We all love the feel of leather and how it adds a touch of class to any space. However over time, your leather sofa or leather settee can accumulate dirt and oils and become an eyesore. Learn a few tips and tricks in this article to clean your leather or leatherette sofa.
Steps to Clean your Leather Sofa
Vacuum and Wipe
As simple as it sounds, vacuuming and dusting your sofa can keep your leather looking cleaner, longer. Simply get a vacuum with a hose and attachments, and use the crevice tool to get into all the small corners of the couch. If you can remove the cushions and clean the bare frame, even better. You can also take a damp rag, and wipe down the surface of the couch to remove any topical dirt.
Remove Stains Quickly
Life happens and food and liquid can get on your leather sofa. Quickly clean the offending material as quickly as possible with a paper towel. If you leave the stains too long, they may become permanent. Avoid eating oily foods on your couch as oils that seep into the fabric are very difficult to remove.
Clean and Nourish
Every so often, take out your leather cleaner, which you can buy online or most local stores, and spray down your couch. Give it a good wipe. This will remove a few layers of built-up dirt and oils. After cleaning it thoroughly, apply a leather conditioner. This will ensure that your sofa leather stays moist and reduces cracking.
Avoid Sunlight
Leather is a natural substance and is susceptible to UV damage. Unlike leather that you find in a car that is coated with UV protectant, the leather sofas in your home can be untreated. Avoid leaving your couch in direct sunlight for months at a time. This can both damage the leather itself or dry it out, causing cracking and fading. Indirect sunlight is OK!
Professional Cleaning
Leather sofas, when clean and nourished, are an amazing piece of furniture in any home. Preserve your investment and have them cleaned by a professional at least once a year. Professionals will have special cleaning chemicals as well as brushes to remove and lift dirt and oils stuck in the pores of your leather furniture. If you are in need of a leather sofa cleaning, give us a call or book a free quote online!
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular vacuuming and wiping remove surface dirt and prevent buildup, keeping the leather looking clean and well-maintained.
Clean spills and stains immediately with a paper towel to prevent them from becoming permanent, especially oils which are hard to remove.
Direct sunlight can damage untreated leather by causing drying, cracking, and fading. It's best to keep the sofa away from prolonged exposure.
Professional cleaning uses specialized chemicals and equipment to thoroughly clean and nourish leather, extending the furniture’s life.
Having your leather sofa professionally cleaned at least once a year helps preserve its condition and appearance.
While quick action can remove many stains, some, especially from oily foods, may seep into the leather and be difficult to eliminate.
Position the sofa away from direct sunlight and consider using window treatments to reduce UV exposure.
