A leather sofa is a wise investment - they are durable and long-lasting, with fabric that only looks better the older it gets. The attractive, natural patina that appears with age draws many people to leather furniture despite the common misconception that leather is difficult to care for. Leather sofas don’t take much maintenance, but a little care throughout the years will ensure it stays soft, supple and clean.
Wipe your sofa down regularly with a dry fabric cloth to remove excess dirt and dust. Dirt embedded in the creases and folds of the leather can be difficult to remove later, so it’s a good idea to keep on top of it. Instead of wiping it down, you can always run your vacuum over the sofa. This is a quick and easy way to keep it clean, and you can just incorporate it into your regular cleaning schedule!
Keep on top of stains and don’t let them set in. Clean them up with a damp cloth as soon as they have happened. If you let stains dry, they can set into the wrinkles of the leather, making it incredibly difficult to remove them. Avoid using lots of water, and don’t let the fabric soak, as this will damage the leather. Also, avoid using harsh detergents or household cleaners, which can cause damage. A dishcloth soaked in warm water is your best option, then leave the leather to air dry naturally.
Once a year, condition your sofa with a suitable cleaning product. This is perhaps the one thing to help your leather sofa last a lifetime. It will help maintain the softness of the leather and slow down colour fading. Conditioners are usually buffed into the fabric with a microfibre cloth, so they don’t need to be rinsed or cleaned. Before you use any new cleaning product on your sofa, test a spot on a small, unseen corner to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.
The combination of light and heat can fade your leather and dry out the natural oils present in it. The most effective way to prevent this is to place your sofa away from bright, sunny windows. If you cannot do this, some leather can be found with a protective top coat. This can alter the appearance of the leather but helps to prevent fading. Regularly conditioning your sofa will help stop the leather from drying out and cracking. Some conditioners also come with a UV protectant. Nevertheless, the natural patina of aged leather is very appealing, and some fading can be attractive.
