Keeping Up with Your Canine and/or Kiddos
Fabric sofas are often seen as the most “family friendly” option when purchasing a new couch for your home. While fabric/microsuede sofas can be very cozy; they are also accident-prone to stains, marks, and tears due to the nature of these materials. All it takes is one leap and bound from your furry friend before your entire couch is left covered with paw prints, leftover treats and bones (not to mention SLOBBER), or pet hair that’s now embedded into the fabric. When it comes to kids, living room couches are a very centralized and integral part of a home. They are often the location of playtime- painting, coloring, or jumping; naptime (this includes, “drool time”); or mealtime (sometimes your lap makes the best table!).
Couches are often used and abused, which is why taking care of yours is so important. While leather couches are not necessarily “bulletproof” to everyday wear and tear, there are easy ways you can mitigate damage from even happening to begin with.
- Purchase a Sofa Made From Protected Leather
“Protected” leather has a coating to repel stains, small tears and other damage. You can simply wipe it with a small cloth (as quickly as possible) to remove any spills. Avoiding leathers with a less durable waxed finish also helps to ensure durability. Since leather is four times more durable than fabric, making it very suitable for an active household.
- Make Sure Your Sofa Has Been Dyed Completely Through
Before purchasing leather furniture, it’s helpful to confirm that it’s been dyed completely through, so that scratches aren’t obvious. When leather goes through the dying process, it’s important that it’s tanned and dyed all the way through so that it withstands the test of time and holds onto its original color as long as possible.
- Keep Your Pets (And Kids) Nails Trimmed
When your pets have the urge to sharpen their claws or are “teething”, try your best to keep them away from your leather couch. Keep their nails clipped short to reduce the potential for rips or damage. While keeping nails maintained is important, also regularly wiping down paws will help to preclude stains.
(Note: When shopping for a leather sofa, you can also opt to look for a sofa with a “natural distressed look”, which many leather styles tend to have. This will help disguise any unwanted signs of wear).
- Wash Your Couch Monthly
Leather furniture need to be wiped with a dry cloth and receive a leather cream treatment monthly to keep it soft and moisturized. When treating mild stains, simply wiping down the leather with a cloth dipped in lukewarm soapy water will do the trick. (Note: You can also use “saddle soap”, which is designed specifically for treating leather products). Make sure you dry the leather completely, allowing it to “breath” to avoid growing mildew. Next, you want to re-moisturize the leather by applying leather conditioner with a cloth. This re-hydrates the leather and mitigates the desiccation process that occurs as a result of the dye. Make sure to allow the product time to be absorbed by the material. If your goal is to add additional shine, you can buff the surface with a soft sponge.
Florida Leather Gallery
Because of its long-lasting properties and minimal-care requirements, leather furniture is a great family friendly option for your home – regardless of how many pets or kids you have. In a busy household, a long leather sofa or recliner can be the sense of comfort and relaxation you deserve (and the chic, modern look that you desire). At Florida Leather Gallery, we are dedicated to helping you find functional, high quality leather furniture to fit your family’s needs. To explore our selection of 100% genuine leather furniture from all the top brands, stop by our Bonita Springs show room or any of our 5 locations throughout Florida and take a seat!
