A leather armchair or sofa pairs with most home environments, whether the leather is creamy smooth or polished to perfection. However, leather furniture pieces don’t come cheap, and if you’ve invested in one or plan on doing so, you’re going to want to take good care of it. Unlike carpets and rugs, which usually require professional carpet or rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning is straightforward enough to take care of on your own. Here are some of the facts and tips you’ll need to know to take care of your leather furniture. 

Taking Care of Your Leather

Identifying the Type of Leather You Have

There are three different types of leather, each with its own characteristics and maintenance needs. 

Aniline leather is unprotected, which makes it very soft and imbues it with a unique appearance, as you can see the individual grain markings. However, being unprotected, you’re at greater risk of stains and marks.

Protected leather uses tannery technology to create a much more uniform look that’s not nearly as soft as aniline leather. However, it’s more robust and durable, making it an excellent wipe-clean option if you have kids.

Nubuck leather has been brushed to create a comfortable surface with a  velvety finish. However, it doesn’t stand up well to being exposed to dirt and mud. Many manufacturers include a label under the cushions to indicate the type of leather they’ve used.

Caring for Leather

Protection is a vital part of upholstery cleaning—the more you can protect your leather, the lower your risk of stains. For all types of leather, a quality leather protector will help create a barrier to shield against soils and spillages. Make sure you select a leather protector that’s right for your leather type. Nubuck leather in particular requires specialist solutions.

Cleaning Leather

The first thing you need to do before putting anything onto leather is to pretest the solution you plan on using. You can do this by spraying or rubbing your cleaning formula into part of the leather that won’t be visible in everyday use. As long as you see no color transfer or damage, you’re good to move on to your upholstery cleaning. As with leather protector, you’ll likely need to tailor the solution you use to the type of leather you’re cleaning, so be sure to know what you’re dealing with first. Next, follow the instructions on the formula. For best results, use a microfiber cloth for protected and aniline leather, and use a sponge for nubuck leather.

The team at The Rug Beater Cleaning Enterprises, based in Talmage, PA, has proudly been providing professional area rug cleaning and carpet cleaning for over 25 years. They firmly believe that rug maintenance is more than merely cleaning; it’s an investment. They also provide hard floor, tile, and upholstery cleaning services. Call them today at (717) 656-9826 for a free inspection. Learn more about their cleaning services online or visit their Facebook page for excellent tips and advice on rug care.