Preserving Leather Furniture?

carol

February 14, 20070 found this helpful

I have a leather couch & 3 leather chairs. Two of the chairs are rockers/recliners & the other is a regular chair w/matching ottoman. I have never used anything on them except a very soft cloth which has been dampened lightly with plain old water. Every so often I give it a light washing. That's it. May I add that purchasing high quality leather, like an oriental rug, is an investment. We've had ours for about 20 years & it will probably outlast me. I just love it, especially the couch as it is like laying down in a huge marshmallow.

joesgirl

Basics of cleaning and caring for Leather
Leather is a popular material because it is so tough. Cleaning is easy too, since it can be gently vacuumed and damp-wiped as needed. Accomplish deeper cleaning with a leather conditioner or saddle soap.

Although commercial conditioners are best for large pieces such as sofas, a homemade leather reconditioner (see recipe below) will work well for smaller pieces, such as footstools or chair seats.

Homemade Leather Reconditioner
1 teaspoon of household ammonia 4 teaspoons of white vinegar 2 cups water Mix ingredients together. Apply mixture, dry with a soft cloth, and then wipe on castor oil, using a soft cloth. Rub on leather shoe cream in the appropriate color. Buff well.

Leather Furniture Care Made Easy
Here are some tips and tricks for keeping leather furniture beautiful and carefree for many years to come. (Please also refer to the care instructions provided for the specific type of leather you purchase.)

Under normal usage/conditions, regular dry-cloth dusting and vacuum cleaning in crevices or along the bottom is all that is necessary to clean your furniture.
The use of a good leather conditioner is recommended every 6-12 months.
Protect your furniture from sun and direct light. Like any upholstery material, leather can fade to some degree if exposed to the sun.

Suggested Methods of Cleaning
Always try any cleaning method in a hidden area first to convince yourself of the results!
For minor spots and spills, wipe up any excess liquid immediately with a clean absorbent cloth or sponge.

www.americanleather.com

You can use a leather care kit to help clean and maintain leather - www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/LC_Special_Offer.htm