Leather is a popular material for uholstery because it is
so tough and acquires a beautiful patina as it ages.
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 conditioner
(see recipe below) will work well for smaller pieces, such as
footstools or chair seats.
Do not use standard household cleaners on any kind on leather. Also avoid spraying wood, glass, or multi-surface cleaners near leather furniture to prevent over spray, which can damage the leather irreversibly.
Homemade Leather Conditioner
4 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice, 2 cups water. Mix ingredients together. Apply mixture, dry with a soft cloth, and then wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Rub on leather shoe cream in the appropriate colour. Buff well.
Another quick and easy cleaning method for leather is a solution of two parts linseed oil and one part vinegar – test on a hidden area first to be safe.
Leather Care and Touch-ups
Don't sweat small scratches. They often heal over time, becoming less conspicuous. Any noticeable deep scratches in leather upholstery can be covered with a commercial leather dye.
Manufacturers sometimes sell touch-up kits in the same colour as the furniture. (Consider buying one or two kits when you purchase the piece, in case the colour is discontinued.)
If you have several leather pieces, label the kits to avoid confusion. If a touch-up kit isn't available or you've acquired a vintage piece, check with a shoe or leather repair shop for the closest match.
Leather is easy to care for. Just use a conditioner every 6-12 months and wipe up spills as they occur with a clean cloth. Avoid using normal cleaning supplies - like soaps, detergents, solvents, etc.
Weekly dusting is very important to keep leather pores free from dust particles. Simply wipe it with a soft cloth. Don´t under-estimate this seemingly small task; it goes a long way in the long term care of your leather.
Leather furniture is something you buy for a lifetime. Since leather is a natural product, aging brings out its natural patina, making it even more beautiful over time. And since leather furniture is something you can enjoy for years to come, this is a purchase that makes a sound investment.
Tears and stitching
If the stitching that joins leather pieces on a chair or sofa has broken, use a saddle stitch to form a double row of threads through the existing holes if possible. You will need strong needles available from craft and upholstery suppliers. Repair small tears with a patch of leather large enough to be coated with PVA adhesive all around the edge of the damage. Colour any of the exposed patch with a tinted leather polish, poke the patch through the tear and stick to the back of the surrounding leather.
Caring for Suede
Suede, the rough undersurface of leather is handsome and more durable than it appears. It should, however, be kept away from sunlight and heat. And, if you live in a dry climate, make sure your indoor air is not excessively dry, which can damage suede.
- Vacuum suede with a soft brush attachment or use a soft clothes brush.
- Use only made-for-suede leather cleaners.
- Freshen and restore with suede brushes and soapstones.
- For cleaning spots and spills, gently blot - do not rub - excess liquid immediately with a clean white cloth or sponge, and allow the area to air dry.
Remove small spots with art gum erasers.
To Lighten Suede
To lighten pale suede that has darkened, purchase a resin bag from a sporting goods store. Pat the bag over the suede, then brush away excess resin with a suede brush followed by a clothes brush.
|
