Leather Furniture Care: How To
Protect Your Investment
By Matt Trostle
For centuries leather has been used for its functionality as well as its
prestige. Back in the dark ages, hides were being used for warmth and protection
in the form of crude coats and makeshift shoes. In those times, leather decay
would begin after only a short time making for a very inefficient process.
Today we have perfected the tanning process making leather the strongest and
longest lasting upholstery material. Most reputable leather furniture companies
use leather that has been preserved in the tanning process. Properly tanned
leather can last up to four times longer than most any other upholstery fabric.
Given its durability and the pure elegance of leather furniture, you can most
assuredly be prepared to spend a bit more for it. The good news is leather
requires very little care.
Here are some important steps you can take to help protect your leather
furniture:
Probably the most important thing to remember is to clean stains
immediately! If you do not, the stain can reappear weeks or months later. Just
use mild soap and warm water.
Keep your furniture away from heat sources. At least two feet is
recommended. Leather can become dried out if exposed for long periods.
Avoid direct sunlight. This will prevent fading.
To dust use a clean cloth with a small amount of leather cleaner.
Never use saddle soap, furniture polish, oil, varnish, abrasive or ammonia
based cleansers.
All leather furniture needs reconditioning on a regular basis. This process
replaces the natural hide oils that dry out and cause the leather to crack.
Please note the above is for preventative maintenance and you may have a
specific problem which may call for more action. Cleaning leather furniture can
be tricky and you should always do a spot test to check for color fastness. If
it is something major like scrapes, cuts, holes or grease and oil stains it is
recommended that you seek professional assistance.
Take the time to get to know your furniture. Look for differences in grade
of leather, type of dye and finishing. Your furniture retailer should be able to
supply you with this information. If you take care of your leather furniture, it
will last at least 20 years.
Great Priced Furniture,
North Carolina's largest online furniture store has built a solid reputation by
offering a wide range of brand name
leather furniture.
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