Leather is popular for many types of furniture, and good reasons. The natural material is not just stylish and versatile; it’s also very durable. When people purchase genuine leather, they can expect the product to last a lifetime.
Some people are still hesitant about leather or leather furniture. Many people believe that only commercial cleaners are qualified to maintain leather. While it is true that leather cleaners are the best at taking care of it, you can also keep it in good shape by following some simple maintenance guidelines.
Care for Leather Furniture
You should always condition leather once or twice per year to maintain its texture and color. Clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid liquids or stains seeping into the leather.
Here are some more tips to keep in mind when cleaning leather furniture and leather parts.
Avoid harsh cleaning products like ammonia and abrasive cleaners. Also, avoid using furniture polish, oils, or solvents.
Avoid direct sunlight to avoid leather fading, cracking, or drying.
Test a new method of cleaning on a small area before using it in broader areas. You should wait at least 24 hours before you see how leather reacts.
A soft cloth will usually suffice to remove spills. If you have sticky or stubborn messes, you can dampen the cloth with lukewarm clean water.
Cleaning Greasy Stains from Leather
You should wipe off any greasy or oily substances immediately with a dry, clean cloth. Then, let the stain stand. The stain will disappear in a few minutes, depending on the amount of liquid that was spilled.
If you have a bigger spill, sprinkle some baking soda or use cornstarch to absorb the oils and grease. Allow it to sit for several hours or overnight, and then vacuum it off. Use a clean, soft cloth to buff the surface.
If the stain continues, contact a leather specialist or professional cleaner as soon as you can. They will know how to remove the stain without damaging the leather.
Remove dark stains from light-colored leather.
Use a paste of one part cream-of-tartar and one part lemon to remove dark stains on light leather. Rub the paste gently onto the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then add another layer. Continue to rub the paste on the stain until it disappears.
Use a wet sponge to remove the paste residue. Add a little mild moisturizing liquid soap to maintain a supple texture.
Remove Water Stains from Leather
Water stains are easy to remove from leather. You can remove the water stains by moistening a soft, clean cloth with water and rubbing it on them. Do not forget to dry the area, or the water residue thoroughly may stain the leather again. For this, use a dry towel. DON’T place the leather in the sun or apply artificial heat.
Remove Ink Stains from Leather
You can remove ink marks from leather by using a cotton swab, or cotton ball dipped into rubbing alcohol. Use a circular motion to wipe the marks. Be careful not to spread the ink. Some DIYers recommend using hair spray or acetone-based non-gel nail polish remover.
After the stain has been removed, rub the leather with a soft rag and a little leather conditioner.
General Leather Furniture Care Tips
To keep leather furniture and leather accents in good condition, you can usually do this by dusting or vacuuming regularly. Be sure to pay attention to the creases and crevices that can conceal dust. You can fix scratches by using a lightly moistened towel to buff the area.
It’s best to condition leather once or twice per year, if not more often. This will keep it looking good for longer. Keep leather away from direct sunlight and other sources of bright light to prevent color fading.
How to condition leather
You should treat leather like your skin. To keep it smooth, supple, and healthy, it needs to be moisturized. You can buy leather conditioners at furniture or homecare stores. Follow the application instructions to get the best results.
You can make your leather conditioner by mixing water, vinegar, and natural baby shampoo. Combine 2 cups of warm, filtered water with one tablespoon of natural baby soap and a few drops of vinegar. Use a soft, clean cloth to apply conditioner on leather. Mix well.
Just the right amount is needed to avoid soaking the leather. After the leather is fully coated, let the conditioner sit for a few moments to allow the oils of the baby soap to seep into its grain. Use a dry, separate cloth to polish the leather.
A simple vinegar-linseed mixture (1:2) is an alternative to the leather conditioners you can buy in stores. Pour the liquids into a jar and cover it. Shake well. Rub the mixture on the leather with a soft, clean cloth. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then buff with a dry towel.
You can see that leather care is not as difficult as you might think. These simple tips will help you keep your leather furniture looking great for many years.
