Your Go-To Guide to Spot-Cleaning Leather Furniture
The wonderful thing about leather furniture is that it evokes a feeling of luxury, permanence, and sophistication. Whether your interior design is modern, contemporary, or traditional, leather furniture will improve the warmth and add a touch of luxury to most spaces. Some homeowners are somewhat wary of the fact that leather is a material that is difficult to keep clean. But our leather sofas in Sarasota can take more wear and tear than you think.
Spot Cleaning Leather Furniture
According to Architectural Digest, leather is a material that improves with age.
“The best way to think of leather is that it is like your skin. Good-quality aniline leather is a natural, breathable material; it changes over time,” says furniture designer and restoration expert, Timothy Oulton.
But, leather is, in fact, a skin, and needs to be cared for to remain beautiful. Normally, leather should be:
- Dusted with a dry cloth
- Receive a monthly application of a well-made leather cream (to retain moisture and to keep the leather soft)
- Leather cream can also help with any dirt or stains that might appear.
Tackling Mild Stains
Leather soaps, also called saddle soaps, can be applied to the stain with a clean damp, terry cloth washcloth. In most cases, it will remove the stain from the leather.
Bob Vila, of This Old House fame, says an effective homemade cleaner can be made using equal parts vinegar and water. Mix the two ingredients and dip the corner of a cloth in the mixture. Make sure the cloth is not wet, but just a bit damp. Then wipe the soiled areas. Rinse the cloth after every few wipes to avoid streaking or to spread the dirt.
Next, wipe the piece down with a soft, dry cloth, and ensure that you have cleaned off the areas treated with the water/vinegar mixture. Be extremely careful not to allow the piece to get soaking wet. Leather does not react well to saturation of any kind.
Additional Tips
As leather furniture owners know, some liquid or chemical stains may seem impossible to tackle. But, fear not, because there is usually a clever solution that will save the day.
Let’s say you accidentally spilled baby oil on your leather sectional. Oil and grease stains should immediately be blotted with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Press the cloth or paper towel onto the leather sectional without spreading the oil. Powder the spill with cornstarch, talcum powder, or baking soda and leave the powder in place until the next day. Then, use a clean brush to remove the powder and see if the stain disappeared. You may need to repeat these steps several times.
Even ink stains can be removed using alcohol. To be on the safe side, make sure to follow the directions for several stain-removing tricks available here.
How Does Leather Conditioner Help Leather Furniture?
When leather furniture begins to look tired and faded, a leather conditioner is a must. Our showrooms have information about keeping your leather furniture clean and well-conditioned. We can help you choose the leather furniture that will suit your setting, family, and lifestyle. We know the ins and outs of leather, and our curated collection will give your home a timeless and unique look.
Florida Leather Gallery
You can find the leather furniture you are looking for when you visit us at one of our five convenient furniture store locations. Contact us today to get even more information.
