According to Market Watch, the market for leather products worldwide was estimated to be worth USD 394.12 billion in 2020, and it is projected to expand at a robust 5.9% CAGR between 2021 and 2027.
Leather is a beautiful material for furniture, but it’s also very delicate and is a part of many households. If you’re not careful, your leather furniture can start to look worn and old much faster than you’d like.
However, you can take a few simple steps to keep your leather furniture in good shape. Here are some tips:
Keep Away from Direct Sunlight
Well, one thing you can do is keep them away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the color of your items, and even worse, it can dry out the leather and cause it to crack over time.
Do not forget when choosing where to put your favorite chair or couch in the living room. Think about where they’ll be exposed to direct sunlight during most hours of the day.
Furthermore, removing your leather furniture from any room heating elements is always a good idea. These could be the likes of the fireplace or any radiator that gives out heat. Any type of high-intensity light source is also harmful.
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Keep Your Leather Furniture Dust Free
Keeping your leather furniture dust free is essential to maintaining it. Dust can cause tiny scratches to the surface of your leather furniture, which will become more prominent over time.
You can use a microfiber cloth with a soft brush attachment to keep dust off your leather couch, chair, or ottoman. Avoid using vacuum cleaners with beater bars and rotating brushes. They’ll wear down the fibers in the leather and leave marks on its surface.
Additionally, do not use an agitator-style wand attachment on upholstered chairs. It will damage them quickly. It will also make them uncomfortable to sit on due to the extra height created by its presence underfoot.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming will remove dirt, dust, and other particles that can stain the leather. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to avoid scratching your leather furniture.
If you notice any spots or stains on your couch, try to wipe them off as soon as possible with a cloth. If stubborn stains won’t come with mild cleaning, use a small amount of dish soap or rubbing alcohol. Especially if it’s an oil-based stain on a damp cloth, then rub gently until the spot is gone.
Keeping any liquids away from your leather furniture is also essential because they can cause damage over time due to moisture exposure. For example, you should never leave beverages on a sideboard for long periods, which may fall anytime by mistake.
Use Leather Conditioner or Protector
The best way to keep your leather furniture and accessories in good shape is to use a leather conditioner or protector. A quality conditioner will help protect the leather from harsh elements, such as sunlight and exposure to dust and dirt.
Depending on your product, you can apply leather conditioners with a sponge or cloth. Using the product evenly across the surface of your furniture can help increase its longevity. It can protect from ultraviolet rays, which cause accelerated degradation, and keep it clean and supple for years.
Also, ensure that you use an appropriate conditioner for your particular leather furniture. A special conditioner can give proper aid to the leather material; therefore, it is vital.
However, it’s better to first clean the surface perfectly when applying. If not, then it will not bond properly with the stains on the surface, and the preferred result will not be attained as well.
Check the Labels of Cleaning Products
If you’re new to leather, it’s essential to know that not all cleaning products are created equal for it. Some can damage your furniture and cause discoloration, while others may dry out the surface of your leather.
To avoid these outcomes and keep your furniture looking beautiful for years to come, always check the label on a cleaning product before using it.
If you buy something at a store with no instructions on how best to use it with leather, read through its ingredients list before applying it.
You should avoid putting that product on your leather items if there is no mention of “leather” anywhere in the ingredient list, especially if compounds like methyl chloride or xylene are included.
Clean up Spills and Crumbs Daily
One of the most important things you can do to maintain and enhance the life of your leather furniture is to clean up spills and crumbs daily. Leather is a porous material and will absorb stains from liquids, foods, and other materials that get spilled on it.
Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent spills from happening in your home. But, you can ensure they are cleaned up quickly to avoid stains or damage to your furniture.
If you have small children or pets who like to play with food or put their toys on the floor, they might get stepped on by an adult foot. In that case, you need to clean up spills right away. Crumbs can also stain leather over time if left there long enough; therefore, don’t forget about these.
Avoid Using Water to Clean
Water can cause the leather to dry out and crack. It is best to keep your leather furniture away from moisture whenever possible. Use a soft cloth and a leather cleaner instead of water.
You can find these at most home goods stores or online retailers. If you have to use water on your piece, make sure that you immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth after applying any cleaning agent or conditioner.
Finally, if you have the budget for it and are not worried about maintaining much, consider investing in an expensive protective coating for your leather furniture. That will help keep it looking new even after years of wear and tear.
With Little Care, Your Leather Furniture Can Last for Years
The global furniture market generated US$673 billion in total sales in 2021, an increase of 12.2% annually from the previous year.
Thus, their relevance can’t be denied as they are used in every household. As with any other furniture, you want to be sure that your leather furniture is not exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods to avoid drying.
Also, ensure you never use cleaning products on your leather furniture without checking the label first. Some products contain harsh chemicals that may damage the fabric or finish on some types of leather.
The best practice is always to check with a professional before using any cleaner or soap on any material, especially if it’s something like an antique item made entirely from hide.
