How to Clean Your Leather Furniture Properly

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Leather furniture is a popular choice for homeowners seeking timeless elegance and durability. Whether it's a classic leather recliner or a stylish leather sectional, the natural look and feel of leather exudes luxury and sophistication. 

As Zeina Badawi, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Kanata, says, “The character of leather has its own statement that no fabric sofa can replace. Especially as a designer, leather is a fun texture to work with by pairing it with other materials in the house and textures in furniture.”

But owning leather furniture also comes with the responsibility of proper maintenance. Leather can last up to four times longer than fabric upholstery when properly cared for. At La-Z-Boy, with over 90 years of experience furnishing homes in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston, we often receive questions about how to clean and maintain leather furniture.

This guide will outline a simple, effective process to clean leather furniture, along with valuable tips on conditioning and caring for different types of leather.

Key Takeaways:

• Leather furniture requires regular cleaning to maintain its beauty and durability.
• Basic maintenance involves dusting, vacuuming, and wiping with mild soap and distilled water.
• Conditioning leather keeps it supple and prevents drying or cracking.
• Different leather types require specific care methods.
• Regular care can enhance the longevity of your leather furniture, making it a worthwhile investment.
  
  

In this Article...

1. Benefits of Leather Furniture
2. Leather Care Basics
3. How to Clean Leather Furniture (Step-by-Step)
4. Conditioning Leather Furniture
5. Caring for Different Types of Leather
6. La-Z-Boy Leather Care Tips
7. FAQs About Cleaning Leather Furniture

The Benefits of Leather Furniture

Leather furniture is known for its durability, comfort, and timeless appeal. Its natural toughness allows it to resist tears, punctures, and spills better than fabric upholstery, which makes cleaning and maintenance simpler. Additionally, leather becomes softer and more inviting over time, enhancing comfort with use.

Leather also offers hypoallergenic benefits, as it doesn’t trap dust mites, pet dander, or other allergens as easily as fabric. This makes it a preferred choice for those with sensitivities. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of leather is unmatched, with unique grains and markings adding character and elegance to every piece.

“Leather’s natural look and feel exude luxury and good taste,” says Zeina. “Its versatility in design makes it adaptable to various styles and spaces.” Whether you’re furnishing a modern living room or a rustic study, leather’s sophisticated charm remains timeless.

To learn more about the benefits of leather more in-depth, take a look at our Leather Furniture Guide.

Leather Care Basics

Leather is a natural material, much like human skin, and requires regular maintenance to preserve its quality. Without proper care, it can dry out, crack, or fade over time. As leather repair specialist Peter Wason explains:

“Proper leather care is like taking Vitamin C. While Vitamin C can be effective in enhancing our immune system, it doesn’t always protect us from those nasty colds.”

To learn more about Common Problems with Leather Furniture, take a look at this article.

This analogy highlights that while regular maintenance can enhance the longevity of your leather furniture, it can’t entirely prevent wear and tear. However, adhering to some fundamental care practices can significantly improve durability.

Zeina shares some rules of thumb regarding basic leather care…

• Keep Away from Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure can cause discolouration and dryness.
  
  
• Avoid Heat Sources: Maintain at least 12 inches of space between leather furniture and heat sources like radiators or fireplaces.
  
  
• Address Spills Immediately: Quickly blot spills with a clean, dry cloth to prevent stains from setting.
  
  
• Regular Cleaning: Dust, vacuum, and wipe down your leather furniture to prevent dirt buildup and premature wear.
  
  
• Allow New Leather to Acclimate: Zeina recommends allowing new leather furniture to settle into its environment before cleaning or conditioning. “Let your leather settle into the space and react naturally before applying any cleaning products,” she advises.
  
  

Adhering to these guidelines will help preserve your leather’s appearance and integrity over time.

How to Clean Leather Furniture

As mentioned above, leather is easy and simple to clean. Whenever possible, it is always best practice to dust, wipe and vacuum your leather furniture.

When dusting, it is important to use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth that is slightly damp with distilled water. Gently wipe each exposed area weekly.

With vacuuming, use a small crevice tool to ensure you’re fully getting into the seams. This will tidy up any dirt or crumbs left behind on your leather furniture.

And as for wiping, wipe down your leather furniture with a clean, damp cloth. Mix distilled water and mild soap together and gently pat dry afterward. This homemade cleaning solution is recommended when cleaning La-Z-Boy leather furniture.

If you notice any tough stains that are hard to remove, you can also use your homemade cleaning solution with a sponge to blot the spill. Remember never to rub, as this can make stains worse.

If this doesn’t work, some experts recommend using vinegar on leather stains. You can also contact a professional leather cleaner if you’re worried about ruining your leather furniture.

Conditioning Leather Furniture

Keeping your leather furniture clean is essential for maintaining its beauty and longevity. By following these practical tips, you can preserve the natural elegance of your leather pieces without compromising their durability.

Tip #1: Dust Your Leather Furniture Regularly

Frequent dusting prevents dirt and grime from building up on your leather’s surface. Using a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe all exposed areas of your furniture. Pay special attention to seams, stitching, and crevices where dust tends to accumulate. Weekly dusting ensures your leather maintains its original lustre.

Tip #2: Vacuum Thoroughly for a Deep Clean

Dusting alone isn’t always enough to keep your leather furniture pristine. Vacuuming your leather furniture periodically, especially in hard-to-reach areas, can significantly enhance cleanliness. Attach a soft brush or crevice tool to your vacuum cleaner and carefully clean along seams, stitching lines, and any deep creases. This process helps eliminate dirt particles that might cause abrasion or damage over time.

Tip #3: Use a Mild Soap Solution for Wiping

Wiping down your leather furniture with a gentle cleaning solution can help maintain its smooth texture. Combine distilled water with a small amount of mild soap, such as Castile soap, and dampen a clean cloth with the mixture. Lightly wipe the leather’s surface without soaking it. After cleaning, pat the area dry with a towel to avoid moisture damage. Remember to use distilled water, as tap water may contain minerals that can harm the leather.

Tip #4: Address Spills and Stains Promptly

Leather is naturally more resistant to spills than fabric, but it’s still essential to clean up accidents quickly. For minor spills, gently blot the affected area with a dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the leather. If a stain persists, use your mild soap solution to carefully dab the area, ensuring not to saturate the material. Acting quickly prevents stains from becoming permanent and preserves the integrity of your leather.

Tip #5: Try Vinegar for Stubborn Stains

For particularly persistent stains, consider using a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Always test this solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather before applying it to the entire stain. If the test spot remains unaffected, lightly blot the stain with the vinegar mixture. Blotting, rather than rubbing, helps prevent the stain from spreading or embedding further.

Tip #6: Allow Leather to Dry Naturally

After cleaning, it’s important to let your leather furniture dry thoroughly before using it again. Allowing the leather to air dry ensures that moisture evaporates properly, preventing issues like mildew or warping. Never use a hairdryer or other heat sources to speed up the drying process, as excessive heat can damage the leather’s surface.

Conditioning Leather Furniture

Conditioning your leather furniture periodically helps retain its natural oils, ensuring it remains soft and pliable. Zeina suggests conditioning leather when the seasons change.

“While washing our hands is a great idea to do regularly, every now and then we want to moisturize to keep our hands feeling soft and avoid dryness and cracking. This is the same approach with leather, just in a longer form.”

How to Condition Leather

• Apply a high-quality leather conditioner with a clean cloth using light, circular motions. Ensure the product is spread evenly across all surfaces.
• Allow the conditioner to fully absorb before using the furniture. This usually takes at least an hour.
• Avoid over-conditioning, as too much product can saturate the leather and cause damage. Conditioning every 6 to 12 months is typically sufficient.
  
  

Using the right product is essential. Lexol, available at Canadian Tire, is a trusted conditioner that nourishes leather and protects it from drying and cracking. 

Zucora, offered exclusively at La-Z-Boy, is another reliable option specifically designed for high-quality leather furniture. To learn more about the Quality of Furniture at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Caring for Different Types of Leather

Different types of leather require unique care methods. The types of leather below are available at La-Z-Boy for anyone to have.

Understanding your specific leather type is crucial for effective care. Always consult product guidelines or speak to a La-Z-Boy consultant for personalized advice.

For more information on the treatment of La-Z-Boy manufactured leather products, take a look at our article on Furniture Care Tips.

FAQs Section

How often should I clean my leather furniture?
Routine cleaning should be done monthly through dusting, vacuuming, and wiping. Conditioning should be performed every 6 to 12 months unless the leather is exposed to high traffic or extreme conditions.

Can I use water to clean leather furniture?
Yes, but only use distilled water to avoid mineral damage. Always dampen a clean cloth rather than applying water directly to the leather surface.

How can I remove tough stains from leather?
For stubborn stains, blot the area with a mild soap solution or white vinegar. Always test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Should I use store-bought conditioners on all leather types?
Not necessarily. Different types of leather require different care. Always ensure that the conditioner you use is compatible with your specific leather type.

What's Next?

With detailed instructions on leather care and maintenance, you are now well-equipped to be a loving owner of your own leather furniture. If you’re interested in learning more about furniture maintenance, take a look at our Furniture Care Tips article.

La-Z-Boy offers a wide selection of beautiful, comfortable, and high-quality leather furniture to suit any style and budget. Visit us at a local showroom or schedule a visit online to get started.

Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. You can take advantage of our complimentary interior design services. Our team of interior designers can help assure that the furniture you choose fits seamlessly with your space and current home decor. 

To learn more about our La-Z-Boy Leather Selection, take a look at our Leather Upholstery Guide.

Related Links:

Cost to Reupholster a Chair: Dining, Living Room, and Leather Chairs

All Things Fabric Pilling: Causes, Prevention, & Treatment of Fabric Pilling

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