Leather sofas are common in many houses, providing luxury and ease. However, like any expensive purchase, proper care and upkeep are vital. These help prolong the lifespan and attractiveness of your furnishings.
This article will guide you through the necessary steps to maintain your leather lounge and keep it looking brand new.
Understand Your Leather
First, knowing the type of leather your lounge is made from is essential. Different leathers require different care strategies.
Check with the manufacturer or retailer for specific care recommendations for your particular lounge.
Regular Cleaning Routine
The key to maintaining your leather furniture is having a consistent cleansing routine.
- Light Cleaning: Every week, take a gentle cloth or the brush tool on your vacuum cleaner. Use these to wipe off surface dust and dirt from your leather lounge. Through this method, you can stop harsh particles that can cause scratches to the leather with time.
- Cleaning Spots: Clean any liquid discharges right away to avoid stains. Utilise a clean fabric piece to dab on the discharge; do not wipe as it could spread the stain wider. For rigid stains, employ an exclusive leather cleaner – never use harsh chemical substances like bleach or cleaners based on ammonia since they can harm your leather material.
- Cleaning Deeply: Between every three to six months, thoroughly cleanse your lounge with a high-level leather cleaner right for the type of leather you have. Use the cleaner on a fabric piece, not straight onto the leather, and softly swipe over its surface.
Conditioning
Leather needs moisture so it doesn’t become dry or cracked. So, applying a good conditioner after cleaning it helps keep its flexibility and shine.
- Put Conditioner: Once or twice a year, when you clean your leather lounge, use high-grade leather conditioner. With a soft cloth, make a circular movement to put it on the whole surface.
- Polish to Gloss: A few minutes after you apply, softly polish the leather using a different clean cloth to reveal its natural gloss.
Avoid Sunlight and Heat
Leather might lose colour, become dry, and develop cracks if you repeatedly expose it to sunlight or other heat sources, such as heaters and fireplaces. Place your sitting area not directly under the sun rays and maintain a minimum distance of two feet from heat-producing elements. You can use shades or blinds to prevent intense sunlight during peak hours.
Handle with Care
Leather lounges are robust but require careful handling to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
- Avoid sharp objects
- Try to keep away from eating on your leather lounge
- Use throws and cushions
Professional Maintenance
Although regular home care is crucial, professional cleaning and maintenance are recommended every couple of years, depending on the level of use. Professionals can offer deep cleaning and conditioning services that rejuvenate your leather significantly.
Immediate Attention to Stains
You must promptly deal with any spills or stains using the correct methods. If you have a grease stain, spread baking soda over it and leave for some time – maybe a couple of hours. The soda will soak up the grease, making cleaning less difficult. For challenging stains like ink, it is best to talk with an expert before trying homemade solutions, which could potentially cause more damage than benefit.
Conclusion
Spending time to care for your leather lounge helps it stay nice and lengthens its life, ensuring you have many years of comfort and style in your house. Set up a consistent cleaning schedule, use appropriate products, and gently deal with your lounge to keep its high quality and attractiveness. Don’t forget that a well-kept leather lounge is the main attraction of any room!