Leather is a popular choice when it comes to sofas, both at home and at the office. It really does give rooms a warm feel and is a terrific feature or focal point for any room! However upholstery cleaning for leather furniture requires some fine detailing and special domestic cleaning products! Leather sofa cleaning is trickier than cleaning removable fabric covers, but it’s not an impossible feat. You just have to be given some direction on spot cleaning and making sure you leather upholstery doesn’t crack or become discoloured through the incorrect cleaning routine!
First of all it’s imperative that before you even consider cleaning your leather furniture that you keep it out of direct sunlight. This can prevent drying and cracking of your valuable leather sofas or chairs! There are ways you can keep your leather looking well nourished and almost as good as new. A great home cleaning tip for leather furniture is to mix one part of white vinegar with two parts of linseed oil and apply lightly to your leather using a soft, clean, and dry cloth. When cleaning leather always use a circular motion. Rub this concoction in well and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes, before buffing with a soft cloth. This will give your leather sofa an extra amount of sheen!
The most dreaded part of house and upholstery cleaning may very be stain removal from any surface. When it comes to removing stains from your leather furniture, try dipping some cotton wool in rubbing alcohol, then rub slowly in a circular motion over the stain. Then dry the area with your hairdryer to see immediate results. If the stain is still there, apply some cuticle removal to the mark and leave it overnight. In the morning wipe off with a damp cloth. I’d suggest testing this method on a discreet part of your leather sofa, in case of discolouration.
Another tip which has worked for many in the past when it comes to removing dark stains from lightly coloured leather upholstery, is to mix one part lemon juice with one part cream of tartar (a baking ingredient you buy from your local supermarket). Rub the paste on the stain and after 10 minutes apply yet another layer and work it in carefully. Then remove using a damp cloth (not wet).
One tip for leather upholstery cleaning is to use a good moisturising soap. Lather on the soap with a soft cloth, but be sure not over wet the leather. Also don’t rinse after your soaping, just use a soft cloth to remove the soap. Then you can polish as you would normally.
You may not consider the amount of dust that can collect on your leather furniture. Attach a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and use this to remove the dust before you try soaping down your leather. Using micro-fibre cloths are better than regular cotton cloths, as they really help to pick up extra dust that the vacuum cleaner hasn’t picked up.
It’s true that leather goods including upholstered leather furniture is rather durable, but they don’t respond well to stains or grease and unlike cotton or other hard-wearing fabrics, leather will need special, particular attention and care. Using all-purpose fabric sofa cleaners on your leather couch could end up damaging your leather, so be sure to follow the above tips if you want you leather to last and look its best! However if you’re not confident in your own leather cleaning abilities you can call in the professional cleaners to take care of your upholstery cleaning!
DIY tips for cleaning your upholstered leather
