How to Properly Care for Your Leather Couch

How to Properly Care for Your Leather Couch

Give your leather pieces a little TLC.  

Leather furniture looks timeless—the attractive, long-lasting piece ages like fine wine when cared for properly. Just like us, your leather furniture needs a designated self-care day. Leather is an investment, so it’s only natural to want to protect its sleek, smooth skin. Don’t know where to start? Read on to learn the secret of leather immortality and how to bring back that “seen-better-day” couch. 

Types of Leather 

The biggest hurdle: What kind of couch do you have? Before you think about picking up a leather conditioner, you can’t fix anything without understanding the type of sofa you have. To find out what kind of leather upholstery you have, check the label or written materials that came with the piece. 

• Full-Aniline Leather: more durable because it contains a wax finish that will self-heal with a buffing. Most leather furniture is made with protected, or finished leather. 

• Pure Aniline Leather: also known as unprotected leather, pure aniline is stain sensitive but has a luxurious feel. It barely has a protective coating other than dirt resisting treatment. 

It’s crucial to determine which type of couch you have because caring for unprotected leather requires a soft touch. If you’re unable to find the answer, test the material yourself. In an inconspicuous spot, scratch the material. If it leaves a mark, you most likely are dealing with an unprotected leather piece. 

How Long Does a Leather Couch Last?

Leather upholstered furniture lasts much longer than your standard fabric sofa. One can expect the leather couch to last anywhere from five to twenty-five years. However, different factors affect its lifespans, like the material quality, usage, and upkeep. 

Why Do Leather Couches Crack?

If you don’t lotion up after washing your face, what happens? Dryness potentially causes your flawless skin to break out. Remember real leather is made from animal skin, and just like us, improper care can lead to problems. Dry pieces can cause discoloration, staining, splitting, peeling, or cracking. 

Weekly Care Tips

Set aside time once a week to give your leather furniture some TLC. You’ll need two essential items: a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and a soft white microfiber cloth. 

Cleaning Unprotected Leather 

While some say gently dusting the surface with a cloth and vacuuming is enough, others suggest gently wiping the surface with a cloth dampened with distilled water. Keep in mind the unfinished leather is prone to scratches and stains, so look to the manufacturer's cleaning directions before beginning. 

Cleaning Protected Leather 

Protected leather can handle heavier-duty things than unprotected leather, but it’s not invincible. Avoid products containing ammonia or alkalies. These can easily damage leather beyond repair. 

Moisturize and Condition

Don’t forget this step! At least once or twice a year, moisture and condition your leather. This helps protect it from absorbing oils and dirt that could eventually cause damage by adding a protective layer to ensure your piece lasts as long as possible. Apply a small amount onto a clean cloth and buff it out. Once completed, allow leather to dry for an hour or until the product absorbs. 

Long-Term Care Tips 

• Clean spills quickly with a clean, damp cloth. Always blot stains; never rub. Use a clean, dry, white cloth.

• Vacuum with a brush attachment. If you have pets, consider doing this more frequently.

• Dust the cracks and the corners of the couch weekly using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Then wipe the surface clean with the same cloth to get the rest of the dirt particles off. 

• Do not expose upholstered pieces to direct sunlight.

• Keep leather furniture at least 12 away from radiators and heat sources.

With these tips, your leather couch will look like you just bought it from the store for a lifetime. Leather lasts forever with the right care, so make sure to get the most of it. Browse our leather collection to start your leather journey today and check out our blog for more modern design ideas, tips, and tricks!