Pleather Couch Benefits

Pleather Defined

• The most common type of synthetic leather, pleather is made of plastic to look and feel like leather. It is used in a wide range of products including furniture, clothing and accessories. Pleather can be made of different plastics, such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Pleather made using PU is lighter and more flexible than leather.

Cleaning Pleather

• Pleather is easier to care for than leather and can last reasonably long if cared for properly. For those who have children or pets and do not want to take the time to maintain real leather, pleather is a suitable option. Couches made of pleather can be wiped off using a cloth dipped in warm water and a mild detergent. The couches are stain and water resistant. PU pleather, the most common kind, is washable and allows air to flow through. PVC pleather, however, is not as easy to clean and it does not "breathe." Pleather requires no maintenance beyond cleaning.

Comfort and Affordability

• Generally more comfortable than leather, pleather is more flexible and stretches more easily. PU-based sofas are more comfortable where there will be skin contact because they allow for airflow and stretch. Massage chairs commonly use pleather as they can withstand heat better than leather. Costwise, pleather is a cheaper option. The lower price for manufacturers means cost savings for consumers. Faux leather couches are available for roughly $200 from stores such as Walmart or Target, while real leather can start at as much as $500 for a standard leather couch and can cost over $2,000 for a large sectional sofa as of January 2011.

Animal Friendly

• Unlike leather, which is made from the skins of animals, pleather does not make use of animal skins in its production. Pleather products, including couches, are growing in popularity due to the attention brought to leather from environmentalist and animal activist groups. The dangers of leather production waste and worries of animal cruelty have made pleather a suitable alternative.