Real leather furniture offers a sophisticated addition to any home, offering both durability and elegance. With proper care, leather chairs, sofas, and sectionals will last for years, with their rich, luxurious finish intact. To keep your leather upholstery in top condition, routine cleaning is essential. Here’s a simple guide to help you keep your leather furniture looking like new.
- Vacuum – Leather tends to accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, all of which can dull its appearance or cause damage over time. When cleaning your leather furniture, start by vacuuming and utilizing the appropriate attachments. This will help remove loose dirt and prevent the buildup of crumbs, etc. in cracks or crevices. Pay special attention to areas that see heavy use, such as armrests and cushions.
- Wipe Down Gently – After vacuuming, use a microfiber cloth, very lightly dampened with a mixture of water and a small amount of mild soap to gently clean the leather where there are stains or marks from oil. This helps eliminate surface grime and any oils that might have started settling into the upholstery. Do not get the leather too wet; too much water can damage leather, leading to mold, mildew, or cracking. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can strip the leather’s protective finish.
- Apply Leather Protectant and/or Conditioner – Once cleaned, you can choose to protect your leather furniture with a specialized leather protector to help guard against future stains and damage. Be sure to follow the specific instructions, and always try a small amount of product in an inconspicuous place to be sure it won’t cause damage. Typically you’ll apply a small amount of the protectant to a clean cloth and gently rub in circular motions along the surface of the leather furniture, being careful to wipe away excess. You can also choose to apply a leather conditioner to your furniture to help it maintain moisture and prevent cracking and discoloration. A good conditioner will act as a barrier against oils, hair products, dirt, and grime, keeping your leather furniture looking fresh for longer. Again, apply the conditioner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning and caring for your leather furniture helps to keep it in great shape for years to come, but it can be a hassle. Many leather furniture owners choose to instead call on highly rated professional leather cleaning companies to handle the cleaning and care of their favorite leather chairs, sofas, ottomans, dining room chairs, and sectionals.
There are many good upholstery cleaning companies throughout Northeast Florida, but First Coast Home Pros is the best leather cleaning service Jacksonville FL homeowners choose to care for and clean their favorite leather furniture. We’ve served countless homeowners in Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra, Mandarin, Southside, Riverside, and throughout Jacksonville, and we’d love to care for your leather furniture as well!