Leather furniture is a gorgeous addition to your home, and with the proper care, it can last a lifetime. This article describes how to protect your leather furniture; how to properly clean it; and when repairs are needed.

Protection

One of the most important things you can do to protect your leather furniture is to be sure that is placed in the proper location. You want to avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to fade over time. You will also want to keep your leather furniture away from direct sources of heat or cooling. A good rule of thumb is to keep your leather furniture at least 2 feet away from any heat sources or air conditioning vents, which can dry out and damage your leather.

Another important aspect of leather care is to regularly clean and condition your leather in accordance with your manufacturer's recommendations. You also want to be sure to keep sharp objects and liquids away from your furniture. And if you're going to be on vacation or away from your home for an extended period of time, you might want to consider covering your leather furniture to help protect it from sunlight and dust.

Cleaning your leather furniture

You should regularly dust your leather furniture with a clean dry cloth, or use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If you find a stained area on your leather, use a damp cloth or sponge moistened with lukewarm mild soapy water. Work in a circular motion, starting from the outer edge the spill and then work towards the middle. And then dry the area with a soft cloth. Do not allow the furniture to be used until the area is completely dry.

If you spill anything on your leather, you should clean it up as soon as possible. Never use aggressive chemicals such as stain removers, cleaning solvents, turpentine, shoe polish, ammonia water, or any other type of chemical solutions on your leather.

Leather furniture repair

If you notice scratches or cuts in your leather, the sooner you can have them fixed by a qualified repair person, the less chance that these will spread. Also if the frame of your furniture or it’s legs have started to become loose, you should also consider having this repaired by a qualified furniture repair person. And the sooner you have this done, the better.