How Do I clean my Leather Furniture?
Leather
• Dust and vacuum regularly
• To minimize fading and prevent cracking, place your leather furniture where it won't be exposed to sunlight.
• Rotate and fluff removable cushions regularly to ensure even wear and increase longevity.
• Feather and down cushions have excellent recovery, but much like down comforters or pillows, need to be fluffed more frequently to restore their loft.
• Leather will naturally stretch with use, adding to its comfort and character.
• Identify type of leather you own before cleaning. Approved cleaning products are available below.(see below)
• For water-based spills, use distilled water , a PH balanced soap like Nutragena@ and a clean white cloth. You may also use leather cleaning products, but care must be taken that they are made for upholstered furniture.
• Do not use water to remove oil-based stains. Blot with a dry, clean, white cloth. The spot will dissipate into the leather over time.
LEATHER CARE
PIGMENTED, SEMI – ANILINE LEATHERS
To keep your leather looking beautiful for a long time to come please follow these instructions:
Leather should be cleaned often. Frequent and gentle cleaning is easier on leather versus less frequent, more aggressive cleaning. Cleaning will remove dust, dirt, and perspiration. We recommend that you first wipe off any dust, paying special attention to those areas where particles will collect, such as the area between the seat and the cushions.
Clean pigmented and semi-aniline leather should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution (a mild soap will have a neutral pH so it is not harsh on your skin and therefore not harsh on the leather). For general cleaning, use a weak solution of soap; 3 – 4 drops of soap per liter of water. Use a slightly higher concentration to remove more excessive dirt. Always wipe off any residual soap solution from the leather with a clean, damp cloth. It is important that you do not saturate the leather. Always test the soap solution in an unseen area of the sofa to ensure the solution does not damage the leather.
Conditioning is not necessary. Cleaning to remove skin oils is the best prevention to any deterioration of the leather. The use of any conditioners or treatments on your furniture will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Some other important things to keep in mind:
- Special attention should be given when cleaning the areas where there is more skin contact with the leather.
- Hair products and skin oils will chemically attack the finish on the leather.
- Exposure to sun and/or extreme light sources will cause fading and potential damage.
- Dark jeans and other clothing have a high risk of dye transfer onto the leather, especially when the leather is lighter in color.
- Sharp objects will easily puncture and cut into leather.
COVER CARE – NATURAL AND FULL ANILINE
Leather should be cleaned often. Frequent and gentle cleaning is easier on leather over less frequent, more aggressive cleaning. Cleaning will remove dust, dirt, and perspiration. We recommend that you first vacuum off any dust, paying special attention to those areas where particles will collect, such as the area between the seat and the cushions.
Clean aniline leathers only using a slightly damp cloth and then immediately wipe with a dry cloth. Do not use any type of soap on aniline leathers. It is important that you do not saturate the leather.
Conditioning is not necessary, unless a pull up or oiled leather. Cleaning to remove skin oils is best prevention to any deterioration of the leather.
Some other important things to keep in mind:
- Special attention should be given when cleaning the areas where there is more skin contact with the leather
- Hair products and skin oils will chemically attack the finish on the leather.
- Exposure to sun and/or extreme light sources will cause fading and potential damage.
- Dark jeans and other clothing have a high risk of dye transfer onto the leather, especially when the leather is lighter in color.
- Sharp objects will easily puncture and cut into leather.
How to Identify Leather Finish Type.
F or P=Finished or Protected (Pigmented)
This leather will generally look more uniform on top of the grain and texture having same pattern. This finish is the most washable, light resistant, and easy to care for, but feels stiffer than the following leathers. Take a small dab of water on a white cloth in an inconspicuous area and try to force into the leather article. If the leather does not absorb than, you can use a soft cleaner and conditioner like Approved Leather cleaner/conditioner kit . to maintain the leather. Be sure and apply the cleaner or conditioner directly to the white cloth first, do not sprinkle onto leather. This product is approved for use by most manufacturers.
AP=Aniline Plus/Semi Aniline
This leather will generally look less uniform on top of the grain and texture may be irregular. This finish is moderately washable, moderately light resistant, and moderately easy to care for, and feels softer than the leather type above. Take a small dab of water on a white cloth in an inconspicuous area and try to force into the leather article. If the leather does not absorb than , you can use a soft cleaner and conditioner like Approved Leather cleaner/conditioner kit to maintain the leather. Be sure and apply the cleaner or conditioner directly to the white cloth first, do not sprinkle onto leather.
A= Pure Aniline/Full Aniline
This leather will generally have an irregular grain and texture, although can be very smooth. This finish is delicately washable, delicately light resistant, and delicately easy to care for, and feels much softer than the leather type above. Take a small dab of water on a white cloth in an inconspicuous area and try to force into the leather article. The leather should absorb the liquid, it will dry on its own. Do not force dry by artificial means. It is best practice to use damp white cloth to clean the leather. If needing to clean use a PH balanced soap like "Neutrogena" ® and distilled water to be safe. These contain no solids and will not leave a residue or rings in the leather. You can use an Approved Natural Leather cleaner to maintain the leather. If you have a water based stain, be sure and clean an entire cushion, do not spot clean a stain. If you have an oil based stain, do not clean with water ( as these do not mix). Remove an excess spill and allow the rest of the stain to permeate into the article, and over time it will disappear depending on the amount of oil absorbed
A= Pure Aniline- Pull-Up
This leather will generally have an irregular grain and texture, although can be very smooth. This finish is delicately washable, delicately light resistant, and delicately easy to care for, and can feel soft and harder than the leather type above. Take a small dab of water on a white cloth in an inconspicuous area and try to force into the leather article. The leather should absorb the liquid, it will dry on its own. Do not force dry by artificial means. It is best practice to use damp white cloth to clean the leather. If needing to clean use a PH balanced soap like "Neutrogena" ® and distilled water to be safe. These contain no solids and will not leave a residue or rings in the leather. If you have a water based stain, be sure and clean an entire cushion, do not spot clean a stain. If you have an oil based stain, do not clean with water ( as these do not mix). Remove an excess spill and allow the rest of the stain to permeate into the article, and over time it will disappear depending on the amount of oil absorbed
A= Pure Aniline- Nubuck/Nubuk
This leather will generally have an irregular grain and texture, although can be very smooth. This finish is delicately washable, will fade in sunlight, and harder to care for, and feels softer than most any leather. It will usually have a nap like suede. Take a small dab of water on a white cloth in an inconspicuous area and try to force into the leather article. The leather should absorb the liquid, it will dry on its own. Do not force dry by artificial means. It is best practice to use damp white cloth to clean the leather. Approved Wax/Pull up Leather cleaner/conditioner to maintain the leather. If needing to clean use "Neutrogena" ® soap and distilled water to be safe. These contain no solids and will not leave a residue or rings in the leather. If you have a water based stain be sure and clean an entire cushion, do not spot clean a stain. If you have an oil based stain, do not clean with water ( as these do not mix). Allow the stain to permeate into the article and over time it will disappear depending on the amount of oil absorbed. A suede brush will help maintain the surface but over time the leather will darken from body oils.
