Leather Maintenance 101: How to Protect Your Leather From Spills and Stains
There’s no statement piece for your living room quite like a gorgeous leather couch. However, the idea of keeping such a pricey piece looking clean and new can be a daunting one. Fortunately, leather is not suede. Leather is designed to maintain its appearance for a longer period of time, meaning it’s more durable, long lasting and less likely to become spoiled
from odors and stains. It does not absorb odors! Actually, leather has been used for furniture since the Middle Ages for this very reason. However, that does not mean leather is indestructible. All it takes is a little bit of tender love and care, and we’ll turn you into a cleaning warrior who can defeat any couch problem that comes your way.
Time Matters!
Although it may seem like common sense, untreated spills can soak into leather and ruin it if not treated immediately. It is important to be as diligent as possible about cleaning up spills as quickly as you can when they happen.
Air Dry- Don’t Use Heat!
Let the stained area air dry since a blow dryer’s heat causes the same type of damage as a heater or sunlight would. This can “crack” the leather, resulting in a damaged appearance. If you’re in a rush, try directing a fan towards the spill.
Blot- Don’t Wipe!
When applying your cloth to the leather, avoid spreading the stain by blotting- not wiping. You don’t want to spread the stain.
Use a Damp Cloth- Avoid Soaking It!
Dip the cloth (or sponge) in warm, soapy water to get it damp- not soaked. You want to avoid introducing more water to the leather.
Bath Time- Apply Conditioner From Seam to Seam!
We highly recommend giving your leather furniture a conditioning treatment 2-3 times a year to prevent cracking and keep a clean surface. Simply work a small amount of the conditioner into the leather and use a dry cloth to spread it from seam to seam- covering the entire area you treated earlier.
Florida Leather Gallery
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 Clearwater showroom or any of our 5 locations throughout Florida and take a seat!
