There are a few basic things you can/should do with your leather furniture; however here are the top 11
things you should NOT do to ensure your leather furniture lives longer.
- Don’t let perspiration build-up. Body oils and salts are the biggest contributor to color loss and breakdown in upholstery leather. Therefore it needs to be removed regularly.
- Don’t let non-colour fast material come in contact with your leather, especially light colored leather
furniture. Clothing and food dye can transfer into leather and needs to be removed as soon as possible. - Avoid air pollution such as cigar or cigarette smoke and cooking fumes, which can cause leather to fade or change color.
- DON’T allow pets on your furniture. Their claws (dull or sharp) damage the finish.
- DON’T expose any part of the lounge to direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct or intense sunlight may cause leather to fade as well as excessive drying and cracking. Ensure that every edge or part of the lounge is placed at least 50cm away from any heat source, including electric or gas heaters.
- DON’T use any household cleaners, solvents or petroleum products, unspecified or non-recommended products and any products recommended for saddles or footwear.
- Things to avoid getting on Leather With all type of leather there are certain things you should avoid spilling or getting in contact with leather. This varies with different types and finishes but generally you should not let things like sun block, hair spray, perfume, and nail varnish, flee powder and even yogurt near leather. Most liquids with alcohol or solvent in can cause anything from colour loss to leather literally dissolving. This also applies to certain wipes which contain alcohol or leather ink removers which you can find on the internet. Particular care should be taken if you are taking certain medications (including, but not limited to, some chemotherapy, blood pressure and heart medications). Residues of these medications can be excreted in perspiration and cause additional Stains or Damage.
- DON’T sit on leather with wet clothing from swimming pools (salt and chlorine).
- DON’T allow sharp objects to come in contact with the leather. These can scratch and cut.
- If you move your lounge do not lift or drag it by the cushions which are sewn into the frame. The correct way to move it is by lifting the sofa, at each end, from the base.
- Avoid sitting on the armrests and backrests. They are not designed for seating and could potentially
damage the frame.
REGULAR CLEANING
Do not allow dust to accumulate on the leather surface. Weekly, wipe dust off with a soft, damp cloth or using an authorized wipes product. Periodically (3-4 times per year), clean, condition and protect the entire leather surface using an leather care kit. Follow the instructions provided with the kit.
Food, Grease and Spot
Cleaning Any spills must be removed immediately using a soft, nonabrasive damp cloth or absorbent paper, applying minimal pressure from the outside of the stain moving towards the centre. DO NOT rub! Wipe gently until all grim and stains are absorbed.
Normal Wear and Regular Usage
Following delivery you may notice slight compression on the padding of your lounge. Straight after delivery and on a regular basis thereafter it is necessary to model your lounge to ensure the padding and cushions return to its initial appearance.
Softening of padding and cushions will occur over time. This will cause light creasing, wrinkling and stretching of the leather which is considered to be normal wear, enhancing the look and feel of leather.
Softening of seat cushions over time is completely normal and is not considered a defect in any way. Sitting on one particular seat most of the time will cause that seat to soften more than the others. For an even wear alternate your choice of seat regularly.