Tips for Leather Furniture Care

by Marie Price

Overview

Leather furniture is an elegant and timeless addition to any room. There are many different types of leather used for furniture, but they all require similar care and maintenance. Leather is absorbent, and therefore easily stained by oils, inks and liquids, but with weekly cleaning, you can keep your leather furniture looking beautiful.
Weekly Cleaning

For all types of leather furniture, consistent weekly cleaning is necessary to keep the furniture in good condition. Wipe your leather furniture with a dry cloth once a week. This will prevent everyday dirt and oils from building up on your leather furniture. Use only a dry cloth for weekly cleaning, as water can cause unsightly blemishes that cannot be removed. Vacuum your leather furniture, using a soft brush extension, once a week. This is especially important if you have pets or if the piece of furniture is used often. Consistent vacuuming will remove dust particles and hair from seams and crevices that can trap dirt and oils.

Stain Removal

Leather stains easily, and once the leather absorbs the liquid, the stain is irreversible. Prompt action, therefore, is necessary when an accident occurs. Quickly absorb the liquid with a dry cloth to clean up a spilled drink. Press the cloth into the spill and dab to lift the liquid from the leather rather than rubbing it in. For an ink or oil stain, use a dry cloth and press into the stain to absorb as much of the oil as possible. Wipe dirt or soil build-up with a damp cloth, then pat dry.
Prevention

Do not place leather furniture directly in the sun, as the leather will fade and can become brittle and cracked. Apply a leather conditioning cream twice a year to maintain the soft and supple texture of your furniture. Before using any cream or liquid cleaner, including water, apply a small amount in an inconspicuous spot to see if any staining occurs. Do not leave newspapers, magazines or any print material on your furniture, because the leather will absorb the ink. Do not use oils or furniture polishes to clean your leather. These products usually contain solvents that can make your leather sticky. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions before applying any creams or cleaning solutions to your furniture.