6 Tips to Help You Care for Your Leather Sofa

Leather is a resilient sofa fabric that can last 15-20 years with proper treatment. Cleaning the sofa is simple since the surface wipes easily, but repairs and scratches can take more time to fix. To clean leather, you need a few custom cleaning products, and you should follow the manufacturer’s guide for your sofa to ensure you’re cleaning your couch the best way possible.

As long as you’re prepared with the right products and professionals, almost anything that happens to your sofa is repairable with the right tools and help. 

Here are six tips to care for leather sofas:

• Use the right products.

Since leather has a naturally smooth surface, many people are tempted to use regular household cleaners to remove spills from their leather sofas. While these products may clean the spill, they may also seep into the porous leather. Use commercial leather cleaner if possible, and if you don’t have any available, use a detergent made for sensitive fabrics.

• Employ the right cleaning techniques. 

You should vacuum your sofa with a soft-bristled attachment to avoid scratches. When cleaning spills, blot to avoid rubbing the stain onto a larger surface area. Always use a soft cloth when cleaning your leather sofa. 

To remove ink stains, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and rub it over the stain, blot up as much ink as possible, and then sprinkle talcum or cornstarch on the stain and let it settle. Repeat the process until you’ve removed the ink.

• Avoid punctures and scratches. 

Leather sofas are easy to clean, but punctures and scratches could result in costly repairs. If possible, keep pets off the sofa and avoid snagging sharp objects on the sofa, like belt buckles and watch straps. Of course, also keep away knives and scissors. 

• Perform weekly maintenance on your sofa.

Be sure to clean your sofa weekly with a dry microfiber cloth and use water-repellent sealants or leather conditioners if recommended in your manufacturer’s instructions. 

• Keep leather sofas out of direct sunlight.

It may not seem obvious, but direct sunlight can damage a leather sofa, so they’re best for rooms with heavy drapes or fewer large windows.

• Enlist the help of professionals.

If you have scratched or punctured your leather sofa, professionals can help you restore cracks or rips. Get help sooner rather than later because these blemishes can continue to spread and cause unsightly gashes that will cost even more to repair. 

Much like carpet cleaning, you should also enlist a professional cleaning service to restore the leather on your sofa when you notice that regular maintenance is no longer keeping the sofa clean. 

Keep Your Beautiful Leather Sofa for Many Years

Without a doubt, a leather sofa is a worthwhile investment in your home that will last several times longer than a fabric sofa with the right care. Follow the tips above and read the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your leather supple and clean.