Leather sofa care guide

Oct 26 2011 Advertisement Feature

Leather sofas are an increasingly popular choice and because of their simple, elegant style they are the perfect choice for any kind of home; whether you live in a flat, a house or are looking to furnish a rented property.

One of the main reasons why leather sofas are so popular is because of the high quality leather they are made from. Leather is hardwearing and over time it actually gets better – worn leather still looks great and it gets softer and more comfortable with time, making it a really great investment for your home.

Like all sofas, leather sofas do need a care regime. While they are hardwearing and are – to a certain degree – waterproof, they still need a little TLC to ensure that they stay looking great and that you get as much life as possible from your sofa.

So, just how do you keep your leather sofa looking and feeling great? Here is a quick care guide on how to care for your sofa.

First of all, treat your leather sofa to regular cleans with a soft, dry cloth – this will remove any dust build up and keep it supple. Break out the vacuum cleaner and hoover underneath the cushions to get rid of everyday build up.

One of the biggest mistakes that leather sofa owners make it to try and clean their sofa with lots of water or with cleaning products that have a high soap or ammonia content. This is a bad idea as it will start to break down the leather and can lead to cracked leather. Ammonia and solvents can bleach the leather – which is never a good look. If you are cleaning a stain, use a little water and a soft damp cloth to lightly wash it.

Treat your leather sofa to a conditioning treatment every few months. You want to make sure that your leather stays nice and supple so find a leather conditioner that is suitable for your sofa. Use the conditioner only once or twice a year and try to avoid using it too often – there’s really no need. Pick something mild enough for your sofa and check with the manufacturer to see if they recommend a particular product.

Finally, try and keep your leather sofa away from direct sunlight or any open fireplaces. Heat and sunlight can damage the leather and cause it to crack and fade – try and pick a spot for your sofa that is shady and cool.