Caring for your leather chairs will not only keep them in a quality condition for longer, but you’ll also be left with peace of mind that your leather chairs won’t be a sore eye and embarrassment in moments when you have company. Taking into consideration that leather chairs do tend to be an investment, they’re also highly practical if you have pets or a busy family household.
Thus, you’re going to need to implement important leather chair maintenance tips in order to keep them in top-notch condition for many years still to come:
1. Keep sharp objects at bay.
Seeing a new scratch on your new leather chair may be one of the most heart-stopping experiences, however, there’s no need to worry. Most scratches (depending on the severity) can disappear simply by rubbing with your finger on the leather. The natural oils on your finger will allow the scratch to blend in. If that doesn’t work, opt for a shoe polish or natural oil specifically intended for leather.
2. Avoid direct sunlight.
Fading is the last of your problems when placing a leather couch in the sun. In fact, the leather can become hardened and crack, thus it’s important to keep your leather couches out of direct sunlight by placing a protective cover over them or moving them away from the windows.
3. Wipe down with a dry cloth.
Getting rid of dust or crumbs can be as easy as wiping your leather couch down from top to bottom with a dry cloth. It’s as simple as that! Remember, the less product you introduce to your leather couch, the better.
4. Stay clear of ammonia/alkaline products.
The only time when introducing wetness to your leather couch is acceptable is when you use a damp cloth to wipe away any stains or spills. Avoid products containing ammonia or alkaline as they may damage the leather to the point where there’s no return.
5. Condition regularly.
Since leather is a natural product, it is important to know how to care for a leather chair by conditioning the leather every six – 12 months. “Leather breathes and continues to remove moisture from its environment to keep it soft and supple,” according to Donna L. Frehafer, from Wellington’s Leather Furniture in Port Ludlow, Washington.
6. Use a hairdryer.
Constant use of a leather chair can result in certain stretches over time. If you’re daring enough and willing to take the risk, use a hairdryer to get rid of the stretches. Simply turn the hair dryer to the hottest setting and slowly heat up the stretched area. The leather will shrink back to its original size once it has cooled.
7. Vacuum with a brush attachment.
Scratches can happen quite easily, which is why it’s important to use a brush attachment on your vacuum end to suck up any crumbs or dirt stuck in between the nooks and crannies on your leather couch. Ensure that the brush attachment is quite soft before commencing cleaning.
8. Clean spill/stains ASAP.
Spills and stains can damage the leather to the point where you’re left with discolouration on the surface, which is why it’s important to clean up any spills as soon as they happen. Use a paper towel or damp cloth to ensure cleanliness. Remember to dry it afterwards in order to avoid leaving water on the leather.
9. Keep water at a minimal.
Water, as with any other liquid, will leave marks on your leather couches, so it’s highly important to keep water away from your leather couch. If you do spill a little bit, dry it up as soon as possible to avoid staining.
10. Call a professional.
Knowing when to step away and let professionals take over will prevent damage to your leather couches and maintain them for a longer period of time. Not only will they use the correct leather furniture care products, they’ll also know exactly how to apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Figuring out how to care for a leather chair isn’t as difficult as you may have once thought. With a few simple rules to keep in mind, you can easily maintain your leather chair by implementing certain leather furniture care products and leather chair maintenance tips. Remember, when in the market for cheap leather couches, it’s important to find affordable furniture stores in Melbourne which can cater to your exact budgets and personal needs.
