Keeping the house in order

5 Tips for Cleaning Your Leather Upholstery

20 March 2023 by Thomas Jones

Cleaning leather upholstery is a necessary but often intimidating task. It's important to take special care of your leather furniture, as it can become easily damaged if not handled properly. Here are five tips to help you clean your leather upholstery safely and effectively.

Tip 1: Know Your Leather Type

Before cleaning any type of material, it's important to know what kind you're working with. Different types of leather require different cleaning methods. For example, aniline leather requires a gentler cleaning method than other types like nubuck or pigmented. Additionally, some treatments may harm certain types of leather and should be avoided altogether. To make sure you're using the right products and techniques, consult a cleaning contractor before attempting any cleaning on your own.

Tip 2: Vacuum Regularly

A great way to keep your leather upholstery looking its best is by regularly vacuuming it with an upholstery attachment. This will help remove dirt, dust and other particles that accumulate over time, helping to extend the life of your furniture. Be sure to use a gentle suction setting when vacuuming around buttons or piping.

Tip 3: Treat Stains Immediately

When dealing with stains on the surface of your leather furniture, the most important thing is to act quickly. Use a clean cloth to blot away as much excess liquid as possible from the affected area before applying any product directly onto the stain. If using water-based products like detergent or shampoo, make sure you test them out on an inconspicuous spot first and always dab gently instead of vigorously rubbing in order to avoid damaging the surface material further.

Tip 4: Condition Regularly

Leather is made from animal hide, which means that it needs regular conditioning in order for it to stay supple and soft without drying out or cracking over time. The frequency at which you condition depends on how often you use your furniture, so don't forget to check in every few months. When applying conditioner, use a microfiber cloth dampened with clean water — this will ensure even coverage without leaving behind any residue that could damage the surface material further down the line.

Tip 5: Seek Professional Help

When in doubt, seek professional help! Not all stains can be removed by DIY methods. Sometimes it's better (and safer!) to leave things in the hands of professionals who can provide more thorough cleaning services that won't damage delicate fabrics or cause discolouration over time. So if you ever find yourself overwhelmed by messes and stains on your beloved pieces of furniture, call in a pro for assistance.

For more info, contact a leather upholstery cleaning service.

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