CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Taking Care of Leather
Let's view your leather furniture as a valuable investment. Leather, known for its durability and comfort, has always been associated with luxury and opulence. It adds a touch of prestige to any interior and showcases the owner's status. At our furniture company, we utilize high-quality natural leather that offers numerous advantages. Not only is it effortless to maintain, but it also resists the accumulation of dust and microorganisms, making it hypoallergenic. With a wide range of colors and textures available, leather furniture evolves beautifully over time, enhancing its overall appearance and texture. As a unique and natural material, leather develops its own character and reveals its inherent qualities more prominently over the years.
It's essential to recognize that genuine leather, being a natural material, will undergo some aging. So, don't be alarmed if you notice visible changes in your sofa or armchair after a few weeks or months of use; it's perfectly normal. Similar to breaking in a new pair of leather shoes, your new leather sofa or stylish chair requires a period of adjustment. Over time, the leather develops a textured look, enriching its appearance beyond the initial purchase. In fact, many manufacturers of faux leather intentionally replicate this effect to mimic the genuine leather's aesthetic. Remember, genuine leather ages gracefully, and there's nothing wrong with that.
When it comes to leather care, inadequate maintenance can be more detrimental than excessive care. Our experienced leather workers have provided comprehensive recommendations on how to properly care for and preserve leather upholstery in cars and furniture. In this article, we'll share dos and don'ts, along with instructions on cleaning, moisturizing, protecting, and restoring different types of leather. Leather products are a symbol of prestige and good taste, and with proper care, they will retain their impeccable appearance. We've compiled top tips from leather care experts to help you extend the lifespan of your upholstered furniture and car seats.
Basic Care for Genuine Leather
The key care procedures include:
It's crucial to follow these basic maintenance steps regularly with precision and delicacy.
Prevention and Daily Maintenance for Leather Furniture
To extend the life of your leather furniture, it's important to take preventive measures and practice daily maintenance. Firstly, keep your leather furniture at least one meter away from strong heat sources or direct sunlight, as they can cause the leather to dry out and crack. The further away, the better. Additionally, avoid significant temperature fluctuations in the room and maintain a relative humidity of at least 65%. Extremely low humidity can lead to the drying out and potential cracking of the leather's surface and color.
Another essential care tip is to avoid covering the leather surface with colored fabrics, textiles, soft cushions, or colored clothing. These items may transfer dyes onto the leather, altering its original elegant appearance. When leaving the furniture unattended, you can cover it with a special cover or, at most, a non-shedding white fabric. However, leather furniture is often left uncovered as its natural beauty shines on its own.
While leather furniture is highly resistant to abrasion and physical damage, it's advisable to limit contact with pets as their unintentional scratches can mar the surface. Regularly wipe your furniture dry to remove small debris and dust from the porous leather surface, allowing it to breathe.
To prevent drying and cracking of the leather coverings, gently wipe the leather with a well-wrung damp microfiber or soft cloth every six months. You can dilute liquid soap or use a specialized leather furniture care product mixed with water for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a wet mopping function. After cleaning, ensure you thoroughly dry the leather surface, preferably with a microfiber cloth to avoid leaving any marks. In case you used a soapy solution, remove the excess with a damp cloth before thoroughly drying the furniture.
Every 5-6 months, treat your furniture with high-quality products specifically designed for leather care. Don't compromise on the quality of these products. They may include impregnations, water-repellent protectants, soothing balms, glosses, and furniture wax. Before applying these products, remove any dust from the furniture and perform a patch test on a small area of the surface. Use a lightly moistened cotton or microfiber cloth to apply the preventive agent, paying special attention to the armrests, back cushions, and headboard. Finally, wipe the furniture with a damp cloth and then thoroughly dry it.
Upholstery Care: Essential Guidelines
Regardless of the fabric type, we strongly advise against using aggressive substances for cleaning. Avoid alcohol, acids, solvents, gasoline, or any other liquids that can harm the upholstery.
When dealing with stains, act promptly by blotting them with dry tissues or absorbent cloths. Avoid rubbing the stained area, as it may embed the dirt further. Instead, use gentle circular motions, working from the edge toward the center of the stain.
Do not mix multiple cleaning chemicals simultaneously, even if they are professional-grade. Allow the first product to dry completely before attempting the use of another.
After cleaning cloth upholstery, allow it to dry naturally. Avoid using a hairdryer or placing it near a heater, as the hot air can cause damage. Consider using special protective sprays designed to ease upholstery care and simplify the process of removing dirt. These sprays impregnate the fabric fibers, making them repel dust and moisture. However, they may not provide complete protection against spills.
Caring for Wooden Furniture
In addition to general care guidelines, here are a few specific rules for maintaining solid wood products:
Lacquer, Paint, or Stain
Oil-and-Wax or Oiled
Glass Care Instructions
When caring for mirrors and glass, adhere to the following general rules:
Marble Care Instructions
By following these care and maintenance instructions, you can ensure the longevity and beauty of your furniture pieces. Remember, proper care will enhance their appearance and preserve their value, allowing you to enjoy them for years to come.