From sofas to handbags, leather adds timeless elegance to any space or wardrobe. Here’s how to keep it looking its best.
Leather is a luxurious and durable material that when taken care of, only improves with age. From a sleek leather sofa to a beloved jacket or a vintage handbag, regular cleaning and conditioning are necessary to avoid cracks, stains, and fading. However, cleaning leather needs the right methods and a bit of tact. Here’s your step-by-step guide to keeping leather beautiful and durable.
Know Your Leather Type
Like any other material, leather comes in various types and styles, categorized based on how they are finished. Aniline leather is the most basic type, and while it is untreated and natural making it soft and luxurious, it is also prone to stains. When cleaning it, use soft pH-balanced cleaners.
Semi-aniline leather can be cleaned more easily than aniline as it is slightly treated, making it durable. Pigmented leather is the most durable and stain resistant, as it is coated for added protection. Suede and Nubuck require professional help as these are textured finishes. When dealing with these types, one needs specialized brushes and cleaners, otherwise these may cause more harm than good.
The best practice is to always check the manufacturer’s instructions or at least perform a test on a small and hidden part before cleaning.
Gathering Materials
For most leather cleaning tips, you’ll need:
- A soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber works well)
- Mild soap (like Castile soap) or a leather-specific cleaner
- Distilled water (to prevent mineral deposits)
- Leather conditioner
- A soft-bristle brush (for suede or nubuck)
- White vinegar (for tough stains)
Never use bleach, ammonia, or any kind of harsh chemicals as these will remove oils needed by leather. Ammonia and bleach remove all oil and harsh chemicals mostly remove damage.
Cleaning Out Dust
Cleaning should always start with surface and dust cleaning. For this take a soft cloth and vacuum with a brush or simply just a soft cloth, scrubbing joints and seams. This prevents oil and moisture from making the leather scratched it further breaks the deep dirt.
Gentle Cleaning
Combine soap with the cloth and make sure only a few drops out of the container, and never soaking it to any extent. Remove excess moisture and wrap damp cloth around the it and wring out all. Make gentle circular strokes. Small over circles and sections help avoid leather fiber damage. Drenching the leather is not advisable because it can damage the leather. When dealing with the tough stains, you may use an even mixture of water with vinegar, or purchase leather remover.
Drying the Leather Completely
Once the area is done being cleaned, grab a piece of dry cloth and rub it on the surface with some force until it is dry. Make sure never to use direct sunlight or anything too hot which can crack or fade the leather. Allow for air drying completely.
Condition to Restore Moisture
Leather sustains damage through aging, which subsequently leads to gaps and a loss in natural oil content. To care for such aged leather, rub the conditioner gently in circular form with a clean piece of cloth. Let it rest for fifteen to twenty minutes in order for it to soak into the leather fully and then polish it with a dry piece of cloth so it shines. Condition it every three to six months to retain its natural look and elasticity.
Tackle Stains and Spills
- Ink Stains: Dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Grease Stains: Let baking soda or cornstarch sit on it overnight, then remove it the next day.
- Water Stains: Quickly blot with a dry piece of cloth and let dry. Avoid rubbing as it will make the situation worse.
Use a specialized eraser or brush to treat these stains if the leather is suede or nubuck.
Protect Against Future Damage
To retain and maintain the aesthetic beauty of leather, prevention is key.
- Use Leather Protectors: Spray the leather protector to take care of fecal stains and water and ensure long-term use.
- Avoid Sunlight and Heat: Refrain from putting leather in direct deep rays of sunlight or heat from radiators or air vents.
- Rotate and Fluff: Rotate the sitting cushions in leather furniture to fluff them up.
How to Store Leather
Items made of leather should be kept in a cool and dry area when not in use. Store them in fabric dust bags instead of breathable. To keep their shape, shoes and handbags should be stuffed with acid-free tissue paper.
When to Call a Professional
If the leather item is heavily soiled or has value, having it cleaned professionally will save time and effort. Professionals can deal with fragile finishes, deep scratches, and detailed issues using their tools and knowledge expertly without damaging the leather.
Using the right technology and a little TLC, leather can be a timeless treasure for years. With a little caring, cleaning, and conditioning, leather can be as good as it was when you first bought it, no matter if it’s a cherished piece of accessory or a statement sofa.
Note: Do not forget to always test out newly purchased products in a small, inconspicuous area. Talk to a professional cleaner for assistance when dealing with high-value leather antiques.
