Caring for Your Leather Sofa
Leather is a natural, animal skin product and just like caring for our skin, consistent care is key. This may be a need for a little light cleaning or more moisture or a combination of both. Using the recommended leather conditioner for the leather type at least every every two to three months is highly important. The frequency you need to condition your leather may mean you need to condition more as it will depend on its environment and how often you use your sofa.
Keep Cleaning Simple & to the Minimum
We recommend you never clean your leather with household cleaners as they are likely to damage the leather surface. This includes everything from detergents, alcohol, chemicals, soaps, shoe polish, wax, window cleaner, silicone, and saddle soap, to any cleaning product not designed specifically for your type of leather.
Regularly clean (generally every 3- 4 weeks) your leather sofa with either a lightly dampened cloth (distilled water) or gentle vacuuming with a very soft brush attachment.
Avoid over cleaning as premium leathers such as aniline or semi aniline leathers achieve their beautiful patina from the wax and oil compositions used in the leather finishes. Over cleaning will strip the leather of these finishes as such avoid vigorous rubbing or over cleaning to prevent deterioration of the protective surface. And never soak your leather with water.
Carlyle Sofa in Isadora Ocean Leather
Conditioning is the Best Care
If your leather is generally exposed to dry or hot indoor environments it will require more regular moisturising in comparison to cooler environments. If your sofa feels a little “dry” or papery to touch that’s a good indication you need to give it a condition. You can never over condition your sofa, however it is important to give a simple clean before applying a conditioner. Before using any products test them first on a hidden surface.
Type of leather conditioner to use is dependent on the leather type, never use any home remedies despite what you might read on the internet, and no beeswax or any other wax. We recommend only to use specific conditioner or balms for aniline leathers or semi aniline leathers.
We cannot stress enough that using the correct leather conditioner for the leather type is highly important. This will help your leather piece maintain its own natural oils, keeping it soft and supple for many years.
Protecting your leather furniture also means keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause drying, cracking, and fading. (Not doing so may also void the product leather warranty.)
Regular leather conditioning will maintain your sofa amid everyday environmental factors, such as wear, air quality, and life in general. Stick to these basics and you will have a leather sofa or armchair to love for a long time.
When uncertain as to what to use or how to best care for your leather sofa do not hesitate to ask us.