spillages straight away & Test any products you might use on an inconspicuous area first.
    • Consult an expert for advice on tough stains.

    One of the best things about a brand-new leather sofa is its beautiful, natural shine. The most effective way of preserving this quality is to regularly buff its upholstery with a microfibre or soft cloth, which will make sure the leather keeps shining and doesn’t end up looking tired. Buffing is also a great way of reducing the appearance of scratches and scuffs that your sofa will pick up with regular use. The easiest way to remember to do this is to carry it out once your sofa is dried after cleaning.

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

  If you require any more care advice then give our team a call on 01782 719101 or email them at info@pattensfurniture.co.uk.

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